What Shotwell Memorial Park offers anglers

Shotwell Memorial Park sits on the north shore of Long Island in Port Washington, Queens, and provides direct access to Manhasset Bay. The park is a small municipal facility with a fishing pier that extends into the bay, making it one of the few public shoreline spots in the area where you can fish without a boat. The pier draws striped bass, bluefish, and seasonal flounder, depending on the time of year and water temperature.

The park itself is modest — a few acres with parking, restrooms, and picnic tables — but the fishing pier is the main draw. It's a working waterfront area, so conditions can be crowded during peak season and early morning hours. The pier is open to the public year-round, though winter access can be limited by weather and maintenance.

Key Takeaways

  • Shotwell Memorial Park's fishing pier extends into Manhasset Bay and is open to the public without a permit, though you will need a New York State fishing license.
  • Spring and fall bring the most consistent action, with striped bass and bluefish moving through the bay during migration periods.
  • The pier is accessible by car with free parking, and the park has restrooms and picnic facilities on-site.
  • Early morning and evening hours produce better results than midday, and tides matter significantly in this shallow bay system.

Seasons and what fish are present

Spring (April through May) is when striped bass move into Manhasset Bay on their spawning run. Water temperatures climb from the 50s to the 60s, and the pier sees steady action from dawn until mid-morning. Live baitfish — bunker, herring, and mullet — work well, as do soft plastics in natural colors. Bluefish arrive later in spring and stay through early summer.

Summer (June through August) can be hit-or-miss. Water temperatures reach the low 70s, and fish often move to deeper water or stay active only at dawn and dusk. Flounder fishing picks up in July and August, particularly on the incoming tide. Daytime fishing is generally slow unless you're targeting flounder in the deeper channels near the pier.

Fall (September through November) brings the second major migration. Striped bass and bluefish return as water cools, and this period often produces the heaviest catches of the year. October is typically the peak month. Winter (December through March) is quieter; some anglers fish for striped bass on mild days, but consistent action is limited.

Access, parking, and facilities

Shotwell Memorial Park is located at 14 Willow Lane, Port Washington, Queens. There is free parking on-site, though spaces fill quickly during weekends and early morning hours. The park has public restrooms and picnic tables, making it convenient for a half-day outing. There is no bait shop at the park itself, so bring your own tackle or stop at a local shop before arriving.

The pier is accessible by foot from the parking area and is open during daylight hours. The walk is short and flat. During winter months or after storms, the park may close the pier temporarily for maintenance or safety reasons, so it's worth calling ahead if you're making a long drive. The nearest tackle shops are in Port Washington and Great Neck, both within a few miles.

Regulations and licensing

You must have a valid New York State fishing license to fish at Shotwell Memorial Park. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish infrequently.

Size and possession limits follow New York State regulations. Striped bass have a 19-inch minimum length and a daily limit of one fish per angler (this limit changes periodically, so check the DEC website before you go). Bluefish have an 8-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Flounder have a 12.5-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. These regulations are enforced, and violations carry fines.

Tides and timing for better fishing

Manhasset Bay is a tidal system, and fishing success depends heavily on tide stage. The incoming tide generally produces better results than the outgoing tide, particularly for striped bass and flounder. Plan your visit around the tide tables — the first two hours of the incoming tide and the hour before high tide are typically the most productive windows.

Early morning (one hour before sunrise through mid-morning) is consistently better than midday. The pier can get crowded by 8 or 9 a.m. on weekends, but the fish are also more active. Evening fishing (two hours before sunset through dusk) is the second-best window, though the pier may be less crowded. Avoid midday unless you're specifically targeting flounder in deeper water.

What to bring and how to fish

Bring a medium-action spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound braided line or monofilament. For striped bass and bluefish, use live baitfish (bunker, herring, or mullet) on a simple rig with a single hook, or cast soft plastics like 4- to 5-inch shads in white, pearl, or chartreuse. For flounder, use small live baitfish or squid on a bottom rig with a sinker heavy enough to hold in the current.

Bring a net if you plan to land larger fish from the pier — the pier height makes it difficult to land a 20-pound striped bass by hand. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot fish movement in the shallow water. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat; the pier offers no shade. If you're fishing in spring or fall, bring a light jacket because mornings can be cool even when the water is warming.

Nearby alternatives if Shotwell is crowded

If Shotwell is too crowded or conditions are poor, several other public access points exist on Long Island's north shore. Sands Point Preserve offers shoreline access and similar species, though it requires a day-use pass. Hempstead Harbor Park in Great Neck has a small pier and beach access. Both are within 10 miles of Shotwell and fish the same bay system.

For a different environment, Flushing Bay and Jamaica Bay to the south offer different species composition and less crowding, though they require a short drive. If you want to fish deeper water and don't have a boat, charter boats operate out of Port Washington and offer half-day and full-day trips to offshore grounds where larger striped bass and other species are found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fish at Shotwell Memorial Park?

You do not need a park permit, but you must have a valid New York State fishing license. The license is inexpensive and can be purchased online or at most sporting goods stores. A one-day license is available if you fish only occasionally.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise through mid-morning) is the most productive window. Evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) is the second-best time. Midday fishing is generally slow unless you're targeting flounder in deeper water near the pier.

Can I fish here in winter?

Yes, but action is limited. Some anglers fish for striped bass on mild winter days, but consistent catches are rare. The pier may close temporarily after storms or for maintenance, so call ahead if you're planning a winter trip.

What should I use for bait?

Live baitfish — bunker, herring, or mullet — work best for striped bass and bluefish. For flounder, use small live baitfish or squid on a bottom rig. Soft plastic shads in natural colors also produce well for striped bass and bluefish. Bring your own tackle or stop at a local shop before arriving, as there is no bait shop at the park.

Is there parking at the park?

Yes, free parking is available on-site, though spaces fill quickly during weekends and early morning hours. The park also has public restrooms and picnic tables. Arrive early if you're fishing during peak season.