my story

I’m a 16‑year‑old high school junior, and I’ve been fishing pretty much my whole life. What started as a fun thing to do as a kid turned into something I truly love. This site is where I share what I’ve learned and help other kids and beginners get started.

I caught my first fish when I was two years old with my grandfather. He kept a small boat by a dock near a bay and went fishing all the time. We’d stop at a local store, grab worms, rent kid‑size poles, and wait together. He always bought me a sparkly hook, and with his help, I caught my very first fish. It was tiny, but I felt like I had just caught a monster.

Fishing has always been catch and release in my family. My dad taught me to respect the water, protect fish, and understand how everything in nature connects. Over time, fishing became more than just casting a line—it became a way to learn and slow down.

Fishing connects me to my family, the outdoors, and a lot of great memories. This site is here to help you learn, have fun, and maybe even catch your first fish too.

VOLUNTEER SoundWaters

protect and preserve Long Island Sound

Volunteer

Apply for a Scholarship

The SoundWaters Research Intensive gave me the chance to do real marine science research on Long Island Sound. I worked both in the lab and out on the water, studying water quality, animal populations, and human impact on the environment.

Through hands-on fieldwork and data collection, I learned how to design experiments, test ideas, and better understand how climate change is affecting local ecosystems. The program helped me build real research skills while working alongside other students who are passionate about science.

Programs like this are important because they give students access to opportunities and resources that aren’t always available in school. Support and funding make it possible for more students to get involved, learn, and contribute to meaningful environmental research.

Catch and release

Catch and release is an important part of fishing, especially in places like Long Island Sound. It means catching a fish and letting it go right away so populations stay healthy.

In New York, there are rules to protect fish, like not keeping them on stringers and not fishing for species out of season. How you handle the fish matters too—keep it in the water, wet your hands, and don’t hold it by the gills.

Some people debate whether catch and release is fully humane, but when done correctly, it helps protect ecosystems. Through SoundWaters, I’ve learned how small actions like this can make a big difference in marine conservation.

Buy a fishing kit

Most sports stores sell fishing kits ( 2 links below too to make it easy) that have everything you need to start fishing., and are great for beginners.

A fishing kit usually has:

- A tackle box to hold all your fishing stuff

- A fishing rod and line. Many come ready to use, and some have a button you push to cast

- Hooks in different sizes to help you catch fish

- Bobbers, which are small floats that sit on top of the water. When a fish bites, the bobber moves

- Sinkers, which are small weights that help your bait sink down in the water

- Bait. Plastic worms work well, but real worms work even better

I**** f you are 16 years old or older, you need a fishing license to fish in public water. You gotta check the rules.

Good luck- you’re ready to start fishing!!!

Kit for kids

KiT options