Surf fishing at Fire Island National Seashore (photo by Iitherland)

FISHING

Non-commercial surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean is allowed on any beach at Fire Island National Seashore except lifeguarded beaches during the summer season (unless a beach has been closed for safety reasons or animal nesting season). No fishing is permitted at the Sailors Haven Marina, the Watch Hill Marina, or the pier at the Fire Island Lighthouse. Bay fishing is also allowed, but access to the shore is very limited due to the dense vegetation that covers most of the island and extends to much of the bay shoreline.

No special permit or license is required from the National Park Service to fish, but those 16 and older must enroll in the free New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, and all New York State fishing regulations apply. No harvesting of horseshoe crabs is allowed.

Boaters may fish within the waters of Fire Island National Seashore. The only exception is that no boat can come within 300 feet of the Fire Island Lighthouse Pier.

For more information, see the National Park Service’s official Fishing web page.

HUNTING

Waterfowl hunting is allowed at Fire Island National Seashore during New York State waterfowl hunting season. In addition to a New York State hunting license, federal duck stamp, valid drivers license, and confirmation number from the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, hunters need a permit from the National Park Service. These can be obtained at the Wilderness Visitor Center.

The wilderness is divided into an east and west zone. The east zone is in the Otis Pike Wilderness from Hayhole Point to Long Cove near Watch Hill. The west zone is along the shores of East Fire Island, West Fire Island, and Sexton Island.

For more information, see the National Park Service’s Hunting web page for Fire Island National Seashore.

BEACH DRIVING

Waterfowl hunters and fishermen can obtain a recreational off-road vehicle permit for driving on the beaches adjacent to the Otis Pike Wilderness from September 15th to December 31st. Permits go on sale September 1st and must be paid for at Pay.gov. Once payment is made, permits are picked up in person at the Wilderness Visitor Center with proof of payment, valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle to be permitted, and either a marine fishing registry or hunting license with signed duck stamp and HIP#.

For more information, see the National Park Service’s official Sportsman’s Vehicle Permit web page for Fire Island National Seashore.

The adjacent Robert Moses State Park and Smith Point County Park also allow beach driving, but they have a separate permit system.

Back to the Top