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(Fishermen's Frequently Asked Questions )
This page is devoted to answering any questions you might have about the great fishing opportunities on the Hudson River. Just send in any questions you might like answered to the HRFANJ question forum and we will try to get an answer from a club member who is in the know.
Bunker can be found in many of the marinas and inlets throughout the lower harbor.
The Military Terminal down by Robbins Reef is always a good spot. The Morris
Canal is another. The barges by the Jersey Flats always have bunker around them.
Chas <'////><
The 5-gallon pail should keep them alive. Bunker are pretty hearty fish. An
aerated livewell would work the best, but if a bucket is all you have, keep
refreshing the water. They should stay alive for quite some time with fresh
oxygenated water. They are not as fragile as the herring up river.
Chas <'////><
I will say this.fresh bunker is great bait, but.Many members do well with frozen
bunker. To be honest.I've been fishing the Hudson for about 15 years and have never
used a live bunker as bait. I've tried to catch them by getting down river at
sunrise, tried snagging them, tried throwing a cast net meant for other baitfish with no
luck other than bad. I have never caught a fish on a live bunker. Other members
have. I hear it's good bait. Moe Mazzilli, from Moe's Tackle in Jersey City,
uses tiny treble hooks to live line a bunker and does very well. I find it easier to
buy the bunker fresh frozen at the local tackle shops.
I'll sleep the extra hour and buy my bait. I would not be worried if you do not have
live bunker on your boat. I have caught hundreds of twenty-pound stripers and have
yet to catch one on a live bunker. Live eels.now that's another story.
Chas <'////><
Chas is Charles Stamm. That's me. I joined the HRFA after fishing Harriman State
Park and the Beaverkill and the Ramapo River for years. All the local
spots.Greenwood Lake, Hopatcong, the Delaware.you know all the spots. I got tired of
walking these streams for hours and catching 10-inch fish. My fly line was caught in
the trees, I was up at sunrise, tired and cold. It was also embarrassing to have to
keep telling my wife the same stories."Skunked Again.One Fish.Skunked again!"
She kept saying to me "I don't get it? Why do you bother?"
Then I got turned on to the Hudson River. The fish were bigger, fought
harder, and I didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn. These fish bite all
hours of the day! Life is good! I was using the same tackle as the
freshwater stuff (that's all I had) and catching much bigger fish. I was
hooked.
I got turned on to the Hudson River Fishermen's Association and started going to
their meetings. The exchange of information on tactics and techniques accelerated my
education on catching fish ten fold. While fishing with my friends, I was only going
by my ideas and the ideas of one or two other guys. Very limited. With the HRFA, I
was exposed to 50 ideas. Each meeting I picked up one or two new tactics. One
or two new spots to try. I felt so confident, in 1989 I did a show for ESPN called
the Fishin' Hole with Gerry McKinnis called "Manhattan Stripers." I am
rather proud that he considers it one of his best shows. It reruns about twice a
year. We did the David Letterman show that same year. A couple of years later
we did an article for Salt Water Sportsman. Again fishing Manhattan waters for striped bas
and blues. I soon became a director of the HRFA and eventually president of the
club. My three year term has ended and I still remain on the board of directors.
Currently am working on setting up this web site and promoting the positive aspects of the
Hudson River.
I also own an auto parts store in Teaneck, NJ and if you want to talk fishing.come on
down. The name of the store is the Parts Place and it's at 1168 Teaneck Road in
Teaneck.
We talk fishing all day long.
Chas <'////><
The HRFA NJ is the New Jersey Chapter of the Hudson River fishermen's Association.
We are a group of recreational anglers who make active use of the Hudson River
Estuary, the New York bite, and the surrounding water systems. We are concerned with
the present and future state of these fisheries.
Our objectives are to encourage the responsible use of aquatic resources and protection of
habitat.
We were formed 30 years ago with the sole idea of defending the Hudson River and
protecting the striped bass. The early days of the original HRFA in New York had the
Association defending the river against municipal and industrial polluters. Among
the largest opponents were Con Edison, General Electric, Penn Central, Exxon, and many
others along with municipalities along the shores of the Hudson River. The
Hudson River was seen by these industries as an economical disposal ground. Their actions
would affect the quality of the water, and the life within that water, for generations to
come.
The struggle goes on today. General Electric is still dragging its feet to clean up
the more than 2 million pounds of PCBs it deliberately dumped into the Hudson River.
Antiquated sewage systems still dump into the River. The New Jersey chapter is actively
involved with various public awareness programs and projects that include fish tagging,
public access, the Hudson River Walkway Project, and habitat protection.
Our Hooked on the Hudson Educational series of Seminars is in its 14th year of informing
the people that this River is worth fighting for. In addition the club keeps its members
informed and continually updated on laws, pending legislation, or any issue that might
concern our sport.
If you would like to become involved, come join us! You're always welcome.
Chas <'////><
The best time to catch stripers?..good question..
Time of day.
Doesn't matter. I've gotten up before dawn and didn't catch fish till nine am.
It's more currents than time of day. Low light conditions help but moving
water is essential. When the current slacks..have lunch.
Time of year.
The spring run is best for the up river anglers. There are reports of perhaps
7 to 10 million striped bass in the Hudson during the spring spawning run. I tend to
leave them alone while they spawn. Let them do their thing. I'll try and catch
them when they're done.
My area of expertise is in the lower harbor. The lower harbor has a great spring
run and an even better fall run. April through June has the big bass moving up river
and September, October, and November has the bass traveling through again following the
baitfish along with the warmer water, south.
Don't forget fish are like people. Some mature faster than others. Some are
smarter than others. Some spawn earlier and some later. These spring and fall
runs last for many weeks with the different schools moving through. The lower harbor
also offers other species like weakfish, fluke, flounder, blackfish, and blues throughout
the rest of the year. The other thing I want to point out is that the Hudson is an
estuary. A spawning area. The striped bass spend the first five years of their
lives in the river. Up to about 25 inches or so. Give or take and inch or two.
Those (we call schoolies) are catchable all year round. I have also had good
catches of bass up to twenty pounds in December and 17 pounds in March. These bigger fish
are the exceptions in those winter months. For the most part, there is not enough
baitfish around during the winter months to sustain the bio-mass of the larger fish so
they usually follow the bait fish, who are more sensitive to changes in water
temperatures, south. Some fish will hang around the warm water outflows of the
numerous power plants we have in our area all winter long. Again mostly schoolies up
to 25 inches or so, but still fun to catch.
The Best Tide?..
It depends on the location. Some of my spots produce better on an incoming tide and
others an outgoing tide. The difference is direction of current and how it relates
to the bottom. The thing to do is try each potential spot on each tide. I
think the main thing is to fish the currents. Our Hudson was known to the early
Indians as "Muhekannuk." It means great waters that flow in both
directions. The striped bass is an ambush predator. It has broad fins and a
wide broad tail. Its body shape is conducive to being in control in heavy currents.
Much different from that of a Bluefish with a streamlined body and forked tail for speed
and out running it's prey. The striped bass will sit in ambush areas where, in a
heavy current, a weaker baitfish is out of control for just an instance and it's history.
Find that location, one with a bit of current, a bit of bottom structure, and
you've got your spot. Don't forget to try that same spot in different current
directions. What produces on one tide may not produce on an opposite tide.
See you on the water,
Chas <'////><
This question comes from Norm Andreasen:
Have you heard about a scheduled opening for the ramp at the George Washington Bridge???
Are they still trying for May 1st??
It would be great if some organization could be applied to Hazards ramp. It could be as
easy as some painted lines on the parking lot indicating loading and staging areas and a
simple posted sign or diagram. That place is a nightmare sometimes.
I have spoken with Rich Olsen of the PIP and he informs me that the ramp should be open by
Memorial Day 1999. They will try and keep the road to the ramp open while they
continue the constrruction at the Ross Dock area. The construction of the Ross dock
area is expected to continue for another year.
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I have also suggested to the PIP that they put up a sign which would show staging areas, along with loading and unloading areas for boat owners before the get on to the ramp. He said that was a good idea but I think that was as far as it got. I will continue to push for a sign to be posted.
Chas <'////><
HRFA NJ
To reply or ask a related question click here the
HRFANJ Question Forum
WOULD I BE ABLE TO
DRIVE MY 15' ALUM STARCRAFT WITH 50 HP EVINRUDE UNDER THAT TRAIN BRIDGE AT SPUYTEN
DUYVIL AND TOTALLY AROUND MANHATTAN. WILL EAST RIVER CURRENTS BE THAT STRONG
AND WILL HARLEM RIVER BE DEEP ENOUGH AT ALL TIDES ?
THANKS
MICK DELLA VALLE
ALBANY,NY
Mike,
YES...To all your questions.
We use a 19 foot Sea Nymph and have no problem at Spuyten Duyvil at any tide. During
a new or full moon you may have to lower your rods and remove your radio antenna but you
will still have no problem getting under. The Harlem and East Rivers can also be
navagated at all tides. In fact the Circle Line travels the same waters you are
questioning. They use a much bigger boat than your Starcraft. For many years I
fished out of a 16 foot Starcraft. It's perfect for fishing and traveling around
Manhattan Island.
The Amtrack Bridge, at Sputen Duyvil, for those
interested is the lowest bridge on the circle of bridges around Manhattan Island.
For bigger boats the bridge will open on command by requesting a bridge opening on channel
13. The bridge is manned 24 hours a day. This bridge is located just above the
George Washington bridge and is where the Harlem River flows into the Hudson. There
are no other bridges around Manhattan which would give anyone problems.
This is also the main navigation route if
you're traveling from the upper Hudson to the Long Island Sound. Just take the Harlem
River south and make a left at Hellgate.
Charles Stamm <'////><
HRFA NJ
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
Do you have sturgeon pictures
or tips????
Sturgeon of the Hudson River are a protected species. There used to be quite a
healthy population of strurgeon in the Hudson. They were fished in deep holes up
river. Only a few permits were issued. Now you can't fish for them at all.
It's probably best you don't anyway. These creatures live for a hundred years.
It would seem a crime if you cut short that life. We do see them each spring
breeching like whales. We would be fishing and a huge 6 or 7 foot creature would
come up out of the water and come crashing down with a tremendous splash. We have
had several members catch them by accident. Some quite large. We have one of
the photos posted on our site. It's in the "Fish Pictures" section under
the "Three Amigos." These three members were trolling for some springtime
bluefish and snagged more than one
strugeon, out by the Vz. Bridge. Other members have caught some smaller ones from
the Alpine and Englewood Boat Basin. Again during the spring time. I'm thinking this
is the spawning season for them and they are traveling down river.
The commercial value of these majestic creatures is the eggs. It seems a shame to
kill this fish for it's eggs. (caviar).
My tip?...Leave them alone.
Chas Stamm <'////><
HRFA NJ
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HRFANJ Question Forum
Do you know if the railroad is
allowing fisherman to cross the tracks anywhere on the Hudson. I had heard that there was
a big argument going on about people being fined or arrested for fishing on the river side
of the tracks. I am interested in finding out if it is legal to do in Westchester or
Dutches counties. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again. Ken.
Ken,
Your question was forwarded to John Vargo of the Boating on the
Hudson Magazine.
John tells us that all seems to be quiet, right now in
regards to the access question but that situation can change. Metro North and
Conrail, a few months ago were arresting fishermen for crossing their tracks in an effort
to get to the River. The River which you own. The tracks they own.
A meeting was held with the officials of the
state, Metro North, Conrail, and the fishermen. Not much was accomplished other than
airing out of each others' feelings.
If you want to fish in a shore based location,
you can go to Croton, NY...cross over the tracks in front of the Croton Yacht Club, turn
right and follow the dirt road to the north. This looks like Railroad yard property
but is owned by the Village of Croton. There is no problem fishing here. It is
almost a mile long. You can park your car right where you want to fish.
The fish are there now! - John Vargo
It was also forwarded to John Cronin the "RiverKeeper" here on the
Hudson. Here is his reply:
On Metro North, the railroad has stated to me that north of the electrified portion
fishermen would not be chased as long as they are not drunk or acting crazy. Even
so, the matter ultimately is in the hands of individual cops. So, mistakes will
happen. But I should be contacted if someone is being harassed.
914-424-4149. In the meantime, any fisherman who has a specific idea about fishing
access points should contact me as well.
John Cronin
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What's available for fly fishing
in the harbor area? All I hear is bait fishing. Are there any good spots
and what equipment should I use? Is all from boats or any shoreline action?
This question comes from Bob in White Plains and was forwarded to two of our members who
are quite accomplished fly fishermen.
The first response to Bob's question comes from HRFA member Serg Radossi
Fly fishing in the harbor area is not only available; it's viable and fun. But
you may have to endure some strange looks from the unbelievers, but this provides a
measure of fun also.
What equipment should I use?
Equipment; An 8 weight or 9-weight rod and a good saltwater reel provides a good all
round outfit for boat or shore.
A shooting basket is highly recommended, especially for shoreline fishing.
When fishing from a boat, I suggest a weight forward sinking line or an intermediate also
weight forward. I carry both. For shoreline fishing an intermediate line
will handle most situations.
There are places where a running tide requires the use of a fast sinking line. (this
is not recommended unless you're a die-hard)
Flies:
Small (# 2 to 1/0) deceivers, clousers, squid, shrimp and bunker patterns are good
producers. White, yellow, green/white, red/white, etc are productive colors.
Make note of the baits found in the harbor. small is better than big,
the exception being bunker.
Harbor Secret. if you watch the local pros fishing bucktails you will find
that they use the smallest size they can get to the bottom with.
Is it all from boats or is there any shoreline action?
Shore Fishing:
The short answer is, fish anywhere you can get safe, legal access. Please be mindful
of innocent bystanders on the back cast. You will be fishing in a city
environment and people will walk right into your back cast. Safety first, both for
yourself and the spectator.
The piers and bulkheads in and around the harbor hold a lot of fish. Stripers,
blues, weakfish even fluke and blackfish can be had. Just about everything you
can catch outside is available in the harbor at some point.
You will need to get you fly to the bottom or near it. If you're not familiar
with the area's structure, I suggest you fish with conventional/spinning gear using buck
tails in order to learn the snags. Losing bucktails is a lot cheaper than
losing a fly lineand you can wind up losing or damaging fly line(s) in the river.
At night, fish will feed on top just outside the pier lights. This is a good
bet for top water action. This is also where a big fish can surprise you.
I will tell you from experience, that it is near impossible to pull a big
bass out from under a pier, but it's a kick trying to!
Boat Fishing:
You can fish a lot of piers, bulkheads and rock piles in the harbor with a boat. Use the
same techniques as described above. Also check out the flats,
lighthouses and other "fishy looking" places. Your harbor navigational
chart is a good key to fishing spots.
Again, I can not over stress safety and with a boat, good seamanship. Be
mindful of boat traffic! You will be fishing with Ocean Liners, Dinner Boats and
Tugs!. Practice safe boating please! Use the same techniques as described above.
From a boat you have a better shot at top water action. Look for it in the
early morning in the middle of the harbor. The birds will mark the spots just like
when you're fishing outside the harbor. For the most parttop water means
blues.
Note: When fly fishing from a boat you may want to try either side of the slack
tide. It's tough to get to the bottom on a full running tide.
Clousers on a fast sinking line is a good bet.
Are there any good spots?
Yes! (stop by a club meeting and we'll tell you some)
Serg Radossi
PS don't forget your American Littoral Society Tagging kits
The next reply comes from HRFA Member Joe Curvino.
From the shoreline you could try the Piermont pier area in the early mornings or later at
night on a rising tide when the fish come in to the shallows to feed. This is a
wading spot. Chartreuse ,white or black deceivers or clousers should fit the bill. The
line either a floating or an intermediate line. Boat fishing is best achieved when there
is surface feeding and the fish are visible.
There are a lot of articles written in the salt water fly fishing mags. Try to apply their
techniques to your area. This type of fishing requires fast sinking lines and a lot
of patience but the rewards are well worth it .
Hint : try spots that the water is less than 20-25 feet deep and the current is not to
strong, or at the end or begining of the tide drop, this again is a trial and error
condition depending on your area. Keep the faith and you should do well.
Joe Curvino
HRFA NJ
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I was wondering if you could answer a very simple question for me in detail, why you wouldn't eat fish from the Hudson River. Janice
Janice,
Great question! I will try and explain and give you a good reason why you can't eat
fish out of the Hudson river.
The problem of eating fish out of the Hudson is not necessarily unique to the Hudson. It
seems to happen whenever there is a concentration of people. The problem is
pollution. The problem with the Hudson River fish is the toxins. Specifically
PCBs. Polychlorinated-biphenels. PCBs were manufactured by the General
Electric company and it used the Hudson River as an economical dumping ground for it's
toxic waste materials...PCBs. Between 1947 and 1975 the General Electric company
dumped 1.3 million pounds of PCBs into the Hudson from it's two manufacturing plants in
the upper Hudson. One pound of PCBs is enough to infect 500,000 pound of fish.
Without going into too many details, of which there are a lot. The PCBs get into the fish
through a process of bioaccumulation. This means the longer the organism lives the
more it accumulates this toxin. How does it get there? A small microorganism has a
tiny piece of PCB attached to it. It gets eaten by a larger organism. That
organism eats more. Another larger organism eventually eats it. That organism eats
more and eventually it gets eaten and so on up the food chain until eventually it gets to
the baitfish and to the larger fish.
PCBs do not break down. They do not go away. They accumulate in the fatty
tissues and enzymes of the fish. Particularly the striped bass, the premier sport
fish of the Hudson River. If you were to cut away the fatty tissue, cook the fish on
a raised grille, and eat only the fillets, you would be fine. As long as you don't
over do it.
PCBs effect your DNA. Your chromosomes.
They effect your offspring in the form of learning disabilities and growth rate.
In fish, the host is OK. A certain percentage of its offspring will be
effected. Fish reproduce 50,000 eggs at a time. There are thousands of
striped bass in the Hudson each producing that many eggs. A birth defect can go on
in this species for quite some time. In humans, we reproduce at one or two at a
time. At that rate, a twenty or thirty percent chance of your offspring having
learning disabilities is unacceptable. If you are young, and are of child bearing
years, don't take the chance. Buy your fish at the market. If you are older,
you could eat one fish a month out of the Hudson if prepared the way I suggested.
We have been trying to force the General
Electric company to clean up the PCBs it dumped over all those years but to date, they
have spent over $130 million in propaganda and publications along with lawyers fees to
resist the cleanup. They have been using the science that created the problem in the
first place to cloud the issue and delay the cleanup.
This is a multi-billion dollar company.
They have the money and the resources to delay this long overdue cleanup. They have
succeeded for the past thirty years.
The sad part of it is they will probably win.
They have the money to buy the legal system. They people that are fighting
them, are all volunteers. Our treasury is about $5,000. What we do have on our side
is what's right ...what belongs to the people...and a lot of dedicated people trying to
correct a problem created by the largest company in the world...thirty years ago.
We have several articles on G.E. on the environmental page of this web
site. Check out some of the tactics they use to, "spit in your face and tell
you its raining." Clearwater has a great site concerning G.E. and its PCBs as
well. When G.E. dumped its PCBs into the Hudson it not only effected the fish.
It put commercial fishermen out of business. It took away their livelihoods. With
the fish contaminated, tackle shops closed up. Boat rentals closed. Gas docks
had no more fishermen to sell gas to. The soil
was so contaminated from PCBs, marinas could no longer keep there slips clear. They
were prevented from dredging because the soil was too contaminated to dump in the River or
the Ocean. Marinas closed up. In 1974 there were 204 commercial fishermen
making a living in the Hudson
River in NY. Today there are fewer than seven. It all snowballed from G.E.
G.E has not isolated the Hudson River for it's
toxic pollution. It is the number one corporate offender on this nations Superfund
site list. If the environmentalists win in getting G.E. to clean up what it
dumped into the Hudson, all the other sites will follow, resulting in many millions, if
not billions of dollars in cleanup bills.
You see why they are fighting so hard to resist
this cleanup? If they had put the $130 million spent of the lawyer's fees into
actual site restoration, the Hudson would have been cleaned up long ago. There's
more to it than the Hudson.
Why shouldn't you eat the fish in the Hudson, G.E.
Chas Stamm <'////><
Director
HRFA NJ
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
I have been looking in my books for what structure is used for spawning
grounds. Is it rocky, mud, oyster beds, flats, streams? When people catch
stripers from the rocky shores is that because they are feeding? spawning? I know
stripers tend to ambush and are structure orientated, but Croton bay is mud when I pick up
the anchor. No grass, oyster beds--nothing but mud. Do stripers spawn in Croton Bay
or are they just cows on their way up to the Catskills.
From what I know gravel bottoms on warming flats is the grounds
stripers like to spawn in. They are caught in rocky areas not when they are
spawning, but when they are feeding. They body style of the
striped bass (wide pectoral fins and broad tail) makes it conducive for being in control
in heavy currents. Ambushing in heavy currents. Currents that will dis-orient
a bait fish for a moment. The body style of..say a bluefish...is meant for speed.
The streamlined shape and forked tail tells you it's meant to outrun it's prey. Doesn't
feed the same way a striper does.
Croton is a shallow water holding area for
striped bass. The spawning takes place further north. You will catch stripers
at Croton on they're way north. As they pass by, the shallow water warms up sooner
and draws them to it. they soon realize this is not fresh water enough to begin
spawning and start heating further north again. You are right, Croton is just
mud...but shallow, warm mud.
You rarely see charters fishing there. It
happens but for the most part they are all schoolie sized fish hanging out in Croton.
I have never caught a fish more than five pounds off Croton. I have several
reports this year already from members who have gotten 10 pounds already. One got a
14 pounder. These, i think, are rare. Someone will always get a big fish from
somewhere. But, the majority of fish I hear out of Croton are small.
Chas Stamm <'////><
Director
HRFA NJ
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
Since there is this great expense trying to fish
the upper river, can you tell me without giving away your favorite spots, if it is
productive fishing in the harbor during the spring run. Can you catch large cows coming
through the harbor traveling on their way? Do you think any of these cows spawn in the
harbor areas?
The big expense for upriver fishing in the spring is there
because it's the only fishing they have. After the spring run of stripers, all the
charter boats leave. Don't get me wrong, it's great fishing for stripers in the spring,
but it's talked about because it's all they've got. The lower river and harbor area
is alive with fish, and not just stripers.
From March till December. I have caught 17 pound stripers on March 17
and 20 pound stripers on December 8. The lower Harbor also has great bluefish,
weakfish, blackfish, fluke and flounder. These different species keep us occupied
for most of the year. It is so much better in the harbor than up river. There have
been many days when fishing the lower river I would expect to get at least one if not two
20 pound bass each trip. No lie. This would be from late May through the end
of June. Bluefish would run up to 15 pound during the same time. Then the
Weakfish come in under the Vz. Bridge. Fluke are in. September brings the
Stripers and Blues back again and they're here through November.
Chas Stamm <'////><
Director
HRFA NJ
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
Can you catch large cows coming
through the harbor traveling on their way? Do you think any of these cows spawn in the
harbor areas?
The cows do not spawn in the harbor. They are looking for
fresh water to spawn. That takes place further up river. Just follow your
fishing reports from Catskill, Beacon, Newburgh, Saugerties...Those places. That's
where they're spawning.
We have enough cows hanging out in the harbor before and after spawning. They come
down here to fill up on the bunker after they spawn.
Chas Stamm <'////><
Director
HRFA NJ
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
How do you catch herring in the river and use them for
bait?
the Answer comes from HRFA member Nils Eckhart:
Catching herring in the Hudson River to use as bait can be done a few different ways,but
please be aware that it can be a time consuming and sometimes frustrating affair. Because
of this I find it much easier and more efficient to purchase herring,either live or fresh
dead, for my striper fishing.New York State regulations allow anyone with a valid NY
fishing license to take Blueback Herring and Alewives for their personal use as bait in
the Hudson River below the Troy dam including tributaries to the first barrier.
The methods that may be used are as follows;
If you are in an area where you are seeing schools of herring you can catch
them on a light rod using small gold or copper shad darts,beaded hooks or streamer flies.
Sometimes if you allow a hooked herring to "swim" in the current others
will school around it allowing you to catch them with a cast net or long-handled dip
net.This is not easy and requires patience and practice.If you get 1 or 2 per try you are
doing good.
Another method that you can try is to suspend a light over the water at night. The light
will attract the herring,then you can try to catch them with a cast or dip net.This works
best on dark,moonless nights.
Please be aware that herring are difficult to keep alive once caught.You will need a
round or oval livewell with a good aerator.If you use a live well with corners the
herring with get stuck in the corners and suffocate.You should use at least 1 gallon of
water per fish,preferably the same water they were caught in.You will also need to keep
the water temperature constant ,again, preferably the same temperature they caught in.The
addition of water softening salt or kosher salt at about 1 pound per 50 gallons of water
will help keep the herring's flesh firm and scales intact.
The best places to find herring are generally in and around fresh water tributaries.
Good Luck,Good Fishing and please let us know how you make out!
Nils Eckhart
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
I was looking forever for a site about Boat ramps on the
Hudson, 1 year later I find this one, awesome!!!!!!!
I have been to Hazzards launch, and noticed they are Building a brand new one, good news,
but my question is, can you launch there at low tide without problems?
Also, how bad is traffic there usually, I went there one time, and there was no one there,
looked promising, I am gearing up for some river fun, and want to plan now, and just need
to know some basic things to look out for there.
Thanks Dennis Cartolano
Dennis,
Thanks for the kind words on our site. Hope you can use the info.
You can follow the construction progress of Hazzards ramp on our site. The ramp is
scheduled to be finished around Memorial Day 1999. We'll have to see if this
schedule holds up. I started work on the funding for this ramps in 1989!!! Got
the $240,000 for the improvements in 1995. It's been four years waiting for the
P.I.P. to get moving on the project. The contruction on the rest of the Ross Dock
area is supposed to go on for the next two years. We are told they will keep the
road to the ramp open for
boaters.
Your questions are good ones.
Is there a problem at low tide?
There used to be. The old ramp did not go into the water far enough . At low
tide there was a problem. Particularly with float on trailers. There was also
a problem with rocks on the north side of the ramp which was the only place to tie up to.
We hope that will change with the new ramp. The concrete slats will be going
farther into the river and the pitch has been changed.
How bad is the traffic?
As with any ramp the weekends can get, shall we say challenging. Weekdays...no
problem. Putting in to go fishing, Sunday mornings, are also no problem.
The pleasure boaters and jet ski's are not awake yet.
Coming back in, on the weekend, has been, a problem. We usually find a wait to come
back in because the jet skiers and pleasure boats have the ramp all tied up. Many newer
boaters using the ramp often became quite comical as they attempted to launch. Not a
big problem, just some delays.
The lack of a dock to tie up to, again added to the confusion. Loading and unloading
while on the ramp was another procedure that slowed things down.
We ( the HRFA) will be working with the P.I.P. to provide signs to instruct people
how to use the ramp for the most efficiency. Loading areas, unloading areas, pick-up
areas, and cleanup and parking areas will be posted.
The new ramp should be better. We'll have to wait and see.
Thanks for your interest in the Hudson
See you on the water.
Chas Stamm <'////><
To reply or ask a related question click here the
HRFANJ Question Forum
MY QUESTION IS DO FALSE ALBACORE RUN IN THE HUDSON RIVER ?
IF SO WHERE?,WHEN AND WHAT BAIT OR TACKLE DO I NEED
YOUR FREIND AND
HRFA MEMBER ROSARIO MANNINO
Rosario,
Wow...what a question. Not many people even think Albies are even closely related to
the Hudson river. It is true though. False Albacore have been caught in the
lower Hudson. It is rare, but it does happen. In fact they used to be caught
from the shoreline. False Albacore have been caught off
the Caven Point Pier on the Jersey side of the lower harbor. What a kick...catching
small tuna off a pier!
It happens in summer when the Gulf Stream comes in real close and the water warms up but
it is not like a normal run like stripers or bluefish. They would congregate in the
lower harbor for a while, chase some bait, and then move out. Good question
but a rare event. Don't gear up for this species on a regular basis.
The tackle used when they are in is tiny castmasters, shiny trolling lures, and tiny
jigs worked quickly through the schools. Boats chunking for bluefish just
north of the Vz. Bridge have reported catching an occasional false albacore but again it
is rare.
Chas <'////><
HRFA NJ
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
We were hoping that you could provide additional info as to peak times of years
for stripers, bait, etc, etc in Albany area.
Thank you for providing any assistance you can in fishing for stripers
or other fish in Albany area.
Sincerly,
Gene S. Martin-
Master
Tug "Gotham"
The northern reaches of the Hudson has primarily a springtime
striped bass fishery. Springtime is when the big female stripers run up river to
spawn. Although the northen section has it's own resident species, it's more active
in the springtime. We have been getting some reports from several anglers fishing
below the Troy dam. Their reports tell us of using live herring and cut herring
during the springtime run. they also have some large fish being caught. Some
forty pounders. At the same time you can lighten up your tackle and enjoy the great
shad fishing in the same waters at the same time. Just remember, these fish are
there to spawn. Catch and release is an even better idea at this time.
I would suggets checking in at our site during the springtime. We will keep you
posted on the action.
The lower harbor of NYC has more action in the fall. We have stripers, bluefish,
weakfish, blackfish and fluke in our waters.
You can also fish the feeder streams that enter the upper Hudson for some great largemouth
bass action. Local tackle shops will have more specific info for you.
Thanks for checking in with us
Charles Stamm <'////><
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
Can you tell me when the large
stripers begin making their appearance in the
lower Hudson, around the Statue of Liberty area?
Also; what the preferred method to fish for them is at that time.
When can we figure to go for those cow stripers in the upper Hudson, around Piermont &
north?
Thanks,
Al Palombo
Al,
The leading edge of the spring striper run has already begun. At our meeting on
Tuesday night we had many reports of schoolie bass being caught in the Croton area.
The surprising thing was a couple of guys reported catching fifteen pounders in the same
area. One member Walter Weglinski had a 22 pound striper caught. these are too
large to be resident fish.
As a general rule the large numbers of spawning females begin to move up the Hudson when
the water temps approach 49 degrees. That water temp changes as you move up the
river. As a general rule you are looking towards the end of March, all of April and
May. You can fish the Piermont area now but I believe NY does not allow you to keep any
fish until a certain date. That might be March 16. I don't pay too much
attention to size limits as I release all my fish.
The lower harbor also has stripers right now. It's just not comfortable to fish for
them. Staying warm is a problem for me. In the lower harbor early in the season
sandworms, bloodworms drifting works well. Bucktails tipped with a sandworm while
drifting over a piece of structure works well. Cut bait while anchored is also
another technique that produces fish.
The Hudson River is a great fishery all year long. You can catch striped bass all
year long. Some seasons are better than others.
See you on the water.
Chas <'////><
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
Is there any commercial fishing on the Hudson River?
My son is doing a report in school on the Hudson River.
Thank you, Shirley
Most of the commercial fishing on the Hudson River was shut down in the mid 70's
because of the high levels of PCBs found to be contained in the eggs and skin of the
striped bass. The PCBs were a result of the years of dumping of the toxin by the General
Electric company. Between 1947 and1976 G.E. dumped 1.3 million pounds of PCBs into the
Hudson River. One Pound
of PCBs is enough to infect 500,000 pounds of fish. 600,000 pounds still lie in the
sediments of the upper Hudson. To date the General Electric Company has refused to clean
up the toxins they deliberately dumped into the river.
The result of that dumping put over 300 commercial fishermen out of business. The
fishermen were not allowed to sell any fish out of the Hudson because of the high levels
of PCBs contained in those fish. There are still a handful of commercial fishermen left.
They are reduced
to fishing for only one species. The American Shad.
Each spring, when the water temperatures start to approach the 50 degree mark, the
remaining 5 commercial fishermen put their nets in the water. These nets are strung along
posts stacked into the shallow water and snare the shad as they swim upstream to spawn.
The shad are allowed to be caught and sold by the fishermen because they spend very little
time in the Hudson. They spend most of their time out in the ocean. They only come into
the Hudson for a short time to spawn and then swim back out in the ocean again. When the
lilacs start to bloom next year, they'll be back. Thus the nickname, "Lilac
Shad."
No restitution was ever offered or ever paid to the Hudson River commercial fishermen who were put out of business by the General Electric company. Before the dumping of the toxins, the Hudson River supported a ten million dollar a year commercial fishery. As a result of G.E. using the river as an economical dumping grounds, 300 families lost their livelihoods. Livelihoods that went back four and five generations. Out of 300 commercial fishermen, 5 remain. They remain for tradition only and are reduced to fishing for only one species.
The Hudson River fishermen's Association has identified over 208 different species of
fish living in the Hudson River. Only one can be sold commercially.
But they "Bring good things to life."
Not for the fishermen of the Hudson.
I hope I've helped your son.
thanks for your interest in the Hudson River.
See you on the water.
Charles Stamm <'////<
Director
Hudson River fishermen's Association
New Jersey Chapter
To reply or ask a related question click here the HRFANJ Question Forum
I plan on launching from the Liberty
State Park Launch ramp. How much is it?
How early does it open in the AM?
Should you be extra careful on low tide? Any obstructions?
Do you take Exit 14B on the turnpike? Are there signs for the ramp at the exit? (Can you
get there from the GSP & take exit 145 & head East?)
Where do you suggest I head from the ramp to begin fishing? (what lures/baits seem to
working best at this time of the season?)
Finally: what rules apply in the River: NJ or NY & is there an imaginary center line
on the river? Or do you simply abide by the rules of the launch ramp you exiting?
(in my case NJ, from Liberty ramp)
I live in Elmwood Park, (near Saddle Brook) I've been trailering my boat down to
fish the Sandy Hook/Raritan Bay, & the Navesink/Shrewsbury Rivers for years now &
never tried the Hudson, which is so close to me. I fish regularly 2-3 times per week.
I'd love to get use to the Hudson.
Thanks again,
Al Palombo
Al,
You've got a lot of questions! Fortunately they are easy.
Here you go:
1. The Ramp at Liberty will cost you $9.75 daily to launch. They keep a
donations jar right next to the counter which gets a lot of quarters. It's $106. For
the season.
2. They are open 6am till 10 pm. You pay at the park headquarters and go back tot he ramp.
3. I don't care how you get to the NJ Turnpike but you have to get off the turnpike at
exit 14B. After paying your toll make an immediate left. Go through the
traffic light and head straight through the circle and into the park. The ramp will
be on your right. Go straight past it to the building at the end of the
Dear Sir:
I grew up in Newburgh in the 1920's and I remember learning that the river is
unique in the fact that the current flows in both directions. Can you help me and inform
me of what you may know?
Thanks
John Montfort
John,
You are correct in the Hudson River flowing both ways. In fact the early settlers of
the area learned that the Indian name for the river was "moheekennuk."
That meant great waters that flows both ways. I guess in those early days we would have
been called the "Moheekennuk River Fishermen's Association!" Club hats
would have been tough...Anyway...
The Hudson is tidal. It's connected to the ocean just below the Vz. Bridge. If
you can get your hands on a tidal chart and a "current" chart of the Hudson, you
will notice that although they do have a correlation, they are not the same. Every
six hours, the river currents reverse direction. Incoming water and outgoing water.
Wind and the moon phases affect how close the directions change with the tides. We,
as fishermen, use these flow directions to pinpoint our locations for catching fish.
Particularly structure oriented fish like the striped bass. When the current is flowing in
one direction, the bass will be on a certain spot. When the current is reversed,
that same spot would not have the same advantage for ambushing prey so they move to a
different location. So do we.
The trick in fishing the Hudson successfully is to find the bottom structure which holds
fish in certain current directions. Then just move from spot to spot as the currents
change. Current velocity also changes locations along with the spawning run in the
spring but that's another story.
Thanks for your interest in the Hudson River.
Chas Stamm <'////><
Night Fishing
Is there any major benefit to night fishing? In summer, night bluefishing usually yields
good action. Is the same true for Stripers? Also would be my first night trip on the boat
(20 Ft Cuddy), aside from lights, staying clear of the channel and commercial traffic, any
tips or special equipment?
What about chumming or bait floats to keep off bottom away from Cats?
Any input greatly appreciated!...Thanks
Pete
Pete,
The bigger fish feed at night. You are correct in your assumption and analogy for fishing
for bluefish.
The nuisance is the lack of light. Retying rigs and bugs. The lights attract the bugs. If
you anchor, make sure you are out of the shipping channel. Even then...down hear in the
harbor you have to be careful. Many tugs down here go outside the channel and will run
right over you. Up river should be no problem but stay alert anyway. Having a break away
anchor ball helps.
I like chumming also. In the lower harbor I use a chum log in a chum pot with about 2
pounds of sinkers in it. I put my chum and my bait on the bottom. Down here the striped
bass are on the bottom, very...very close to the structure.
Up where you are I might start a slick on the surface and one on the bottom. I like the
bottom. Don't have a problem with catfish down here.
20 foot cuddy is a fine sized boat for what you are planning to do. Bring a marine radio
and a cell phone to call for help if needed and have a ball.
Let us know how you do.
Thanks
Chas Stamm <'////><
Director
HRFA NJ
Fishing in Battery Park City:
Fishing is good from the 2th week of Oct. to the 3th week of Dec.
(I got 3 bass on Dec. 29, 24” to 32”), the fishing is hot for 2 to 3 weeks (
last week of Oct. to first 2
weeks of Nov. is the best time).
South Cove: fish the last 3 hrs. of the outgoing tide (no good on the
in-coming). Fish on the steel
pier (A) cast out with 3/4 to 1 oz. lead head with a Zoom Salty Super Flukes (Bubblegum or
White)
to (1) or (2) let it drop to the bottom and work it in by jigging it up about 1-3 ft, the
water is 10 to 20
ft., work it fast and slow to see how they like it, work it all the way to (A) and cast it
out again. The
fishing here is best for 3 weeks in late Oct to Nov, my best day there is 55 bass to
26”. If the fishing
is hot, go back the next 3 to 4 days, it will be hot again, time it to get back there 50
min latter the
next day, because the tide is about 52 min different every day. I like it best when the
low tide is at
late morning into about 3 pm. Spot B is good for Black Fish, from Nov into early Dec. you
got to
use bait for that (green crabs), I had jig a few up but don’t count on it. Black Fish
to 5 lbs. try both
tide, again the last 3 hrs.
Gov. Rockefeller Park: You can fish this spot on both tide, but the
out-going is best (again, the last
3 hrs.). Stand at the corner (A) and cast to (1 or 2) the water is 8 to 20 ft. Fish the
same way as
South Cove, 1/2 to 3/4 oz. Jig and work it all the way in. My best day 97 bass 14” to
18”. The big
fish comes in late Nov. to early Dec., my best fish there 20 lb. Fish (3 and 4) on
the in-coming, 40 to 50 ft. there, 1 to 3 oz. standing at (A) cast south,
close or next to the wall and jig it back in (big fish).
| North Cove: If they let you fish it, inside the marina next to the south sea well. No need to cast, you may hit a boat, walk along the sea well and jig up and down, late Nov into early Dec. out-going tide (best day there 24 bass to 24”) Fishing Gear: Get a 3 piece 7’ rod with a small spinning reel loaded with 10 lb. test (hi-vis) line, I like see my line. With 15 feet of 15 lb. leader so you can hand line the fish up. 2 or 3 Package of the Zoom with 1/2 dozen 3/4 oz. lead jig head and you are catching not wishing. Forget about the bait, you could out fish all the bait fishing person there. After catching your 6 to 20 bass, break down your 3 piece rod, put the small reel in your pocket and you can take in Movie, restaurant or go to the Winter Garden, no one will know you are fishing. |
 Submitted by Gan Wong. |
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