Had a day off work last week so my wife and I decided to head to NYC and act like tourists. We dropped off the kids at school and picked up breakfast, then headed to the bus stop to catch a ride to the Big Apple. Fifteen minutes later and we are at the Port Authority. Next, we take the A train to Columbus Circle, were heading to Central Park for a stroll.

Central Park is amazing so much to see and enjoy. The park is 40 acres and extends from 59th to 110th Street. The park has seven bodies of water–the Central Park Pond, Turtle Pond, the Reservoir, the Pool, Harlem Meer, the Central Park Lake, and Conservatory Water

Out of the seven bodies of water three allow catch and release fishing: The Harlem Meer, The pond, and The lake. (one of my goals for 2022 is to come back and fish all three bodies of water)

After exploring Central park and taking pictures we walked down 5th Ave to “Window shop”. Fifth Avenue has been the focal point of shopping luxury in New York for some time.

Fishy Art Display

While on 5th Ave, we came across an awesome and colorful window art gallery. But the one that interested me was the exhibition that displayed “Fish.”

Orvis NYC – Urban Angler – Capitol Fishing Tackle Company

Next on the list to do? Visit the tackle shops in midtown NYC.

The first stop is Orvis NYC. (489 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017) I always enjoy browsing Orvis. The clothing dept is stylish and of excellent quality. But what excites me is the fishing stuff.

Took the time to test cast a new rod. “Orvis PractiCaster” is a nice little rod to practice your cast when stuck indoors.

After touching pretty much everything in the store I walked out with a cup and new gloves.

Next stop:

Urban Angler — 381 5th Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016

This shop has such an interesting entrance. You walk into an office building, then take an elevator to the second floor, once the elevator doors open, step out and you are in the shop. (video below)

Urban Angler shop carries everything the fly fisherman would need, rods, reels, fly lines, bags, flies, tying material, and more. All top-of-the-line brands.

I picked up the Redington practice fly rod for my kids — (which my son enjoys using) and I am glad I did. (The Redington practice rod is not an indoor casting tool)

If you are ever in NYC, make sure to visit this unique fly shop. https://www.urbanangler.com/

Capitol Fishing Tackle Company — 132 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018

Last but not least, Capitol fishing shop. (It’s not a fly shop) Did you know it’s America’s oldest tackle shop? Established in 1897.

My first visit to Capitol fishing shop was in 1998 at its old location, west 23rd street. (wow, that was a long time ago)

On our visit, the shop was closed. And the famous Letter Sign was gone. Are they closed for good or moved to another location? I am not sure.

Well, that wraps up our adventure of midtown NYC and tackle shops.

Tight lines.