10. Maritime culture is still alive and well in Sheepshead Bay
Sheepshead Bay hosts some of Brooklyn’s largest bait and tackle stores, including Bernie’s on Emmons Avenue. Open for over five decades, Bernie’s has one of the borough’s largest selections of fishing rods, reels, and fishing tackle, including live eels, worms, and shiners. Down the street from Bernie’s is Stella Maris Bait & Tackle, which has been open since 1947. The store includes a wide selection of fishing poles, traps and nets, filet knives, and gear for amateurs and professionals alike. The store’s name comes from the Latin for Star of the Sea, a name for the Virgin Mary.
Sheepshead Bay also offers a selection of maritime activities including the Sea Queen VII. The fishing boat offers half-day and night excursions for experienced fishermen and inexperienced people looking to learn. Marilyn Jean Fishing, which also departs from Emmons Avenue, departs on daily fishing trips to areas such as Rockaway Beach, Jamaica Bay, and Sandy Hook. Trips run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and the boat also is available for private fishing charters or sightseeing tours. There are a handful of other fishing boats including Capt. Dave Fishing, the Midnight Fleet, and RockFish Charters.
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