On the Hook: Family Fishing with Macy’s + Prospect Park Alliance

Growing up in Chicago, fishing wasn’t something that my family did.

Amusement parks, zoos and backyard BBQs were our summer activities of choice. But, even for a city girl like me, I’ve always wanted to go fishing.

Thanks to Macy’s, a couple of weeks ago I was able to cross the leisure sport off my bucket list!

The brand invited my family and me to an afternoon of fishing at The Lake Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The pop-up catch-and-release class was a media-only event to celebrate the company’s partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance.

Prospect Park Alliance Macy's Fishing Clinic. Photo by Emily Hawkins (47)

Since my husband had never gone fishing either, it was the perfect opportunity for us to learn the ins and outs of fishing as a family. The instructor showed us how to bait and hook, as well as provided us with tips on the best ways to catch an unsuspecting pumpkinseed sunfish or largemouth bass. My 6-year-old daughter and nearly 3-year-old son were excited because in their minds, they were going to catch “Nemo” and release him back into the ocean. After an hour or so of applying all of the tips and tricks the instructor gave us, we eventually decided to call it quits.

Prospect Park Alliance Macy's Fishing Clinic. Photo by Emily Hawkins (20)

Prospect Park Alliance Macy's Fishing Clinic. Photo by Emily Hawkins (17)

Although we were unsuccessful in finding “Nemo,” it was a wonderful family bonding moment that I’ll forever cherish. And now that I know that Prospect Park Alliance offers fishing, we’ll be sure to flex our fishing skills again next summer!

If you’re in the Brooklyn area, click here to see if they’re offering classes before summer’s end.

Have you and your family ever gone fishing? If so, please share any strategic tips!