Very little has been “normal” in 2020 thanks to the pandemic, and as we enter the new year, the same will hold true when it comes to purchasing your state park fishing permits. As we approach the launch date (Monday, January 4) for acquiring the highly valued Caumsett Permit, many anglers are asking what the process will be for getting one of the 500 annual permits.
There will be no in-person sales at Caumsett or the Regional Permit Office for the 2021 Caumsett Annual Fishing Permit. Caumsett Annual Fishing Access Permits (limited to the first 500 applications) will be going on sale online only on January 4th, 2021 at 7 a.m. A link for the application will be posted at https://parks.ny.gov/parks/23/details.aspx at that time. You will need to provide the following information to purchase your permit: Valid email address; Valid driver’s license; Valid vehicle registration; Valid NYSDEC Recreational Marine Fishing ID number; Valid Credit Card for payment (Amex, Master Card, Visa, Discover or Debit Card). The fee is $40 for NYS Residents, or $75 for out of State. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, if they have not done so already, for the NYS DEC Recreational Marine Fishing Registry prior to January 4th, and can do so online at https://decals.dec.ny.gov/DECALSCitizenWeb or by calling 1-866-933-2257.
Due to restrictions resulting from Covid-19 and to protect the health of state park employees and the public, the process for acquiring 4×4 Fishing (Beach Vehicle), Night/Sportfishing and Camp Hero Fishing permits has also undergone changes, with two options available. These permits are available January 1 through March 31, and then again after Labor Day. You must have the following documents available when applying: Valid e-mail address; Valid Vehicle registration; Valid Driver’s license; Valid NYS DEC Recreational Marine Fishing ID number.
Your first option is to purchase your permit online through DocuSign. The application and Credit Card Authorization Form will be posted on the LI Regional page at
https://parks.ny.gov/regions/long-island/default.aspx. A valid credit card is required for payment (Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit Card). Your permit will be mailed once processed.
The second option is to drop off a completed application with payment (check, money order, or credit card authorization) in person at a State Park Drop-Box location during business hours. Most parks maintain hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter and early spring but you are advised to call the office in advance to confirm their current hours. A fillable PDF: 2021 Dashboard Permit Drop Off Application will be posted on the LI Regional page at
https://parks.ny.gov/regions/long-island/default.aspx. Drop-Box locations include: Hallock State Park – Park Office – 631-315-5475; Jones Beach State Park – Field 4 Park Information Office – 516-785-1600; Long Island Regional Headquarters (Monday through Friday only, excluding Holidays) – Permit Office – 631-321-3770; Montauk Downs State Park – Park Office – 631-668-5000; Orient State Park – Park Office – 631- 323-2440; Robert Moses State Park – Park Office – 631-669-0449; Sunken Meadow State Park – Field 1 Park Office – 631-269-4333; Wildwood State Park – Park Office – 631-929-4314.
NIGHT/SPORTFISHING PERMIT: Fee of $35.00, $60-Out of State. Permit is valid for fishing after sunset only from April 1-December 31, except where noted. Valid for: Captree – Main field, Overlook and Captree Drawbridge (north side only – 24 hour access) Jones Beach – Fields 6, 10, West End 2, West End Boat Basin, West End Dock Area (24 hour access) & Green Island (24 hour access) Hither Hills – Except Memorial Day to Labor Day Montauk Point – Lower Parking Lot only. Robert Moses – Field 2, Field 3 September 15 to December 31 (24 hour access), Field 4 April 1 to June 23 (7pm-7am) and September 15 to December 31 (24 hour access), Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow – Field 1 & Field 3 (24 hour access), Wildwood – Main Field.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE BEACH VEHICLE FISHING PERMIT: Fee of $80.00, $125-Out of State. Permit is ONLY valid for fishing at: Hither Hills (Year round), Montauk Point (Year round), Napeague (Year round), Gilgo State Park (April 1 – December 31, Robert Moses (Democrat Point and Sore Thumb) – April 1 – December 31, hours vary. Also serves as Night/Sportfishing Permit.
CAMP HERO FISHING PERMIT: Fee of $40.00, $75-Out of State. Permit is valid for fishing after sunset only at Camp Hero State Park, April 1 – December 31.
CAUMSETT FISHING PERMIT – Fee of $40.00 for NYS Residents, or $75 for out of State. Limited to 500 permits.
For more information on permits, call 631-321-3510 or visit www.nysparks.com.
