One of the joys of living in the Town of Hempstead is its proximity to the water. This provides ample fishing and clamming opportunities. Those who enjoy the sport can catch a wide variety of fish in both oceans and bays.

Whether you enjoy fishing from a dock, party boat or a private vessel, it is important to know the local varieties of fish and the regulations that are in place to ensure that the species remain plentiful for years to come.

Under a new state law, NOT a town ordinance, a Recreational Marine Fishing License is now required for anyone age 16 years or older to fish from shore, pier, dock or boat. The Recreational Marine Fishing License may be purchased from the Town of Hempstead Town Clerk's Office (call 812-3513 for information) or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (or call 866-933-2257).

These pages provide the names and numbers of many charter and party boat companies, fishing stations and bait & tackle shops, and a list of pier & surf fishing locations. There is also a fishing chart indicating when the fish are in season, where to catch them, what bait to use, and the regulations for certain types of fish.