Best NYC fishing spots

NYC is blessed with 500-plus miles of shoreline and tons of fishing options. Within the city's parks you'll find many fine fishing holes, but there are some reel restrictions you should heed: Park lakes and ponds are freshwater,and therefore the "catch-and-release" rule applies, meaning that after you catch something, put it back into the water. Ideally, you should release fish while they're still underwater, since throwing them back may injure them. Finally, anyone over 15 needs a fishing license. Get one from the Department of Environmental Conservation (718-482-4900, dec.ny.gov). Each borough accommodates anglers of varying skill levels, and after an excursion to any of these fishing holes, a trip to Citarella will never be the same again.

The Bronx
Orchard Beach
This mile-long stretch of beach, developed by NYC's parks commissioner in the 1930s, is a refuge for sunbathers and fisherfolk alike. On the edge of the 2,700-acre Pelham Bay Park, Orchard Beach offers saltwater fishing right on Long Island Sound. After an afternoon spent dipping your line, you can stroll the boardwalk, visit the concession stands or stop by one of the beach's two excellent playgrounds. Pelham Bay Park, Bruckner Blvd at Middletown Rd (718-430-1890, nycgovparks.org). Travel: 6 to Pelham Bay Park, then take the Bx12 bus to Orchard Beach.

Brooklyn
Prospect Park Lake
If you have a kid who yearns to be the fisher king, bring him to Prospect Park's Park Drive and Wellhouse Drive shoreline for the annual four-day R.H. Macy's Fishing Contest, which takes place this year July 13–17 10am–4pm. Open to kids 15 and under, the contest begins with a ceremony during which a fish, dubbed Macy, is tagged and released; whoever catches Macy wins first prize. There are also educational workshops for kids—dabblers as well as aspiring ichthyologists—exploring different types of fish, aquatic ecology and fishing instruction.

For catch-and-release fishing on a regular basis, bring your own gear to the park's lake. Unlikely as it might seem, the lake boasts the greatest concentration of large-mouth bass in the entire state. You might also catch bluegill sunfish, red-eared sliders, carp, yellow perch, crayfish and the always freaky-looking catfish. Finally, the kids'll get a glimpse of what's going into their po' boy. Prospect Park, enter park from Vanderbilt St and Prospect Park Southwest (718-287-3400, prospectpark.org). Subway: B, Q to Prospect Park.

Manhattan
Harlem Meer, Central Park
Although the park has several angling spots, this 11-acre freshwater lake at the northeast corner is the loveliest. In fact, some local catch-and-release fishing fans consider it the city's best. Populated by swans and grebes and surrounded by oak, ginkgo and beech trees, the Meer is stocked with thousands of fish: largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill sunfish, chain pickerel and carp, among others. If you'd like free bamboo poles and bait (corn kernels!), bring a photo ID to the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th St between Fifth Ave and Malcolm X Blvd. The center is open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm; poles must be returned by 4pm. Tue–Sat 10am–4pm; Sun 10am–1pm. Harlem Meer at Central Park, enter from Central Park North at Malcolm X Blvd (212-860-1370, centralparknyc.org). Subway: B, C to 103rd St; 2 to Central Park North–110th St.

Hudson River Park
Swimming around here are more than 200 kinds of fish—including striped bass, snapper, flounder, perch and American eel—some of which make their nurseries right under the piers. The park's Big City Program provides free formal instruction on summer weekends—plus Tuesday through Friday in July and August—as well as rods, reels and bait (first-come, first-served). When others are waiting for a turn, as is often the case, you'll have to return the equipment after 30 minutes. 10am–4:30pm. Pier 84, W 44th St at the Hudson River. Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St—Port Authority; Pier 64, W 24th St at the Hudson River. Subway: C, E to 23rd St. Pier 46, Charles St at the Hudson River. Subway: 1 to Christopher St—Sheridan Sq (212-627-2020, hudsonriverpark.org).

Queens
Kissena Lake, Kissena Park
With its saltwater bays and beaches and freshwater lakes, ponds and creeks, Queens has many sublime spots for fishing. A good one to try is Kissena Lake, beautifully situated in a 234-acre park in Flushing, and encircled by paths for contemplative strolling. Catch-and-release anglers can expect to find panfish, carp and largemouth bass. Enter the lake area at Oak Ave and 164th St (718-359-1297, nycgovparks.org). Subway: 7 to Flushing–Main St.

Staten Island
Great Kills
Located on the southeastern shore of Staten Island within the 26,000-acre Gateway National Recreation Area, you'll find Great Kills, an unfortunately named locale with a surprisingly lovely array of flora and fauna, and an impeccably maintained marina and boat launch. The water quality tends to be superior to the island's South and Midland Beaches, which has to do with the way the currents run; still, it's another plus. Fisherfolk have long recognized Great Kills as a choice angling spot, and tend to flock to Crookes Point, at the park's southern end—though fishing is permitted anywhere a lifeguard isn't on duty. Expect monster fish action, including biting bass, fluke, bluefish and striper. However, the wake from summer boat traffic here can be a pain, and look out for the surfeit of crabs. If you run low on supplies, don't despair: The knowledgeable staff at the well-stocked Great Kills Bait & Tackle (4044 Hylan Blvd at Wyman Ave; 718-356-0055, greatkillsbaitandtackle.com) are there to help. Gateway National Recreation Area, Great Kills Park, 210 New York Ave at Coast Guard Dr (718-987-6790, nps.gov/gate). Travel: From the Staten Island Ferry, take the S78 bus to the park entrance.

Guess what?
More than 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson and its tributaries.

In 1991, a wonderful New York tradition began: Each year, the last full weekend in June is known as Free Fishing Days, which means anyone can fish New York State waters with no fishing license required.

Originally, Canarsie Pier in Queens was built to enhance the commercial development of Jamaica Bay in the 1930s. Today the pier offers one of the best fly-fishing spots on the bay.