There have been many fishing events focusing on families, children and the general public, but none that I can recall specifically directed at women here on Long Island. Such events are commonplace in Florida, particularly in the Florida Keys so I’s say they are long overdue here in our region. Kudos to NY DEC and State Parks for bringing ladies to the forefront with a first-ever Women’s Fishing Expo slated for Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Belmont Lake State Park.
The Women’s Fishing Expo will provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. This event will be run primarily by female anglers, deckhands, and fisheries scientists, and women-owned businesses and fishing clubs are also encouraged to attend. Although the primary focus will be on women and families, all interested anglers are encouraged to attend.
Expo activities are provided free of charge. Participants will be able to learn about fishing opportunities on Long Island and statewide, fishing basics and intermediate fishing skills, basic knots, fish filleting, fly-fishing demonstrations, casting demos, fisheries management information, shellfishing information, and other fishing-related activities.
According to the most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, women now make up more than 25 percent of all anglers, a number that has increased over the last several decades.
The Women’s Fishing Expo coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a designated Free Fishing Day in New York State, so the freshwater fishing license requirement for anglers age 16 and older is suspended. This is a rain or shine event. For more information call the DEC’s I FISH NY Program at (631) 444-0283. A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Passport holders.
"Women are a vital and fast-growing segment of New York’s angling and outdoor recreation community," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "The Women’s Fishing Expo will give participants the skills and knowledge necessary to feel confident about getting outdoors and fishing, and hopefully introduce a new generation of women and girls to this amazing sport." State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Fishing is an enjoyable way to interact with New York State’s beautiful natural surroundings throughout the year. I thank our partners at DEC for helping introduce more women to this delightful and lifelong sport."
Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. To further encourage fishing, Governor Cuomo signed legislation in 2012 expanding the opportunity for free fishing clinics, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time by enabling DEC to increase the number of free clinics that can be held throughout the state.
