News & Announcements
NYCRF Distributes Fishing Line Collection Tubes on Long Island Beaches
Discarded fishing line poses a major threat to our environment and marine resources. With continuing our conservation efforts here at the NYCRF we have built fishing line collection tubes to be placed strategically around the Island.
The tubes will be periodically checked, emptied and the spent line will be recycled or disposed of properly.
Upon hearing of our campaign, the Long Island Beach Buggy Association (LIBBA) has pledged to fund the construction of 10 more tubes! We greatly appreciate the support from such an amazing organization.
2026 NYCRF Willie Young Memorial Scholarship Winner: James Hise
James Hise, a Stony Brook University sophomore majoring in Coastal Environmental Studies has been selected as the 2026 NYCRF Willie Young Memorial Scholarship winner.
The scholarship committee was very impressed with James' academic accomplishments and the emphasis he placed on conservation and a catch and release ethic. In a final project for a class on Sustainability, James modeled striped bass populations in the Chesapeake Bay and analyzed the effects of blue catfish on young striped bass.
James was also instrumental in creating the Stony Brook University fishing club where he currently serves as Vice President.
Congratulations James.
2025 NYCRF Person of the Year: Bob Wilson
We are proud to announce that Bob Wilson has been selected as the NYCRF 2026 Person of the Year. Bob is an educator, mentor and advocate for youth fishing here on Long Island.
Bob is the advisor of the Ward Melville High School fishing club and has been instrumental in supporting other high schools in establishing their fishing clubs. His impact introducing the sport of fishing to youth on Long Island is unmatched.
Congratulations Bob - the NYCRF 2025 Person of the Year.
Petition to add night parking privileges at Heckscher State Park
The New York Coalition for Recreational Fishing is advocating for the establishment of a pilot program that allows nighttime parking at Heckscher State Park solely for fishing purposes. Heckscher State Park, situated on the south shore of Long Island, is in a unique position to offer bayside fishing. Here, anglers have the opportunity to catch species such as Striped Bass, Fluke, Weakfish, and Bluefish. These species are not only iconic to the area but are prime targets during the night when fishing is most fruitful.
Please sign this petition to allow passionate anglers access to one of Long Island’s cherished resources.
NYCRF Proud Sponsor of the 13th Annual Saltwater Fishing Expo
The NYCRF is a proud sponsor of the 13th Annual Saltwater Fishing Expo being held on Saturday, March 7th and Sunday, March 8th at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, NY. The Saltwater Fishing Expo is the premier fishing show on Long Island featuring over 200 vendors and a full schedule of excellent speakers.
The shows is held on Saturday, March 7th and Sunday, March 8th. Admission is FREE!
Please stop by the NYCRF table located just outside the auditorium.
