Topics covered for middle and high school students may include:

• Fisheries management
  
• Population sampling
  
• Safety of consuming local fish
  
• Invasive species

Fishing Trips

Trips are normally held at the waterbody closest to the school. I FISH NY provides the rods, tackle, and bait for the outing. Fishing trips are subject to availability. Please schedule early!

I FISH NY Policies

• Schools must provide adult chaperones for the trip. Including teachers and parents, the adult to student ratio must be at least 1:5. Adults are expected to provide assistance to the students during the trip.
  
• Schools must arrange for transportation to and from the fishing site. Most sites are accessible by subway.
  
• Fishing events are held in light rain or shine. Trips are only cancelled in case of severe weather. Unfortunately due to scheduling restrictions, rain dates are not possible.
• I FISH NY reserves the right to cancel fishing trips based on in-class student conduct.

Professional Development

I FISH NY staff is available for professional development for groups of 10 or more. Educators can learn about local fish biology and aquatic ecology, as well as how to incorporate these concepts into the classroom. Please call for more information on scheduling a class.


Out-of-the-Classroom Programs

Fishing Clinics

I FISH NY offers free fishing clinics to the public. Check out our events section for more details. We also coordinate fishing events with other organized groups such as after school groups, summer camps, and adult community groups. If you lead or coordinate such a group, and would like to schedule a free fishing event, please contact us.

However, we are not accepting new fishing appointments for Summer 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you actually catch fish?
Yes. Contrary to popular belief, the rivers, lakes, and ponds of New York City are home to healthy fish populations. However, success in fishing depends on a lot of factors such as weather, water temperature, and tides. Not every student will catch a fish, but most classes will catch at least a few.

Do I have to be a science teacher?
No. While science class is usually the most appropriate setting, we have taken many other types of classes fishing.

What does it cost?
I FISH NY in New York City is offered completely free!

Can we take the fish home?
No. We always practice catch and release fishing at our events. Returning the fish to the water helps preserve healthy fish populations.

Can other teachers at my school participate?
Yes. We encourage other classes of the same grade level to participate. Please share this with your colleagues so they too can take advantage of this free program.

Will we be on a boat?
No. All our fishing is done from the shore.

I am not part of an organized group. Can I still go fishing with you?
Yes. Throughout the year, I FISH NY offers fishing events that are free and open to the public. Please check the list of upcoming events.

Are there other organizations that offer free fishing to individuals?
Yes. The Dana Discovery Center at 110th St and Lenox Ave in Central Park and the Nature Center in Crotona Park in the Bronx loan fishing poles and bait to the public.

Is I FISH NY available in other parts of the state?
I FISH NY is also available in Western Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Please contact Malynda Nichol for more information.