Night surfcasters will have a new option this season as New York State Parks has approved limited overnight parking access at Heckscher State Park. The pilot program will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, allowing anglers to park from dusk to dawn on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Access will be restricted to Field 6, and anglers must continue to display a valid New York State night fishing permit and/or 4×4 fishing permit on their dashboard as required. Officials emphasized that the program is being implemented on a trial basis, making compliance and responsible use critical to maintaining and potentially expanding access in the future.
The approval follows a strong push from the fishing community, including a petition effort supporting increased shoreline access. For many Long Island anglers, even limited expansion is a step in the right direction—proof that continued advocacy can lead to more opportunities along the coast.
