Here are some useful links, and comments. Feel free to jump in and add any of your own, or let me know if any links are bad and need updating. - bunkerjoe
Regional Put-Ins and Access
NYC 2008
This is the link to the pdf for the newly developed kayak and canoe access program below. You need adobe reader to open pdf files.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_thing...nch_Permit.pdf
Other NY launch links:
http://www.dec.ny.gov is the main site.
Possible kayak access areas are here:
Western Sound--
http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/kayak/12
http://search.dec.state.ny.us/query....set=iso-8859-1
(if link doesn't work, refer to dec.ny above)
Croton on Hudson:
[Early season, it's mostly a bait game, as the bass will be feeding on spawning herring. But some T&W, and herring type lures and flies can also be effective depending on water temps.]
Directions: From the North: New York State Thruway [1-87] (S) over Tappan Zee Bridge to Tarrytown. Proceed North on Route 9 for approximately 10 miles and exit at Croton Point Avenue.
Turn left at end of ramp; turn left at light.
Park entrance is straight ahead.
From the South/Yonkers -- New York State Thruway [North] to Exit 9, Tarrytown. Drive (N) on Route 9 for approximately 10 miles. Exit at Croton Point avenue. Left at end of ramp. Left at light. Croton Park entrance will be straight ahead.
From the East/Port Chester -- Take Merritt Parkway (S) or NE Thruway (S) to 1-287 (W) to the NY State Thruway (N) to Exit 9, Tarrytown. Drive N on Route 9 for approx. 10 miles. Exit at Croton Point avenue. Left at end of ramp. Left at light. Croton Park entrance will be straight ahead.
From the West/Rockland -- NY State Thruway to Exit 9,Tarrytown. Drive N on Route 9 for approx. 10 miles. Exit at Croton Point avenue. Left at end of ramp. Left at light. Croton Park entrance will be straight ahead.
Jamaica Bay:
[The shallow flats there warm up early and hence it's a great place for very early spring fishing. The bunker sometimes hold in certain spots there for most of the summer.]
Directions: Cross Bay Blvd on the Belt and head toward the water (south). When you cross the first bridge, the parking lot is on the left.
Little Neck Bay:
[Similar conditions as Jamaica Bay, though less current, and not many deep holes. Early spring to mid spring fishery.]
Directions: From the Bronx, take either the Whitestone or Throngs Neck Bridge to the Cross Island Parkway - S.
If from Long Island, take Cross Island Parkway - N.
Get off at Northern Blvd W. Drive about 1 1/2 miles to Bell Blvd. Take a RIGHT (N) on Bell and continue to 28th Ave.
Turn RIGHT (E) to the end. Just park and walk over the footbridge. Parking rules are enforced, so please follow them.
Long Beach/Point Lookout:
[This area is a veritable baitfish nursery, and small bait pods can sometimes be found for 9 months out of the year here. If you head East under the bridge, you'll be heading towards the inlet. It's a good idea to go straight across the inlet (careful of boat traffic) and follow the Loop Pkwy. Look for the points of land that form, and back eddies and rips. The fish always seem to be close to these areas of current.]
Directions: Drive to the Hempstead Marina, Lido Blvd, Point Lookout --This launch is open 24/7 and can be used by anybody free of charge.
"Nissy" River/LI Sound:
[One of the first parks to offer a kayak and canoe launching area, and the newest NY state park. Drive to the end of the park road. Unload your gear at the launch and move your car to the parking lot. Go down a flight of stairs to reach the river. There is a small slide, for your kayak, that runs along the stairs. Please be careful with low tide in this tidal river. As you paddle down the river, you can go into the LI Sound at the left. Or you can go down the Nissequogue River on your right. Low tide will leave you stranded in some spots, so be aware. As you get out the inlet there are tidal flats on both sides. Early spring, and in low light conditions, you will find fish feeding there.]
Directions: Take the Sunken Meadow State Parkway N to E. Northport Road (sm4). E Northport Road becomes Old Dock Road. Drive north on Old Dock Road in Kings Park. Right on St. Johnland.
Rye Beach LI Sound:
[This is great until sometime in mid-summer, June or July, until the water gets too hot. If schools of bait are around, you will find fish near them here. A mile and half paddle north will put you at Portchester Harbor, a great Bluefish summer hotspot. There is a long set of rocks parallel to the shoreline as you head south. Paddling south may produce better fishing because there is more structure, which holds bass and blackfish for a good part of the year.]
Directions: NE Thruway (I-95) to Exit 19 OR Hutchinson River Parkway to 287 E to NE Thruway (I-95) S to Exit 19.
Follow Playland Parkway directly into the park.
After Paying the parking fee you will head to the back of the parking lot. Go to the right. You will see a little road with the lake on your left. Continue until you see signs for kayak rentals and launching. Helpful phone #s --
Kayak Rental -- 914 665-1966 or 914-921-3437 (seasonal). General info number for the Playland is 914-813-7010.