Examples of Rod and Reels to be used in the East River/Hudson River, Surf, Jamaica Bay and Freshwater. 

Gear links below earn a commission and directly support Bob Aquatic

NYC East River/ Hudson Piers and Jamaica Bay

Jigging World Nexus JW-NEX703S-MH 1-4oz Travel Rod -Link

Shimano Spheros 3000 Reel -Link

Power Pro Super Slick V2 20lb Braid Aqua Green -Link

Daiwa 20lb Flourocarbon Leader -Link

This setup will cover most bottom fishing and lures but you will want to increase your line to 30-50lb if you are targeting Striped Bass/Bluefish. The advantage of the travel rod is it is easier to take on the subway. This setup is also light enough to have fun with all the other bottom fish like Porgy, Tautog and Sea Bass.

The Rockaways, Surf and Inlets

Jigging World Onyx Surf 9’ Medium - Link

Shimano Spheros 5000 Reel -Link

Power Pro Super Slick V2 30lb Braid Aqua Green -Link

Daiwa 30lb Flourocarbon Leader -Link

This setup is fairly light weight but you can catch big fish with it. If you are targeting Striped Bass and Bluefish around rocks and structure I would increase your leader to 40-50lb. 

Freshwater Lakes and Ponds

Beginner/Casual Fishing Setup:

Ugly Stik GX2 Rod and Reel Combo - Link

Berkley Trilene XL 10lb Mono Line - Link

This is two piece setup is easy to get around the city and is pretty affordable. I've owned a bunch of ugly stiks over the years and the price can't be beat for the value. You can fish the parks with the 10lb and get away with no leader. Its a pretty great introductory way to see if you even like fishing. 

Smoother setup, lighter and will last a long time:

Shimano Sedona FL 1000 - Link

Shimano SLX Freshwater Spinning - Link

Power Pro Super Slik V2 10lb Braid - Link

Daiwa 10lb Flourocarbon - Link

This is still budget friendly but with a little bit of a smoother feel. No stretch on the braid but the Sedona has a smooth drag. Overall this setup is fun for bass, panfish and carp. You can even do some inshore saltwater with it if you are careful keeping the reel clean. Fun for fluke in the bays in the Summer. 

Ultralight Panfish Setup:

G Loomis GCX Lite Panfish 5' - Link

Shimano Vanford 500 Reel - Link

Power Pro 8lb Braid - Link

Daiwa 6lb Flourocarbon - Link

Ultralight fishing in the NYC parks is a good time. Finesse fishing is also more effective in pressured water like NYC. You can make short trips too, just a couple hours fishing nearby at your local pond. The G loomis setup is great for trout in the streams right outside the city too.