Photo byPaulo PescadaonUnsplash

In the bustling, pizza-smelling, and sky-scraper-filled world of New York, you'd hardly expect to find a troop of kids who love nothing more than to cast their lines into the shimmering blue waters. But, believe it or not, they do exist! They're known as the "Fish-Whispering Rugrats of the Empire State." Meet Finn, their fearless leader. He's a chubby-cheeked, freckle-faced, ten-year-old with glasses so big they could double as satellite dishes. Funnily enough, Finn isn't a big fan of fish to eat. "They're too squiggly," he says, scrunching up his nose. But, when it comes to fishing, Finn is the young king of the Hudson. Finn and the gang don their fishing caps, grab their poles, and journey out to the city's rivers, lakes, and streams every chance they get. They brave the giant, growling New York City taxis, dart past street performers juggling flaming torches, and even navigate through the wilds of Central Park to find the perfect fishing spot. They're out there come rain or shine, snow or sleet, looking for that next big catch. And when they're not out reeling in fishy friends, these pint-sized anglers are busy inventing new and goofy fishing techniques. There's the "Bagel Bait," where they use leftover NYC bagels as lures. Or the "Statue Still," where they stand as still as the Statue of Liberty hoping not to scare the fish. And let's not forget the "Subway Shimmy," a dance that apparently makes the worms wriggle extra enticingly! So, next time you find yourself in the Empire State, keep your eyes peeled for Finn and his fish-whispering companions, turning the city's waterways into their own adventurous fishing tales.