Yes, you can fish from NYC islands — and yes, you need a license.

Unless you’re under 16, it’s the same as fishing anywhere else in the state. A New York State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, whether you’re casting from a pier, a shoreline, or an island in the East River.

Most public islands in NYC — like Governors Island, Roosevelt Island, or the smaller ones in the harbor — allow fishing in designated areas. Just don’t expect to fish off Liberty Island or Ellis Island without a special permit; those are national park sites with their own rules.

If you’re 16 or over and fishing from the shore (not a licensed charter), you need a license. They’re cheap and easy online, and the fines for not having one aren’t worth the gamble.

Don’t get caught without it. The fine is bigger than the cost of the license.