Women’s Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will hold the fourth annual Women’s Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve next month.
The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.
The expo will provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. The 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.
“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 in a written statement. “The annual Women’s Fishing Expo gives participants the skills and knowledge to feel confident about getting outdoors and casting a line.”
Expo 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.
“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 in the statement. “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.”
Last year, 19.8 million women went fishing in the U.S., an increase of 40 percent over the past decade according to the latest annual Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation 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.
“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.”
The expo is a rain or shine event. A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Passport holders.
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.
