With many of New York City's summer attractions still closed due to the pandemic, there are still fun things you can get out and do with your family, while staying close to home.

Summer is finally here, and it's a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors, especially when fishing in Van Cortlandt Park.

"Honestly, I forgot what was happening while I was fishing out here; it's a really, really great escape,” says Amanda Goldstein, Urban Park Ranger.

One may not usually associate the bustling Bronx with fishing but think again! Van Cortlandt Lake spans 18 acres and is home to largemouth bass, carp, yellow perch and more. It's an ideal spot for catch and release fishing in the city.

"It's definitely something that's easy and fun to do it just takes some patience,” says Lana Weinstein, Urban Park Ranger.

To get started, people heading to the park will need a fishing license, which can be purchased online through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Park rangers say one thing to make sure of when fishing is to fish with barbless hooks, as they cause fewer fish injuries.

Urban Park Rangers also say catch and release ensures that the lake continues to have fish and is sustained throughout the year.

While official park fishing programs remain canceled, parkgoers can still grab a pole and go fishing on the lake.