Fishing in Queens: history, fishing areas and

richness of fauna
New York City has a thriving world-class fishing industry with more than

7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a lengthy

coastline. As a result of the availability of both fresh and salt water, New

York anglers believe Queens to be an ideal fishing hotspot. Experienced

fishermen are drawn to the diversity of fish species and the abundance of

islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Learn more about local fishing,

the best areas and months to fish, and the different varieties of fish at

queens.name.

An ideal environment for fish

In 1683, when New York was a province, Queens became one of its 12
original counties. It was named after the Queen of England and the
Portuguese royal princess, Catherine of Braganza. In 1898, Queens
became one of the five boroughs of New York City.

Queens is surrounded by numerous waterways that serve as drainage

zones, borders, and recreational areas, including fishing spots. Since the
borough is located near large bodies of water, anglers can easily get a
good catch.

In October, New York City hosts the 5 Borough Fall Brawl fishing
tournament, during which local fishermen catch large fish in city reservoirs
throughout the month. The winner is the one who catches the five largest
fish. Queens also sponsors a number of fishing tournaments for children.

The top 10 most popular fish species in Queens include striped bass, lufar,
summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), Atlantic menhaden, common
weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), black sea bass, largemouth bass,
smallmouth bass, bluegill, and American eel.
Jamaica Bay fishing charters
Those who enjoy deep-sea fishing can book fishing charters, which are
easily accessible in Queens. The southernmost part of the borough,
between Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is where most charters sail.
Jamaica is a lagoon on southwestern Long Island that is separated from
the Atlantic Ocean by the Rockaway peninsula. Jamaica is shallow, with
certain areas being very swampy. The average depth is four meters. The
richness of food resources in Jamaica, as well as its position along
migratory bird migration routes, draw a great number of birds to the bay.

Jamaican salt marshes are known for being one of the most biologically
productive habitats, sustaining a diverse range of fish species. The bay
also serves as an estuary with a source of fresh water. It is abundant with
striped bass, lufar, common liver fluke, Atlantic menhaden, Atlantic
palamida, mullet, albacore, black sea bass, and other species.

The most effective methods here are: fishing with a hook that resembles a
fly or other insect, employing a popper (an effective bait that resembles a
small fish, frog, or insect), and casting bait. Anglers usually fish using
watercraft like boats or kayaks, while some species can be caught from the
shore. The majority of fish can be located in places with a lot of vegetation
since bait comes here. Warm water provides a rich catch. Muddy foreshore
areas and water channels also provide attractive fishing spots due to the
amount of fish food.

Ocean fishing
The Atlantic Ocean flows south of Queens, and you can go fishing off the
coast there. Species that can be caught off the coast include Atlantic
menhaden, black sea bass, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic herring, and Atlantic
cod. In addition, fishermen should look for American eel, lufar, and striped
bass.

Following a successful fishing trip, you can surf and travel to the Rockaway
peninsula, where the popular Rockaway Beach is located. Here you can
catch summer flounder, striped bass, lufar and sea roosters.

The beach is a part of the Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk public park.
Residents of Manhattan settled here following the 2012 powerful tropical
storm Sandy. Here, they began surfing, cooking Mexican tacos, and
making frozen Pina Coladas. Since then, the beach has been a popular
vacation spot for New Yorkers. City people and tourists alike enjoy the
summer months on this 7-mile peninsula near the sea. In addition to
relaxing on the beach and participating in water activities, you may visit
wonderful shops, food trucks, open-air bars, and much more.

Fishing within the city limits

Freshwater fish can be found in a variety of places around Queens. The
Newtown Creek, an East River tributary, flows near Brooklyn. Here, you
may find largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed (Lepomis
gibbosus), common carp, brown trout, and black goby. Crab fishing is also
popular here. Newtown Creek features multiple boat access locations, as
well as an onshore fishing spot. Boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, and diving
are available as well.

The East River strait itself is a feasible source of fresh water, however, the
salt level varies according to the tides and time of day. Its inhabitants
include oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau), white perch (Morone americana),
Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina), crappies, American eel, striped
bass, and liver fluke. Here, it is also possible to catch large goldfish, which
were thrown out of home aquariums by locals. The East River is ideal for
urban fishing due to its wide banks. Fishermen here are mostly engaged in
spinning, using artificial and natural baits, catching tackle, and throwing
bait.

More freshwater species can be found at Flushing Bay and the river of the
same name, which are linked to the East River. The bay is home to striped
bass, lufar, tub gurnard, summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), tautoga
(Tautoga onitis), Australasian snapper (Pagrus auratus), and Mississippi
carapace turtle. Interestingly, Flushing Bay was an important food source
for the Native American tribe and the first European settlers, providing them
with fish, shellfish, and waterfowl. Following the American Civil War, the
area around the bay became a resort for the rich.

Nearly the same fish species as those found in Flushing Bay can be found
in a marine wetland area at the mouth of the Flushing River. The river's
freshwater section flows into Lake Meadow, which is home to the American
eel, largemouth bass, northern snakehead, and white mullet (Mugil
sigema). Here you can also find smallmouth bass, black crappie, and
smooth dog shark.

Seasonal activity
April and May are the best months for fishing in the surrounding waters of

Queens, such as Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. During these
months, shrimp swim in the waters, providing the main food source for

Atlantic menhaden, bass, lufar, and summer flounder. Fishing in small bays

is most effective around June and July, when bigmouth bass, lufar, and

common liver fluke seek small crabs.

Striped tuna (mackerel) is best caught in August when there is a mass

release of bait fish, and albacore can also be caught later this month. In

September, fishermen can still come across menhaden and mullet. The

hunting season for largemouth and smallmouth bass lasts from June to

November.