The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the fourth annual Women's Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“New York is home to some of the world's best fishing destinations and DEC is proud of the fact that women are a fast-growing segment of the fishing and outdoor recreation community,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The annual Women's Fishing Expo gives participants the skills and knowledge to feel confident about getting outdoors and casting a line.”

“Fishing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of our great State Parks year-round,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “We're glad to work with DEC to offer this Women's Expo again, which opens up opportunities to learn more about a lifelong sport and make it a family experience or simply a quiet getaway.”

“DEC is happy to be partnering with New York State Parks once again to bring back the Women’s Fishing Expo for its fourth year,” DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said. “These expos are tremendously effective in introducing more women to Long Island’s plentiful fly-fishing opportunities and we look forward to its continuing success this year.”

The Women's Fishing Expo will provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. This event will be run primarily by women anglers and fisheries professionals and will also feature women-owned businesses and fishing clubs for networking opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend, although the event is focused on introducing women and girls to fishing.

Expo activities begin at 10 a.m. and are free of charge. Participants will be able to learn about fishing on Long Island and statewide, fishing basics and intermediate fishing skills, basic knots, fly-tying demonstrations, fly-casting instruction, fisheries management information, a trout hatchery tour, marine fishing information, and free fly fishing on the renowned Connetquot River. Fly casting and flyfishing are limited to those aged 14 and older.

This is a rain or shine event. Spots are limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, call the DEC's I FISH NY Program at (631) 444-0283, or email fwfish1@dec.ny.gov with the subject title 'Women's Fishing Expo.'

A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Passport holders. The 2023 Empire Passport can be purchased for $80 at State Parks offices, or online at the New York State Parks website.

For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0283, e-mail fwfish1@dec.ny.gov or visit DEC's website.

In 2022, 19.8 million women went fishing in the U.S., a 40-percent increase over the past decade according to the latest annual Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) Special Report on Fishing. This is the highest number the group has recorded since participation tracking began in 2007. Overall, women make up 36 percent of fishing participants, according to the report.

New York State has expanded recreational opportunities of residents and tourists, positioning New York as a recreation destination, connecting communities to State lands, and improving the quality of life. The NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing, and increasing hunting opportunities. In support of this initiative, $10 million in NY Works funding was dedicated to fish hatchery repairs and 50 new land and water access projects such as boat launches, hunting blinds, trails, and parking areas.

To further encourage fishing, DEC and partners hold free clinics throughout the state and offer Free Fishing Days since 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York has to offer. For a current schedule, visit the DEC website. The site will be updated as new events are added throughout the year.

Photos attached courtesy of NYSDEC.