Helpful Tips for Safe Freshwater Fishing in New York

A graduate of Brooklyn College, Edgar Alacan is an aviation entrepreneur who leverages nearly 15 years of experience in the industry to serve as managing director of Jets.com. In this capacity, he is responsible for the firm’s long-term growth, daily operations, and sales department. During his leisure time, Edgar Alacan enjoys swimming and fishing.

With over 7,000 miles of rivers and streams, New York offers ample freshwater fishing opportunities — according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. People 16 should obtain a freshwater fishing license as state law mandates.

New York proscribes lead fishing sinkers. A fishing sinker is an extra weight attached or clamped to a fishing line to augment its weight. This helps sink bait deeper into the water. Sometimes, sinkers detach from lines and get lost in the water. Sinkers made of lead pose an extra danger when lost in water because the toxic lead will dissolve slowly in water and cause water pollution. Safe lead-free fishing sinkers are steel, brass, tungsten, and bismuth.

NYCGovParks.org recommends non-stainless steel hooks for fishing. Non-stainless steel hooks are less harmful to fish when swallowed because they rust and disintegrate quicker than their stainless steel counterparts. They also degrade in water easily and pose minimal danger to wildlife if lost in the water.