THE
Hudson River
Fishermen’s Association
E-9-22
NEXT GENERAL MEETING
September 13th
Meeting starts at 7:30 PM

Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge
21 Cedar St
Ridgefield Park, NJ
tony maja jr
Tony Maja Products
TOPIC: Techniques & tackle for the striped bass fall migration.

SPEAKER: Tony Maja, Jr.

BIO: Anthony Arcabasio, also known as Tony Jr., is the owner and manager of Tony Maja Products. About 6 years ago, he acquired the company from his father Tony “Maja”.

Anthony was raised in Staten Island and currently resides in Marlboro. Anthony has been fishing for over 35 years, and learned everything he knows about fishing from his father. He still fishes with his father, now retired, on their 29’ SeaVee boat.

SUMMARY: With the striper season just getting underway, new products geared towards trolling and now light tackle striped bass fishing are now featured. Anthony will review the gear he uses, and will provide the best tips and strategies for striped bass trolling. He is prepared to answer all questions so that you can have a successful run at New Jersey’s favorite Spring and Fall fishery.
Join Zoom Meeting
Topic: HRFA General Meeting with special guest Tony Maja Jr.
Time: Sep 13, 2022 07:30 PM


Meeting ID: 817 3188 0745
Passcode: 640537
All are invited to join the meeting 
& share their fishing stories.
Want to write an article for this newsletter?
If so, contact: [email protected].
Why Donate?

  • The HRFA was arguably the first and most successful group to find polluters of the Hudson River and hold them accountable. We continue our mission to "Fight for the Hudson" to this very day.
  • The HRFA is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. You need another charitable tax deduction don't you?
  • All of our members are volunteers. No member of the Elected Board of Directors earns an income for all their hard work. Every penny donated goes to support our programs.
  • Our Youth Angler Program continues to gets kids "Hooked on fishing, not on drugs." Help support us so that we can give America's veterans opportunities to go fishing too.
  • Let us continue to offer scholarships for worthy college-bound high schoolers.
  • Support the restoration of the world's first Riverkeeper vessel so it may take its rightful place in history. Perhaps, in a museum on the Hudson River; the river it protected for decades before its decommissioning.
  • Help us realize our dream of having our own museum and meeting place in the Palisades Interstate Park. A beautiful historic place, one that can be shared with the public to enjoy as well.
  • Shall we continue?
Executive Meeting
1st Tuesday of every month Ridgefield Park Elks at 7:30 pm
21 Cedar St, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
HRFA Officers
President
Aram Setian
Vice President
Joseph Albanese
Treasurer
Frank Wisniewski
Secretary
John Malool
Membership Secretary
Arnold Ulrich
Directors
Scholarship
Board Members
Chairman Youth Anglers
Wayne Geider 
Hooked on the Hudson
Pete Musse
Environmental
Gil Hawkins
Publicity
Miguel Sardinas
Fishing Contests
Aram Setian
Scott Havner
Outdoors Shows
Dave Mercer
Janice Soto
Outreach
Dan Harrison
Director Emeritus
Tony Evangelista
Trustees
Antony Carbone (2020)
Ivan Garcia (2021)
Marius Bahr (2022) 
Nominating Committee:
John Golon
Gil Hawkins
Aram Setian
Social Media Committee:
Alex Spindelman
Editor River Views:
Joseph Albanese
Send Comments to: [email protected]
Want to help us "Fight for the Hudson"? Click HERE or the striped bass image & make a donation today.
The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association is a group of recreational fishermen who make active use of the N.Y. Bight and the surrounding water system and 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 assist where possible in efforts to abate pollution and promote sportfishing and the management of that recreation. We are a IRS recognized nonprofit 501c3 organization . All donations are welcome and maybe tax deductable. 
Click HERE to become a member or renew your membership today.
Why join?

  • To do good works.
  • Fellowship with other anglers.
  • Learn valuable fishing tips from experts.
  • We are a conservation minded club with a shared passion for fishing.
  • Discounts at select sporting goods stores.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The full version of River Views is no longer just for members. If your emailed copy of River Views ends abruptly look for this quote "[Message clipped]  "View entire message" at the bottom of the page. Clicking there will open up the full issue.
Did you know that back issues of River Views, the monthly newsletter of the HRFA, are available for all to enjoy on our website? Click here, or the River Views banner, to go directly there and catch up on your reading.
From our President
Greetings HRFA Members and Friends,

I hope that as of this writing, we find you all well and safe. I am happy to hear that our members are enjoying the fishing challenges and appreciating the rewards. As to our events, we are exceeding pre-pandemic level of activities.

On Friday, 19th of August, the HRFA Invitational inter-club contest was held in collaboration with the Saltwater
Anglers of Bergen County, SWABC. It was a friendly competition. The HRFA team was myself, Joe Albanese, Tony Carbone, Dirk van Everdingen, Wayne Geider, Marvin Oresky and Arnie Ulrich. It should be noted that 5 out of the 7 HRFA participants are also SWABC members and the SWABC president John Toth is a HRFA member. Of course, without any doubt, it was again that the HRFA won the contest. The fluke fishing was very challenging, all of as landed many fish, but many shorts. Congratulations Dirk van Everdingen, thank you for ensuring that we won the contest and defending our title. Also I would like to than SWABC President John Toth for helping organize the vessel and facilitate the event.

Another year and another successful Catfish Chaos Derby. Thank you, Dan Harrison, for taking on this important task. Also, I would like to thank all the volunteers that helped to make this a successful event. For details, see the report below.

We had our fist ever Fluke Fest. It was suggested by Pete Musse and okayed by the board. Pete, and others who pitched-in to help, pulled it off in grand fashion. It was a fun day in Island Beach State Park.

I would like to report also that our Scholarship program is in full effect. Thanks to the Scholarship committee chairman, Dan Harrison, we are happy to announce that in the last 2 months, we awarded two scholarships. Gillian Parris and Cara Tahmoosh were the 2022 recipients. (more details below). I would like to thank our member, Jerry Crean, for taking part, assisting, in the HRFA Scholarship program. He also relays scholarship donation in the name of his fishing buddy, Peter Rudolph, who was also an HRFA member that sadly passed on at the age of 48.

We have successfully initiated the HRFA Fishing Clinics as part of the Youth Angles Program. Please look for the scheduling for when you can participate.

At the HRFA board meetings, we are reviewing our plans and strategies. As always, we appreciated your suggestions and for meeting topics and fishing events. From our last board meeting, I would like to bring to your attention a few items.

We have been discussing the status of our volunteers. We are in an increased need for dedicated members to participate and take lead in our activities. Sadly, we have lost some of the most reliable, and others like me, are getting up in age. We appeal to our general membership to step-up and help.

Reviewing our current financial status, we came to realization that the HRFA funding is in need. We appreciate the donations, and fund-raising efforts, but to help support the numerous commitments and programs we have to consider increasing the membership dues. At the last General Membership meeting we presented the
suggested membership dues of $35, $40 or $45, for consideration and feedback. We will be finalizing and deciding at the upcoming HRFA Board meeting. Please note that the HRFA dues have not changed for over 30 years.

We need volunteers and a chair position for the upcoming outdoors and fishing events in 2023.

We are receiving invitations to participate in Youth Fishing Programs/clinics of our Friends/organizations. As the schedules are confirmed, we will be reaching out for volunteers. Look for schedule in the newsletter.
V O L _ N T E E R
the only thing missing is
U

Want to volunteer?
Just call our Youth Angler Program Chair
Wayne Geider at (201) 384-8046.
As the restrictions of the pandemic are fading out, our organization continues to function successfully, and our activities are increasing thanks to our dedicated members. I would like to take this opportunity the express my sincere appreciation.

Also, I would like to remind those members, especially the recipients of the HRFA's prestigious “Pete Barrett” award, that is expected from them to continue their efforts and contribution, to the best of their abilities. We are charitable organization, we provide our services to many, and we expect our members to participate and support us, accordingly.

As always, we thank all our members and friends for your help and appreciate your donations.

Capt. Aram Setian
HRFA 2022 President

Fight for the Hudson
In this month's issue of River Views
Please consider promoting your business in River Views. Click here to make a $120 donation and we will publish your larger size ad, with a link to your company website, for 12 full months of River Views

Your donation will support the mission of the HRFA to “Fight for the Hudson”, our Youth Angler Program, College Scholarship Fund, etc.
H.R.F.A. Scholarship Winners
Gillian Parris
Howard U logo
Gillian and her mom, Gwendolyn attended the HRFA Executive Board meeting August 2nd to receive her $500 scholarship. Presenting the check is past President and Scholarship Chairman Dan Harrison and current President Capt. Aram H. Setian. Gillian will be pursuing a degree in Business at Howard University located in our Nation's Capitol.
Cara Tahmoosh
Cara & her dad Chris were on hand at our August General Meeting to accept the Peter Rudolph Scholarship. Presenting it are Scholarship Chair Dan Harrison, President Aram Setian & scholarship sustaining member Jerry Crean. Cara will attend Stony Brook in L.I, and study to become an opthamologist.
Upcoming Events
Be sure to also check out the H.R.F.A. Events Calendar below for this month's member birthday notices, holidays and events.
Annual Fluke Tagging Trip
Saturday September 3rd
9:00am - 2:00pm
HRFA members have tagged over 10,000 fish for the Society. Join Emily McGuckin, the Society’s fish tagging director, for a day of fishing and tagging aboard the Mi-Jo II in New Jersey waters. For experienced taggers and novices alike. If you’ve never tagged fish before, this is a great opportunity to learn from experienced taggers. 

Mi-Jo II Charters, Simon Lake Dr, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716. Ample parking on site. The American Littoral Society will send directions and other details to those who register.
$80 for members, $100 for non-members (includes boat, all tackle, bait and tags).


For more information, please email [email protected].
Hudson River Day
Saturday September 10th
11 AM - 4 PM
The Croton Yacht Club is happy to announce it is resuming its annual “Hudson River Day” at the Croton Yacht Club located at 6 Elliott Way in Croton-on-Hudson.  The mission of the event is to promote interest in the history and ecology of the river, to cultivate future local environmental leaders and to promote, enhance and protect river related recreational resources.
Events and exhibits will include: a seining exhibition where local marine life will be captured, displayed and later released; viewing tanks where local marine life can be identified and observed; hands-on exhibits for children such as toy sailboat making, fossil making; sail boat rides, and local artist displays and sales.
Free sailboat rides, will be offered by Ferry Sloops aboard their 22’ sloop-rigged Catboat the “Whimbrel” on a first come first served basis. The sails will depart at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM. Guests can sign up at the Ferry Sloops table in the tent beginning at 10:00AM for any of the day's scheduled sail times. Limit of 4 passengers per sail. Passenger age requirement: must be at least 12 years old, under 18 years old must be accompanied by parent or adult guardian.
There will also be a youth fishing clinic and contest sponsored by the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association and the Yacht Club.  Volunteers will be present during the hours of 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM and provide the use of fishing equipment and bait, free of charge. Fishing rod and reel combinations will also be awarded as prizes. All youths wishing to fish at the Yacht Club must be accompanied by an adult.
The Croton Yacht Club looks forward to coordinating this event because it provides the membership and local exhibitors the opportunity to share their river related knowledge and expertise with the community, especially the children. The organization realizes that only through this transfer of knowledge can it safeguard the future of this great resource, the Hudson River. 
Food and beverages will be available including the best fish chowder on the Hudson. Admission is free so please come and join us in a fun filled, educational and family focused event you will surely enjoy. Environmental organizations, local craft vendors and artists are welcome. For additional information please contact Dennis Kooney at [email protected] or call 914-271-6384.
General Monthly Meeting
October 11, 2022
Unfortunately, Dave Lilly will not be with us to present "Fluke Fishing Culture" at our October meeting. He is having challenges with his health. We wish him well and hope he is able to join us at a future date. Dave did make some news recently noted in Al Ristori's "Tight Lines". (See below.) The good news is that George Jackman has accepted our invitation to fill in for Dave.
"Full of Fish!"

The physical environment is the foundation upon which the biological world has been established. Accordingly, anthropogenic changes to the Hudson River have affected many of the estuaries’ signature species. In addition human exploitation and 200 years of industrial activity have synergistically altered the biological output of the second largest estuary on the East Coast of the United States. In this discussion, we will explore the current status of the Hudson River and its most iconic species as well as actions that being undertaken to heal the Hudson and restore its role as an engine of life.
George Jackman, PhD
Senior Habitat Restoration Manager
Office: (914) 478-4501
Mobile: (718) 736-3991
Riverkeeper, Inc.
20 Secor Road
Ossining, New York 10562
Dave Lilly

alristori
Aug 22 

Dave Lilly was fishing for fluke over the weekend in a tournament when he was shocked to start catching large weakfish in 70-foot depths where he released four. Dave was using whole squid, and the weaks were in such unusually deep waters that they had filled air bladders sticking out of their mouths. Those bladders can be pricked with the point of the hook so the fish has a chance of survival when released. 

Lilly is the most consistent fluke prize winner in northern New Jersey, but he worked his favorite spots in Ambrose under perfect conditions without catching a fluke over 3 pounds.
"Reflections on the Hudson" Art & Photo Exhibit & Competition
October 15 - November 12
CALL FOR ARTISTS: WWW.BLUEDOORARTCENTER.ORG
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 11:59PM
Reflections on the Hudson

Blue Door Art Center Presents Reflections on the Hudson River in Collaboration with Beczak Juried exhibition and competition of art and photography. Curated by Julie Cousens and Bob Walters (guest curator). Celebrating the beauty and majesty of...

Read more
www.riverkeeper.org
Entry Fee $25.00
Payment options: 
  • In person at the beach
  • Or, online with PayPal by clicking HERE 

Meet up: Sandy Hook NJ 
Parking Lot B
Awards: 11:15 AM – Parking Lot B

The Prizes
Striped Bass:
1st Place – $100 value
2nd Place – $50 Value
3rd Place – $25 Value

Bluefish 
1st Place – $75 Value
2nd Place – $50 Value
3rd Place –  $25 Value
The HRFA's 2nd Annual Bass & Blues Surfcasting Derby
November 5, 2022
Event runs from 6 AM – 11:00 AM Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook, NJ. All members & their guests are invited to join the HRFA's Surfcasting Derby.

The Rules
The photograph of your catch must have the ruler below the fish with no portion of the ruler covered by the fish or anything else.  – Entries with fish-covering rulers will not be accepted.

  • The largest fish in length wins in each category – Striped Bass and Bluefish
  • A photograph of your catch is to be submitted by text to 201-232-5988
  • Please include your first and last name in the text
  • Time of entry will break any ties. 
  • Shore/wade fishing only. No boats
  • The boundaries are anywhere on Sandy Hook
If you have any questions or need help with selecting the right gear for the derby, contact Michael Sardinas:
Phone: +1 (201) 232-5988

General Monthly Meeting
November 8, 2022
BLURB: Less than an hour by train from New York City, Croton Point Park encapsulates the history, beauty and promise of the Hudson Valley. The Westchester County Park encompasses miles of Hudson River shoreline with astonishing views and remnants of the region's past. Incredible shell mounds shed light on the Native peoples who inhabited the area generations prior to European colonization. The remains of the first commercial vineyards in the Northeast are just steps away from historic brickyards that helped build Manhattan. The Point served as a dumping ground for years until local efforts restored the park into a model of environmental conservation. Today, bald eagles have returned to nest alongside visitors exploring remarkable landmarks, sailing the waters of the Hudson or enjoying a scenic picnic.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Scott Craven is a former Ossining police captain whose master's thesis focused on an environmental history of the area. As the historian of the Town of Ossining and an avid fisherman, paddler and cyclist, he knows the Point better than most. Over the years, he has naturally connected with many people whose passion and expertise regarding different aspects of the Point have helped us weave its history into a compelling story.

Caroline Ranald Curvan is professional researcher and writer. She recently led the research team for a critically acclaimed American Masters/PBS documentary entitled Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page. A writer with popular local blog (OssiningHistoryontheRun.com) and an adjunct professor of research and composition, she is a deep and passionate student of history.
General Monthly Meeting
December 13, 2022
Guest speaker & topic to be determined. Or will it be the return of our annual fishing stuff auction? You decide.
Past Events
Fluke Fest
August 6, 2022
The event ran from 7:00AM - 3:00PM in Island Beach State Park. Everyone ate well. Better than well actually! There were raffles, a 50:50 drawing and prizes awarded. We raised money for the HRFA's general fund, Youth Angler Program and Scholarship fund.

Thank you Pete Musse for your initiative and all your hard work. It was awesome the way other volunteers stepped up to help on that day.
1st Place winner Dalas Musse
with his mom & pop. Michele caught the only other fluke that day. But it was under 16"
General Monthly Meeting
August 9, 2022
We heard from Ross Kushner of the NJ Coastal Alliance. He is leading more than 20 environmental, conservation and land preservation groups in the opposition to beach replenishment along the New Jersey oceanfront.
The NJ Coastal Alliance is an affiliation of 22 groups working together on the issue of beach replenishment:
  • Asbury Park Fishing Club
  • Berkeley Striper Club
  • Clean Water Action
  • Delaware Riverkeeper
  • Network Environment
  • New Jersey Food & Water Watch
  • Green Faith
  • Green Party of New Jersey
  • THE Hudson River Fishermen's Association
  • Jersey Coast Anglers Association
  • Monmouth Conservation Foundation
  • NJ Audubon Society
  • NY/NJ Baykeeper
  • Save Coastal Wildlife
  • Shark River Cleanup Coalition
  • Shark River Surf Anglers
  • Sierra Club NJ Chapter
  • StripersOnline.com
  • Surfrider Foundation
  • Jersey Shore Chapter Surfrider Foundation
  • South Jersey Chapter Waterspirit
  • Working Families Party
The cost of beach replenishment in NJ has exceeded $1.5 billion. So far! In the last 30 years 130 million cubic yards of sand have been pumped onto our coast. So far! That’s enough sand to fill the average Home Depot mulch bag 3.5 BILLION times. So far!
Thanking Chris Tahmoosh
Also at the August meeting we took a moment to thank one of our major sponsors. That's Aram Setian and Peter Musse making the presentation of the plaque which reads:

Presented With Special Thanks
To Our Proud Sponsor
Stop & Shop
Manager - Chris Tahmoosh
Hudson River Fishermen's Association
(HOH) Hooked on the Hudson
April 20, 2022
The HRFA Invitational
Friday August 19, 2022
The HRFA challenged (okay "invited") the Bergen County Saltwater Anglers to an inter-club fishing contest to see which group would catch the largest fluke and take home the coveted trophy. There were 7 anglers on each team fishing aboard The Last Lady Fishing Charters out of Neptune City, NJ.

The weather and sea conditions were great but the fishing was discouragingly s-l-o-w with only 8 keepers after hours of effort by 14 veteran anglers.
Top honors went to the HRFA's Dirk van Everdingen putting the SWABC in 2nd Place. Apparently the threat of flogging by their President John Toth should they lose was not sufficient motivation. :)
1st Pace winner Dirk van Everdingen
The Fourteen
Catfish Chaos Derby
August 20, 2022
There were over 100 participants in this year's Catfish Chaos Derby and many fish were landed. The contest spans the entire river and tributaries with weigh stations from Piermont Pier to Coeyman’s Landing Marina.

Proceeds from this year's Derby will benefit the HRFA and support the family of Eric Allen during his recovery.
Although many fish were caught, there were no truly large fish entered. Patric Murray a consistent top 20 finisher in the derby held the lead for most of the day with a 25.5” fish. But as the final bell tolled at 3pm Tim Yetto entered a 26.5” catfish to take the title this year and the $750 purse. Patric Murray had to settle for second and a $500 purse. I am sure he won’t complain too much.

Time of weigh in played a crucial roll in this years derby with four fish at 25” and 23”. Also two fish at 23.5” and 21.75”. More than half of the top 20 fish were effected by the time of entry rule. Sam Mulson came in at 3 rd with a 25” fish netting himself a $250 purse. His was
the earliest entered 25” fish beating out the champ of the first Catfish Chaos Derby, Matt Reilly, by over 2 hours. Besides the top 3 taking home the cash prizes there were rod and reel combos, reels rods and a tackle bag given out to top 20 finishers.

The top two spots of the youth division were sewn up at the Westerly Marina weigh in station with Mason Montenegro taking top honors with a 24.25” channel catfish while Liam Robinson improved on his third place finish last year by taking second with a 23” channel catfish. Third place youth was Rian Conroy with a 20.5” fish caught at the Safe Harbor Haverstraw Marina.

The top 3 youths at each weigh station won a prize for their catch. Isabella Taliaferro a former youth champ came in at 4 th this year with a 18.5” fish caught on the Piermont Pier. Leo
Wang fishing at Coeyman’s Landing Marina came in 5 th place with his 18.5” channel catfish. Leo has fished in all but one of the derbies and did donate his prize back to the HRFA so that another kid would have a chance to win. This young man is a class act for sure.

We must give special kudos to the Wounded Warrior Project for sponsoring 16 veterans in this years derby and to the Croton Yacht Club who let us use there facility to run this part of the event. There were 16 veterans and family and friends at the location for about 40 in total. The Croton Yacht Club provided breakfast while Wounded Warrior Project provided the lunch. The HRFA provided fishing gear and volunteers to help at this location. Jeff Christie, Gil Hawkins, and Jane Ebihara were definitely the busiest HRFA volunteers of the day. They rigged, baited, untangled lines and measured fish all day. WWP also ran a contest within ours for the veterans and their families with some great prizes from Art’s Tackle and Fly Shop. A great time was had by all!

Congratulations to all our winners and hope to see you all next year.
Top Overall Prize Winners
Tim Yetto - 1st Place Overall Winner
ADULT DIVISION
  1. Tim Yetto 26.5"
  2. Pat Murray 25.5"
  3. Sam Mulson 25"
  4. Matt Reilly 25"
  5. Richard Rarick 25"
YOUTH UNDER 16
  1. Mason Montenegro 24.25"
  2. Liam Robinson 23"
  3. Rian Conroy 20.5"
  4. Isabella Taliaferro 18.5"
  5. Leo Wang 18.5"
Stephanie Hess
Leo Wang at Coeyman's Landing Marina
Matt Reilly 4th Place
Rian Conroy won 3rd Place in the Youth Division
Mason Montenegro 1st Place Youth
That's Liam Robinson 2nd Place Youth on the right
Kristopher Carlson Jr in Catskill, NY
Matt Rice 10th Place
Rich Rarick 5th Place
Rian Conroy with his sister
and father Pat
Isabella Taliaferro & her grandpa Ricky at Piermont. She had the biggest
fish at the pier & won a $25 gift card from Art's Tackle & Fly in Nanuet, NY.
In closing the HRFA would like to thank all of our sponsors who have donated or supported this event. The following are our much appreciated sponsors Daiwa Corporation, Ramsey Outdoors, Westerly Marina, Art’s Tackle and Fly Shop, Lee’s Sporting Goods, River Basin Sports, Billy Joe’s Rib Works, Village of Piermont, Safe Harbor Haverstraw Marina, Croton Yacht Club, Riverfront Marina, Riverview Marina, and Coeyman’s Landing Marina. There were a few anonymous donors to the derby who helped out greatly. You Know who you are, thanks!

We must also thank all of the volunteers that make the day possible also. They are as follows:
Joe Albanese,Mona Mak, Pete Musse, Wayne Geider, Jeff Christie, Gil Hawkins, Jane Ebihara, Dan Harrison, Arnie Ulrich, Linda Havner, Marius Behr, Andrew Ward, Scott Havner and Stephanie Hess. Until next year tightlines to all!
Click HERE to make an online donation to the HRFA's Drive to Benefit the Allen Family. 100% of these special donations will be directed to them. Just be sure to mention the purpose is to support the family of Eric Allen during his recovery.
Follow the HRFA on Social Media
Submit fishing photos & news of interest to Alex Spindelman.
You can also tag us in your posts @thehrfa.org
Click on the logos below to visit our FaceBook and Instagram pages.
In the News
Tagging Report
About Us

ABOUT US Grassroots Advocacy for our Nation's 55 Million Anglers There's a lot of politics in fishing. No really, there is. From bans on your tackle to the creation of no-fishing zones, our nation's pastime is often under threat of being...

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keepamericafishing.org
Data from Fish Tagging Plays a Role in Preserving...

Typically, striped bass populations are separated into three distinct groups based on their spawning areas, which are the Hudson River, Delaware River, and Chesapeake Bay. In the winter, the populations will mix back together in the ocean off the ...

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www.littoralsociety.org
 Carl's Corner
Carl Bruger has been a writer for this newsletter educating and entertaining us who read River Views for a long time. Here is his latest gem.
by Carl Bruger
From the Internet
Chasing The 'Green' Energy Dream: Or 'How I Wasted 20...

Plenty start out as fans of wind and solar power and turn against it, but it's hard to find opponents who later become supporters. Present the facts to reasonable people, and they'll want to know how the wind and solar scam got started in the...

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Question: How much sand has been brought in to battle erosion on New Jersey beaches?
Answer: Enough to fill 62,000 Olympic swimming pools.
New Jersey has pumped more sand onto its beaches than...

From 1930s to now, a decade-by-decade look at how New Jersey has replenished its beaches in an attempt to combat coastal erosion and climate change.

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www.inquirer.com
Calls for Action
Greenwood Lake Public Launch Ramp S987/A1047
Contact Your NJ State Legislator
Your NJ tax dollars go to stock fish and other programs to support Greenwood Lake and yet there are precious few spots accessible to the general public to fish. Perhaps we can force change by supporting the bills that would at least create a public boat launch. Let's all get on this!! Your email or phone to the NJ Legislature call might go something like this ...
Name and Title of person you're sending this to.
I hope I can count on your sponsorship, support and endorsement of S 987 or A 1047. Public areas need to have public access for all to enjoy, not just a select few. 
Thanks for you consideration and I look forward to hearing your position on this. 
I Fish and I vote. 
Your first and last name 
Your mailing address  
Your email 
Your phone number 
New Jersey Legislature

Directory of members of the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, listed by district. Includes alphabetical indices by legislators' names, party and house designation, and county composition of each district

Read more
www.njleg.state.nj.us
Or simply click HERE to sign the United Freshwater Anglers of New Jersey's online petition for public boat launch(es) on Greenwood Lake.
N.J. fishermen furious as favorite lake loses public access

For decades, anglers have flocked to Greenwood Lake - one of New Jersey's premier fishing hideaways. Tens of thousands of fish, from bass to walleyes, are dumped each year into the massive, nine-mile lake that straddles the state line in Passaic...

Read more
www.nj.com
NJDEP-Public Access-NJ Public Access Rights-History and...

| | | | | Public Access Maps Public Access Listserv Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us Coastal Management Home NJ Public Access Rights>History and Legal Precedents History and Legal Precedents The public rights of access to and use of the...

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www.nj.gov
If You See Something Say Something
NJ Operation Game Thief
Best Practices for Striped Bass Catch & Release
That's Entertainment!
A Striper to Hopefully Be Forgotten . . .
or, Perhaps Remembered
By Sandy Federico
Several years prior to my birth in 1951 my grandfather and two of his sons were building homes on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.  For most of my childhood I and my family would spend part of the summer break  in Surf City with occasional visits to my maternal grandparents' rental home in Lavallette.  During my teenage years and in my adult life until age 66, anytime we would want to enjoy the ocean or fish the surf, we would go to Long Beach Island.  There was no need to seek out other beach locations because over the years, as LBI developed, it seemed to offer just about everything - at least I thought it did.  

In 2018 my wife and I were invited by our daughter's mother-in-law and father-in-law  to come visit them in Cape Cod.  It was during that visit that I learned about this incredible fishery known as the Cape Cod Canal, aka, "The Ditch".  Excited at the prospect of fishing the Ditch we made a subsequent visit that summer and  I got to fish the Ditch for the first time.  At 4:30 am of the second morning there, I caught the largest striper of my life; a 48 inch 38 lb beautiful cow.  During that same summer my wife and I visited Cape Cod and fished the Canal two other times.  I am pleased to say that both times we met with considerable success.  Having experienced the joy of routinely catching stripers of 20 to 30 lbs, for the past three years we have made visits to the Cape about three times each summer.  Sadly, in retrospect, I can honestly say that I never encountered fishing like this on LBI.

This year we had plans to go south for Memorial Day weekend but one of the couples who was to join us came down with Covid.  At a loss as to what to do, my wife and made a last minute decision to travel to Cape Cod and do some biking, sightseeing and fishing.  After meeting with no success fishing on our first day, the next morning I decided to ride my canal bike garnished with fishing rods and gear to see if anything was happening along the stretch of the Ditch.  We came upon three young men who were standing on the bike path and stopped to talk with them and to inquire if they had heard of any fish being caught.  They replied that they had not gotten anything that day but the previous day they had done very well with several fish over 40 lbs.  I asked them where they caught those fish and one of the young men pointed down to the base of the Canal where we were standing and said "right here".  Since they were not yet fishing, I asked "can I give it a try here" and they replied "sure just go down -  we are all going to be fishing here".  

Having limited mobility these days and not wanting to get injured on the canal rocks I spotted a 3' x 3' flat area with a floor of small sized gravel. I worked my way down over the large ragged edged rocks of the Canal and commenced fishing.  After fishing for about 2 hours with no action at all,  I decided to take a break and walked up to the Canal bike path where my wife  had a chair for me.  As I sat down one of the young men who was standing on the bike path asked if he could go down to the spot I was fishing at;  I replied "certainly'.  He proceeded to walk down and made his first cast. As I was observing him jigging I noticed a sudden and forceful bend in his rod. Sitting with a view perpendicular to him I could see his rod formed a perfect "U" and I knew immediately that he was into something big. I watched him battle that fish while fighting the strong current of the Canal for 25 minutes. He finally brought it to his side.  His other two buddies that were fishing had already moved over to where he was to help him in landing it.  They quickly measured it at 52 inches.  He had secured the fish with a Bogagrip fish grabber and its scale revealed a weight of just over 45 lbs.  Until that moment, the biggest fish I had observed being caught at the Canal was 42 lbs.  This would become, in my lifetime,  the biggest striper I had ever witnessed being caught.  
After safely releasing the fish surprisingly the three guys left the water's edge and came up to the Canal bikeway and said "we're late we have to get going,  good luck to you".  I quickly asked the young man who caught the fish to see the lure on his rod that he was using and when he showed it to me I was stunned. It was the exact same lure that I had been using for the previous two hours - the Wacky Mac Swim Bait.  Incidentally, the Wacky Mac is the same lure that my good friend, Joe Albanese, had purchased from Canal Bait and Tackle and shown to me the previous year when we were fishing at the Canal.  It was a hot lure then and lots of guys were throwing it this year and doing well. It weighs approximately 5 1/2 oz and I had purchased three of them last season. I had caught several 20+ pounders in 2021 using this jig.  Without hesitation after the three guys left I immediately went back down to the very spot where I had been fishing and continued to fish for another two hours to no avail.  

As you can imagine, seeing the largest striper of my life being caught in the exact same spot with the exact same lure that I had been diligently casting for two hours just prior to that fish being caught was extremely frustrating.  I was very happy for the young man who caught the fish and I was happy to have witnessed such a beautiful striper being caught and safely released, but I must tell you that it has been extremely difficult to get that fish out of my mind.  For the next three days while at the Canal, all I could think of is what might have happened if I had made one more cast.  My wife can serve as witness to the many times when I have been fishing, whether it be pursuing a trout in a stream in New Jersey or Colorado, a salmon or steelhead in a river in Alaska or a shad while fishing on the Delaware,  I have announced that this is going to be my last cast and on that very last cast I have tied into a fish. Could it have happened again?  

I seldom chat philosophically with friends or family but now being in my 70s I do reflect more often than I did in my early years. Fishing has always been more than a pastime for me, it has been my passion. For many fishermen, the memories of those great times had while fishing, together with those incredibly large specimen of fish they have caught will remain forever etched in their minds. There are, however, those moments of disappointment that somehow also get cached into your memory. Regardless of the outcome, I believe it is crucial to recognize that what is most important is the pursuit, the adventure, the experience and the friendships that collectively synthesize in creating those memories. While following your passion, the happy occasions and the disappointing times will nevertheless be worthwhile. Even if it takes a while for the memory of that 45 lb striper to fade from my mind, I know that soon I will be back out again pursuing one just like it.
World's first SURF FISHING RIG CAMERA captures STUNNING NEVER before seen FOOTAGE!
From our Membership Chair
HRFA Members stuff
New Members this month are Paco Wagner, Whiting, NJ and Gary Conk, Cream Ridge, NJ
 
Fight For the Hudson

If anyone would like a current JCAA newsletter please click here > https://jcaa.org/JCNL2204/Mainpage.htm
$20 bills money
What is HRFA Free Money? Are you a paid member.?
 At every HRFA in person meeting, half of the HRFA portion of the 50/50 money goes into a virtual jar. At the end of the meeting, a paid HRFA members name is picked (from a jar of all paid HRFA members) to receive the money. The name is announced three times. If the HRFA paid member is not present, the money goes back into the jar for the next months meeting. The process continues and is repeated at the next HRFA meeting.
***********************
HRFA Free money (split 50/50) for August 9th meeting was $133.00. From the bucket of HRFA paid members, a name was picked at the meeting by non-member Howard Owens.
The HRFA paid member picked from the bucket by Harold Owens was Howard Leemann and was announced to all present three times. Member Howard Leemann was at the meeting, and chose to donate the $133.00 back to the HRFA general fund.. Note: Treasurer holds the HRFA free money.
Will you be there at the September 2022 HRFA meeting to collect the HRFA free money?
Arnie Ulrich Membership Chair
HRFA Membership Information. If you dont have a 2022 or lifetime member card you are losing out on great HRFA member benifits.
Pay your dues. Get your 2022 membership card.
The generous grace period ended for renewals on March 31st. Those not renewed are on the stale list and are removed from the membership rolls. Note , If you do not have a 2022 or life time membership card , you are not a HRFA member.
For those people who join(ed) the HRFA in October (or later) of a given year, their new or renewal membership also is covered for the following new year. There is also a generous grace period (3 months) for those who are unable to update their membership in January, however paying your dues late puts a strain on the records maintenance and consequently the ability of the executive board’s planning of activities and events.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or want to help (time, skills, or financially) on any particular club projects or events, feel free to email me, Arnie Ulrich ([email protected]) or call me at 1-201-304-4691.

So how old is your fish? <--- click here

Fishing Licenses and Saltwater Registry for NJ & NY, Hudson River Regulations, etc.

Click on the buttons below for the:
NOTE: To order your NY State Fishing License by phone call 866-933-2257
NOTE: To get the New York Saltwater Registry you must first register for a free Citizen Access account, then log in and Buy Sporting License(s) (the Saltwater license is free)
HRFA Photo Gallery
Have a photograph and/or fishing story you would like to share with the club? If so, we'd love to hear from you. After all, no one wants to see the same members over and over again. Email it to [email protected] and we will do our very best to squeeze it into an upcoming issue of River Views.
Brendon Havner with a respectable walleye
Jeff Christie with a brag worthy catfish
Scott Havner with a big 'un
Joe Albanese with a slot sized keeper (17-17.9") - already breaded.
An unexpected double header. Joe Albanese had a 16" fluke on the teaser and a Norther Stargazer on the bucktail.
Austin Havner with a worthy largemouth bass
New HRFA member Gary Conk (left), who happens to be the President of the NJ Beach Buggy Association, assists "Dominic" with getting a cownose ray back in the water. Schools of these speedsters have been abundant in the NJ surf recently and unless you are using a heavy rod & reel combo one will quickly peel all the line off of your spool. Thus they have become a bit of a drag, particularly for fluke fisherman who are only interested in their intended quarry.
HRFA Member Eric Stoumpos Argyri (a.k.a. Mr. Poseidon) has been chasing stripers all over the East Coast. Lately, he's been to Montauk (of course), Rhode Island & Maine. We received this photo just before press time. Obviously, many of you will recognize the location. Yes, they were on BIG stripers up at the Cape Cod Canal this last week of August. You can follow all the fishing adventures of Mr. Poseidon on social media and YouTube . . .

Link to his YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/MrPoseidonSurf
Follow him on Instagram: @mr_poseidon_fishing
On Facebook: Poseidon Fish
From Fish to Dish
Pete Musse
Scallops anyone?
There's more than clams to harvest out in Barnegat Bay. If you know where to look. A recreational shellfish license is required to harvest benthic mollusks in the bay. A NJ resident can buy one for only $10. Those aged 62 and older can get a lifetime license for just a $2 handling fee. The daily limit is 150. Selling your catch is not allowed. Click HERE to apply.
STEP 1 - steam open scallops in a colander over a pot of boiling water once they open let them cool
STEP 2 - take the white pearl meat out of the surrounding layers then wash them and dry them on paper towel
STEP 3 - fry them in pan to a golden brown add a tablespoon of butter and Old Bay seasoning and enjoy
HRFA Calendar
PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Click here to download a Calendar of Events for the entire PIP Park System (both NY and NJ)!

Read more
www.njpalisades.org
Calendar | Hudson River Fishermen's Association

Our calendar system is currently being developed. Please check out the most recent River Views newsletter for for our upcoming events.

Read more
thehrfa.org
Please consider promoting your business in River Views. Click here to make a $120 donation and we will publish your larger size ad, with a link to your company website, for 12 full months of River Views

Your donation will support the mission of the HRFA to “Fight for the Hudson”, our Youth Angler Program, College Scholarship Fund, etc.
JOIN THE HRFA SURF FISHING TEAM

The HRFA Surf Fishing Team is now forming to compete in the 2022 Spring ASAC tournaments.

To get in on the fun, learn from experienced surf anglers and compete for valuable prizes contact Joe Albanese [email protected] or Pete Musse [email protected].
HRFA Youth Angler Program
Youth Angler Program
By Wayne Geider
Want to volunteer?
Just call our Youth Angler Program Chair Wayne Geider at
(201) 384-8046.
H.R.F.A. Merchandise

Newly redesigned HRFA baseball caps are now available. Pick one up at the next monthly meeting. Or, click on the photo to order yours today. Wear it proudly!

Other apparel with our logo are also available. Like this handsomely designed and practical UPF shirt. Wear it proudly when fishing and save a little on the sunscreen too. For members only. Ask Ivan Garcia for one. 
Back
Front & Sleeve
The Pride of the HRFA
Project to Save our Historical Heritage
Due to the restrictions imposed on our lives by the COVID 19 pandemic our plans are on hold. We hope and pray that one day volunteers may start working to refurbish Riverkeeper to her former days of glory when she was the world's first and only riverkeeper vessel. To offer your time and talents contact Dan Harrison at [email protected].
2022 Fishing Contest Leader Boards
as of June 27th
(only listing 1st, 2nd & 3rd place)
The HRFA hosts an annual fishing contest which runs from January through December and is open to all HRFA members. You have 30 days from the day you catch a fish to send in your entries. So, the deadline for submissions is January. As a member of the HRFA you and your immediate family are eligible to enter fish in any of our categories. Various divisions are available for prizes presented at our Annual Awards Dinner in March of the following year. Website updated daily. River Views newsletter updates below are done around the first the month. * indicates a new club record.

To be posted on Instagram, photos of your catch should be emailed or texted to Alex Spindelman: (845) 548-0003, [email protected]
The 2022 HRFA Fishing Contest
Saltwater Species
Striped Bass Released
Caught From Boat
(leaders determined by length)
Jerry Crean 52”
Rick Englesbe 41"
Joe Albanese 41"
Striped Bass Kept
Caught From Boat
(leaders determined by weight)
No Entries

Striped Bass Released
Caught From Shoreline
(leaders determined by length)
Scott Havner 42.25"
Carl Hartmann 36"
John Francesconi 30"
Striped Bass Kept
Caught From Shoreline
(leaders determined by weight)
No Entries
Bluefish
Carl Hartmann 3.2 Lbs.
Flounder
Bill Fish 2 Lbs. 6 oz.
Fluke
Joe Albanese 3 Lbs. 8 oz.
Blackfish
No Entries
Black Sea Bass
No Entries
Scup (Porgy)
No Entries
Open Category 
Salt Water
No Entries

Freshwater Species
Catfish
Carl Bruger 22lbs.
John Francesconi 10 lbs.
Carp
Carl Bruger 24lbs. 8oz.
Trout  - Local
No Entries
Trout - Great Lakes
Stephanie Hess 13lbs 8oz.
Smallmouth Bass
Carl Bruger 5lbs 8oz.
Largemouth Bass
Aram Setian 6 Lbs. 3 oz.
Salmon
33 Lbs. Heather Baez
YOUTH ANGLER DIVISION
Noah Sardinas Striped Bass 33” Released
Open Category 
Fresh Water
Mona Mak - Sheepshead 14lbs. 8oz.
Hudson River Boat and Yacht Club Association

The Hudson River Boat and Yacht Club Association (HRBYCA) has been the advocate for 33 local boat and yacht clubs from Raritan Bay, New Jersey to Port Ewan, New York. For 47 years, our goal has been to protect the environment of the Hudson River...

Read more
www.hrbyca.org
Partial list of Friends & Supporters of the HRFA
(Click on any image below to visit their website.)
Davis Sport Shop