Fishing & Crabbing

Yes, you can fish and crab at Heckscher State Park. The state's park map marks the boat basin at Parking Field 5, on the Great South Bay, as the spot where fishing and crabbing are allowed, and NYS Parks lists accessible fishing among the park's amenities. Because it is salt water, anglers 16 and older must enroll in New York's Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, which is free; no freshwater licence is needed for the bay.

Where to Fish

NYS Parks' 2023 site map puts a single "Fishing/Crabbing Allowed" symbol at the boat basin by Field 5, on the west side of the park where a cove of the Great South Bay reaches in toward the parkway. The boat launch, restrooms and a boardwalk are at the same lot. The swimming beaches at Fields 6 and 8 are for swimmers in season, so do not cast there.

The Registry, Not a Licence

New York does not sell a saltwater fishing licence. Instead, the Department of Environmental Conservation requires anyone 16 or older fishing for saltwater species in the state's Marine and Coastal District to enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, at no cost. Enroll online through DEC before you go, and check DEC's current recreational saltwater regulations for size limits, bag limits and seasons, which change from year to year.

Crabbing

The same Field 5 basin is marked for crabbing. DEC sets the rules for blue crabs and other shellfish in the marine district; check them before you drop a trap or line.

Fishing From a Boat or Kayak

• Boats: the state's maps show the boat launch at Field 5, and NYS Parks lists an accessible boat launch.
• Kayaks and canoes: NYS Parks' Long Island paddling guide says to launch from Field 7 to reach the Great South Bay and the lower Connetquot River. Paddle craft were allowed from March 1 to November 30 in 2026. See kayaking.

Freshwater Fly Fishing Next Door

If you want trout, Connetquot River State Park Preserve, a few miles north in Oakdale, runs reserved fly-fishing sessions on the Connetquot River. That is fresh water, so it needs a New York freshwater fishing licence, and you must reserve a session with the preserve. See Connetquot River State Park.

Rules to Know

• Pay the vehicle use fee in season ($8, or $10 from June 27 to September 7, in 2026). See hours and fees.
• Take all line, hooks, bait bags and trash out with you; state park rules prohibit littering and polluting the water.
• The park closes at sunset; there is no night fishing in the park without a permit. NYS Parks' Long Island region sells night/sport fishing dashboard permits for certain parks — ask the park office whether Heckscher is one.
• Keep children under 10 supervised.

Accessibility

NYS Parks lists accessible fishing and an accessible boat launch at Heckscher. Call the park office at (631) 581-2100 for details before you go.