Collecting Tropical Strays in Long Island

F

fishies7

New member
Hi there! I have been a part of this forum for over a year now, and this is the first time I have asked a question, so I really home SOMEONE out there will be able to help!

My husband and I live in Pittsburgh, PA, and are planning to come to Long Island this Sat. to try our hand at collecting some tropical strays for ourselves and fellow marine enthusiasts at our club, the Pittsburgh Marine Aquarium Society. I have read everything I have been able to get my hands on about this topic, but unfortunately, there isn't much!

We are planning to arrive at sunrise to the water and work until sunset. We have dip nets, standard hand nets, a 4 X 8 seine net, snorkel gear, and even scuba gear if it is worth bringing.

My first question is, given our limited time, where is our best bet to catch a variety of fish? I have seen Moriches and Shinnecock Bays a lot in the literature, but I was wondering if there are any decent collecting areas closer to the Brookline area. Second question is, are there any local laws we need to be aware of? Third, is it work hauling our scuba gear, or is out time better sent seining?

Thanks to anyone who can offer some help and advice!
 
There were people scuba diving and others bait netting at cap tree park, sore thumb beach. There is a $10 parking lot out there, this is at the east end of Jones Beach.
If you're talking about Brooklyn, perhaps Jamaica bay? According to their map, there are kayak launch areas all around, people crab and fish out there off the docks and bridge.
 
I haven't seen anything written by fellow aquarists about needing a fishing permit. I don't need one if I'm not using a pole, do I?

Thanks, homegrowncichli, for the info. Do you know if any of these places have eel grass beds?
 
Catching fish is fishing. but I doubt anyone would bother you. The permit is free for residents, not sure about nonresdents. just check w/ the DEC
 
With all due respect, Ms fishies7... you should have been asking these questions weeks in advance instead of practically on the eve of such an involved adventure! Is that like an 8 hour drive for you guys just to get here? And you have no idea where you're going?

But the worst part is you haven't researched the laws and regulations! You might end up with enormous fines! As with all laws, ignorance is not an excuse.

Sorry if that sounds harsh, but if you're really going ahead with this this Saturday, then, in my opinion, the first thing you need to do is start reading the regulations at this site: http://www.dec.ny.gov/ -- write down any questions you have, and call THEM (not us) for the answers. It's a bit confusing to navigate the DEC site, don't get tangled up in the freshwater laws.

We have a "no-fee recreational marine fishing registry." I have no idea if a non-resident is also no-fee.

Also, take note of the game fish laws -- there's a chart with size limits. You can't take a cute little baby flounder or striped bass for your fish tank.

Hope this helps some. Good luck.

George
 
Thanks, George. I tried to read the DEC regulations last week, but can't make any sense of it! I also read up on the registry, but it made no mention to tropical fish. I am aware that local game fish of any size are a no-no.

I am asking here, because I figured that if anyone has done this before, it is you all! I also planned to call a couple of state/ local parks to ask some questions. Calling the DEC is an excellent idea! Thank you!
 
In the end we've decided to wait and try and join you all on the annual collecting trip. It would be far more fun if we got to meet some of you in person and learn from your experience! Does anyone know when they'll be announcing the date so that we can clear our calendars?
 
Thanks, Breadman03! Here's hoping it's towards the warm side that day!

BTW: I checked with DEC and they confirmed that if you are only catching Caribbean species, you do not need any kind of license or permit, nor do you need to register.
 
Hi,
I thought I'd seen somewhere you'd posted that you might want to dive "the bridge". I assume you're talking about Old Ponquogue Bridge.
It's a nice dive- but it's a bit tricky.
I don't have the timing down anymore.... I haven't dived there in years.
You need to find someone who can give you the time difference between high tide at Shinnecock Inlet and Ponquogue Bridge. You'll have about 45 minutes to dive before it turns to run out after it slackens. Be sure you start making your way to shore as soon as you see the particulartes in the water start moving out. It's a wild ride if you get caught in the outgoing flow when it cranks up! You must also realize that the listed time of high tide is not when the tidal flow is gonna slow... You'll probably have to wait a bit (as much as an hour or so) after posted high tide for it to slow.
However, Ponquogue is a pretty popular dive spot. You may get there and find quite a few divers. You can then take your cues from them.
The only thing I'm not sure about is the Parking Permit. Southampton Town has the right to issue permits for Old Ponquogue Bridge Lot. That said, I don't know what the deal on the permits is after Labor Day.
Oh- about the strays and DEC. I went through this a few years ago:
If a fish is not listed on the DEC Regulated Species List- it is yours to do with as you please. Just a note: I believe seahorses have been regulated now; at least that was being bounced around a couple of years ago. Anyone know if that went through??
Brian
 
Thanks, Brian! I appreciate your input! It's my understanding that I can park for free on the north part of the bridge. Can anyone confirm that for me?

I was told that seahorses are loosely regulated: you may take them in small quantities for personal use but not to harvest for commercial use.

Thanks again to anyone who participated in this thread or sent me information through PMs. I can't wait to meet some of you in person next week!
 
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