The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the fourth annual Women’s Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Expo activities begin at 10 a.m. and are free of charge. Attendees will learn about fishing on Long Island and statewide, fishing basics and intermediate fishing skills, basic knots, fly-tying demonstrations, fly-casting instruction, fisheries management information, a trout hatchery tour, marine fishing information, and free fly fishing on the renowned Connetquot River. Fly casting and fly fishing are limited to those aged 14 and older.
The Women’s Fishing Expo itself will provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. This event will be run primarily by women anglers and fisheries professionals, featuring women-owned businesses and fishing clubs for networking opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend, although the event is focused on introducing women and girls to fishing.
Even though I have not attended past events, I have received very encouraging feedback from others at the magazine who have attended along with Fisherman video fishing forecast contributor Paul McCain.
In 2022, 19.8 million women went fishing in the U.S., a 40-percent increase over the past decade, according to the latest annual Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Special Report on Fishing. This is the highest number the group has recorded since participation tracking began in 2007. According to the report, women make up 36 percent of fishing participants.
“New York is home to some of the world’s best fishing destinations, and DEC is proud that women are a fast-growing segment of the fishing and outdoor recreation community,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The annual Women’s Fishing Expo gives participants the skills and knowledge to feel confident about getting outdoors and casting a line.”
“Fishing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of our great State Parks year-round,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “We’re glad to work with DEC to offer this Women’s Expo again, which opens up opportunities to learn more about a lifelong sport and make it a family experience or simply a quiet getaway.”
“DEC is happy to be partnering with New York State Parks once again to bring back the Women’s Fishing Expo for its fourth year,” DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said. “These expos are tremendously effective in introducing more women to Long Island’s plentiful fly-fishing opportunities, and we look forward to its continuing success this year.”
This is a rain-or-shine event. Spots are limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call the DEC’s I FISH NY Program at (631) 444-0283 or email [email protected] with the subject title ‘Women’s Fishing Expo.’
