New York State Parks will introduce expanded nighttime fishing access at Heckscher State Park during the 2026 season as part of a new pilot program aimed at accommodating Long Island surfcasters. The overnight access will take place at Field 6 on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, giving anglers additional opportunities to target striped bass and other species during prime nighttime tides along the Great South Bay. The program follows ongoing requests from recreational fishermen and fishing advocacy groups pushing for greater nighttime shoreline access across Long Island state parks. Park officials are encouraging anglers to follow all posted regulations throughout the trial period as the state evaluates the future of expanded overnight fishing opportunities at the park.
