Waiting for the big one near Pier A at Battery Park.   (Photo: Benjamin Lowy)

There is something both majestic and surreal about fishing practically in the shadow of Lady Liberty and just yards from the engine of the world’s largest economy. Battery Park is the best fishing hole in Manhattan—it’s possible for anglers to haul in large striped bass that exceed 30 pounds, and smaller stripers are common. And if you balk at the idea of eating out of the Hudson, consider this: Many species of fish are migratory, so while last night’s delicious sea bass was probably caught in the North Atlantic, it may well have been hanging in Staten Island a day or two before. Though the whole park is choice, around Pier A (you can’t fish off it) is the sweet spot. Bunker is the best bait here; use a fish-finder rig with heavy tackle and heavy sinkers (five to eight ounces). The best time to cast a line is dawn or dusk—and if you don’t catch anything, seeing the sun rise or set over New York Harbor should lessen the disappointment.

See also:
Where to Enjoy Kayaking, Surfing and Other Watersports

Where to Hire a Sailboat to Tour New York's Waters

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Table of Contents: Jul 4, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!