What You'll Find at Goldsmith Inlet Park

Goldsmith Inlet Park is a small public park on the north shore of Long Island in Port Washington, Queens, offering direct access to Little Neck Bay. The inlet itself is shallow and narrow, making it a reliable spot for striped bass, bluefish, and flounder during their seasonal runs. The park sits at the mouth of a tidal inlet, which concentrates baitfish and predators, especially during the transitions between high and low tide.

The park is best known among local anglers for its structure: rocky outcroppings, pilings from old docks, and a natural channel that holds fish year-round. Because it's a small, neighborhood-managed park rather than a major public fishing destination, it draws fewer crowds than larger Long Island Sound access points, which can mean better conditions during peak season.

Key Takeaways

  • Goldsmith Inlet Park offers saltwater access to Little Neck Bay with rocky structure that holds striped bass, bluefish, and flounder.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, with striped bass moving through the inlet during their migrations.
  • The park has limited parking and no facilities, so plan accordingly and bring what you need for the day.
  • Tidal movement is critical here—fish feed most actively during the first two hours of incoming or outgoing tide.
  • New York State saltwater fishing regulations apply; no license is required, but size and bag limits vary by species and season.

Seasons and What Species to Target

Spring (April through May) brings the first major run of striped bass moving through Little Neck Bay toward spawning grounds. Fish in the 18- to 28-inch range are common, and they feed aggressively as water temperatures climb. Live baitfish—bunker, herring, or mullet—work best during this window, though small plugs and soft plastics also produce.

Summer (June through August) slows considerably at Goldsmith Inlet. Water temperatures rise, and larger striped bass move into deeper channels offshore. Bluefish remain present and can be caught on small metal lures or live bait, but the inlet becomes less predictable. Many local anglers shift focus to other venues during these months.

Fall (September through November) is the second peak season. Striped bass return as they migrate south, and bluefish are aggressive as they feed heavily before winter. Flounder also move into the inlet during October and November, and they respond well to live spot or small mullet fished on the bottom near the rocky structure.

Winter (December through March) is slow but not impossible. Striped bass are present but less active, and the inlet can be rough and cold. A few dedicated anglers fish here during mild spells, but most move to sheltered bays or wait for spring.

Access, Parking, and Park Rules

Goldsmith Inlet Park is located at the end of Goldsmith Lane in Port Washington, Queens. Parking is extremely limited—there are only a handful of spaces, and they fill quickly on weekends and during good fishing conditions. Arrive early or plan to park on nearby residential streets, though be aware of local parking restrictions.

The park itself has no restrooms, no concessions, and no shade structures. There is a small paved area where you can stand to fish, and access to the water is direct but can be slippery, especially at low tide. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The park is open during daylight hours; fishing is permitted from shore only.

The inlet is tidal, and water levels change dramatically. At low tide, exposed rocks and mudflats appear, which can limit where you can fish. At high tide, the water rises significantly and covers much of the rocky structure. Plan your visit around tide times—incoming tide generally produces better fishing than outgoing, though both can be productive.

Tackle and Bait That Work Here

For striped bass, live bait is the most reliable choice. Bunker (menhaden), herring, and mullet all work well, fished on a simple rig with a sliding sinker and a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook. If you prefer casting, small plugs (3 to 4 inches) and soft plastics in natural colors—white, pearl, or olive—are effective, especially during low-light conditions.

Bluefish respond to faster presentations. Small metal lures (spoons or diamond jigs in the 1/2- to 1-ounce range) cast and retrieved steadily will draw strikes. Live bait also works, but bluefish are aggressive enough that artificials often outproduce.

Flounder fishing requires a different approach. Use live spot or small mullet fished on the bottom near rocky areas. A simple two-hook rig with a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom in the current works well. Flounder bite gently, so use a sensitive rod and watch for subtle taps rather than hard strikes.

Bring more tackle than you think you'll need. The rocky structure snags lures regularly, and losing gear is part of fishing here. Heavier sinkers (1 to 2 ounces) help you hold bottom during strong tidal flow.

Tides and Timing

Tidal movement is the single most important factor at Goldsmith Inlet. The inlet is narrow and shallow, which means tidal current can be strong, and fish concentrate in predictable places as water moves in and out. The first two hours of incoming tide typically produce the best fishing, as baitfish are pushed into the inlet and predators follow.

Check tide tables for Port Washington or Little Neck Bay before you go. Slack tide (the brief period between incoming and outgoing) is often slow. Plan to fish the hour before and two hours after the tide begins to move. If you can only fish one tide, choose the incoming tide during daylight hours.

Water clarity varies with tide and weather. After heavy rain, runoff can cloud the water and slow fishing. Clearer water during neap tides (smaller tidal range) can also be slower than the stronger movement during spring tides (larger range).

New York State Regulations and Licensing

No saltwater fishing license is required in New York State for shore fishing. However, size and bag limits apply to all species. Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per angler (as of the most recent regulation; check the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website before you fish, as limits change). Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Flounder have a 12.5-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit.

Regulations can change year to year, and some restrictions vary by season or region. The DEC website (dec.ny.gov) has current rules. Carry a measuring device and know the limits for the species you're targeting.

What Makes Goldsmith Inlet Different

Goldsmith Inlet is not a destination for anglers traveling from far away. It's a local spot that rewards people who fish it regularly and learn its rhythms. The rocky structure and tidal inlet create consistent holding areas, which means experienced local anglers often outfish visitors who don't understand the timing and placement.

The small size and limited parking also mean it can be crowded during peak conditions, but it's rarely mobbed the way larger public access points are. If you live in or near Port Washington, it's worth learning. If you're visiting Long Island and looking for a quick saltwater session, there are larger, more accessible parks with better facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Goldsmith Inlet?

Fish the first two hours of incoming tide during daylight. If you can only fish one session, choose incoming tide in the early morning or late afternoon. Slack tide (the transition between incoming and outgoing) is usually slow.

Can I fish here at night?

The park is open during daylight hours only. Night fishing is not permitted. Plan your visits for dawn, morning, or afternoon sessions.

Do I need a boat to fish Goldsmith Inlet?

No. Fishing is from shore only. The park provides direct access to the water from a small paved area, though the rocks can be slippery, especially at low tide.

What should I do if I can't find parking?

Arrive early, especially on weekends. If the park lot is full, you can park on nearby residential streets, but check for posted restrictions. Some anglers fish at different times of day or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Are there other fishing spots nearby if Goldsmith Inlet is too crowded?

Yes. Port Washington has other public access points, and the north shore of Long Island has several parks and piers within a short drive. Manhasset Bay and other nearby bays offer similar saltwater fishing for striped bass and bluefish.