Our Story

The New York Coalition for Recreational Fishermen began as a grassroots organization of local recreational anglers. In the spring of 2005, many of these anglers first learned of a new bill in New York State’s Assembly and Senate aiming to restrict vehicle access to all New York State beaches under the guise of coastal erosion control. This piece of legislation (A9165) became known as the “Brodsky Bill”. Word of its potential impact quickly spread and as more anglers were made aware, it became evident that the “Brodsky Bill” was a direct assault on all recreational beach driving access and fisherman themselves.

Many in the fishing community told us not to worry, as this bill was “not going anywhere”. Unfortunately, they were incorrect, and the bill did indeed make it through the State Assembly. Causing great concern among the local fishermen, they knew they needed to organize and take action before the Assembly reconvened several months later.

The primary goal was to educate the fishing and beach driving community about the premise of this piece of legislation. Meetings were held with local fishing clubs and associations to assist in educating the public with the hopes of stopping the bill in its tracks. As awareness grew, they realized how much this new legislation would negatively affect the resources that we all enjoyed. As a result, the fishing and beach access communities banded together to combat the Brodsky Bill.

The Brodsky Bill was officially withdrawn due to its unpopularity among the voting and fishing public.

After defeating this bill many members of the recreational fishing community realized that there is “strength in numbers” and decided to keep this grassroots coalition together. To this day, we continue to fight for fisherman’s rights!

About the New York Coalition for Recreational Fishing

The NYCRF is dedicated to preserving marine resources and expanding fishing access through collaboration with government officials and the community. Our mission is to:

To promote and encourage the sport of recreational fishing.
Actively engage in the establishment and implementation of sound policies and practices related to the protection, conservation, restoration, and safe regulation of the natural marine resources of New York State and the other states that share resources with New York State.
Monitor and lobby for federal, state, and local legislative activities that promote the rights and privileges of New York coastal recreational fishermen. As well as monitor and lobby against legislative activities which would infringe on the rights and privileges of the thereof.
Actively engage in activities that preserve and promote access to all current and future fishing grounds that are of interest to New York coastal recreational fishermen.
Foster communication between all interested parties, organizations, and individuals that share the above stated goals.

A person crouches on rocky terrain beside a body of water, holding a fishing rod with a line extended over the water. The individual is wearing a camouflage jacket and a gray vest, appearing focused on fishing.

“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.”

Herbert Hoover

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In Memorium

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Willie Young

Willie Young, the founder and inaugural president of the New York Coalition For Recreational Fishing, was a titan of the recreational fishing community. He was also one of New York’s leading advocates for fishing access and the protection of marine resources.

A prolific fisherman in his own right, Young held leadership roles in many organizations beyond our own, including the High Hill Striper Club and the Coastal Conservation Association of New York. Young also held numerous positions as a fishing advisor to the County and State Advisory Boards. He would lead annual trips to Albany to speak with state senators and assemblymen about the importance of marine conservation. In 2013, he was presented with the New York State Outstanding Environmentalist Award on behalf of the New York State Assembly. His tireless advocacy and public service continued for decades, even as his health declined.

The New York Coalition for Recreational Fishing, New York’s fishermen and all those who share its waters, owe Willie Young a great debt. Here at the NYCRF we strive to carry on his tenacious efforts for future generations.

Larry Carlucci

Larry Carlucci was the long-serving Treasurer for the NY Coalition for Recreational Fishing. He held a similar role for a number of years with the Long Island Beach Buggy Association.

"Larry was an avid fisherman and loved spending time on the beaches of Long Island with his family and fishing buddies. Through his association and work with many fishing organizations, Larry worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the beaches and marine life on Long Island for future generations. Larry was happiest with a rod in his hand and his waders in the surf."