Did you know that Long Island offers an assortment of freshwater fishing adventures with more than 500 bodies of water to explore? There is also an additional 30+ miles of streams to enjoy as well in this exciting area. Not only will you encounter the beautiful surroundings of Staten Island, the East River, and the Atlantic Ocean, but also upon your return, you will likely have an some great fishing stories to tell..

Licensing

Before you wade through the freshwaters of New York, you must obtain a fishing license. This is required for anyone over the age of 16. Don’t worry; it is a pretty simple task to accomplish. Licenses are available at any shop that sells bait and tackle. You may also obtain a fishing license at the local Town Hall, as well as K-Mart, Sports Authority or Wal-Mart. Please note that there will be different prices for resident and non-resident fishing licenses.

Tackle and Bait

In order to increase your chances of catching a fish, purchasing the proper tackle and bait is highly recommended. There are numerous bait selections to choose from when you’re ready to take to the water. Some of the main types of bait to concentrate on include worms, crayfish, minnows, and baitfish.

Worms: Use large worms when you wish to catch walleye and bass. Smaller worms are better for the catch of panfish, sunfish, and trout.

Crayfish: This type of bait is best for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and large trout.

Minnows and Baitfish: Bass and pike fishing are better serviced with this type of bait.

Leeches: Offered at bait stores, leeches are good for walleye, sauger, and other fish that dwell in deep waters.

Insects: When fishing for trout, panfish or sunfish, you may use a variety of insects to achieve this goal. Fishermen often turn to ants, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets and caterpillars. While all of these items can be purchased from a bait shop, it is quite easy to capture your own in the wild.

Type of Seasonal Long Island Fish

As stated before, Long Island has many places to fish; making a final decision may prove a harder task than actually achieving the perfect catch. Below are a few places to consider when you are ready to bring home that perfect meal or trophy:

Camaans Pond (Merrick): Family fishing made fun within these simple surroundings. Two fish species are available here: White Perch and American Eel

Forest City Park Pond (Wantagh): The average size of the bass in this area is around 12 inches long. Among the scattered variety of fish at this pond, you will also find plenty of Pumpkinseed Sunfish.

Freeport Reservoir (Freeport/Merrick): Bass rule this area, which sometimes grow to about 12 to 15 inches in length. Additional fish in this are include bluegill, pumpkinseed, and large carp. In the spring, black crappie takes to the waters.

Lower Twin Pond (Wantagh): Considered the best pickerel lake in Nassau County, fish more than 24 inches may be coaxed onto your hook. A few bass and large carp can also be found here.

Massapequa Lake: Panfish and bass are most likely caught by the edges of this body of water.

Massapequa Reservoir: In the spring and fall, trout is abundant. Prepare for the large crowds, especially when the weekend rolls around. In the summer, look for bass and sunfish. Carp also make guest appearances here.

McDonald Pond (Hempstead Lake State Park): Nice place to fish with the kids, where sunfish and trout can be found. Look for the trout population to boom in late October.

Oyster Bay Mill Pond: During the spring and fall season, trout is abundant.

Long Island is filled with numerous ponds and man-made fishing holes to enjoy. When you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out Smith Pond, South Pond, Upper Twin Pond, and Wantagh Mill Pond to fulfill your fishing urge.

Technorati Tags: mill pond, south pond, Wantagh, merrick, freeport, Massapequa, Crayfish

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