New York State Sen. Monica R. Martinez will host a Children’s Snapper Derby at Captree State Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, in partnership with the New York Coalition for Recreational Fishing (NYCRF).  This free event will give children an opportunity to spend a day outdoors, learning the basics of recreational fishing and, hopefully, landing a catch or two of their own.

Children participating in the derby will be provided with fishing rods and bait at no cost.  Adults must accompany children for the duration of the event, and space is limited, so advance registration is required.

“Teach a child to fish, and you’ll get them hooked on the outdoors for life,” said Sen. Monica R. Martinez.  “We hope this derby will reel in the next generation of anglers who will grow up loving Long Island’s waters and go on to protect these local coastal treasures as adults.”

Long Island’s coastline makes recreational fishing a natural part of life on the Island, offering opportunities for anglers of all ages to enjoy its bays, harbors and surrounding waters.  In addition to being a popular hobby, recreational fishing is also an important economic activity across New York.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, saltwater anglers take approximately 4 million fishing trips each year and spend more than $1 billion on the sport.

The New York Coalition for Recreational Fishing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting recreational fishing, preserving marine resources and expanding fishing access.  The organization also sponsors children’s snapper derbies and other events designed to lure new anglers to the water.

Children’s Snapper Derby Details

DATE: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026

TIME: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Captree Fuel Bait and Tackle at Captree State Park

3500 East Ocean Parkway, Babylon, New York 11757

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This event is free, but space is limited and reservations are required Please visit www.tinyurl.com/SD4-2026-SNAPPER to sign up.

For questions, please contact Sen. Martinez’s office at 631-341-7111 or SD4events@nysenate.gov.