THE
Hudson River
Fishermen’s Association
E-11-23
NEXT GENERAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 14th
Meeting starts at 7:30 PM

Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge
21 Cedar St
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
TOPIC: "Surf Fishing for Striped Bass"
SPEAKER: Bill Jakob
BIO: Bill is a well known avid surfcaster who also worked as a mate on party and charter boats out of Montauk for over 40 years. Currently, Bill is President of both the Montauk Surfcasters Association and the Montauk Surfcasters Alliance. Both are non-profit organizations. He is a contributing writer with Surfcaster's Journal, The Fisherman and On the Water magazines. Oh yeah, he is also a member of the Van Staal Pro Team since 2001. That's Bill with a 30 Lb. striper caught on a fly rod at Montauk.

SUMMARY:
Naturally, Bill's presentation will cover surf fishing for, and conservation of, striped bass. He will tell us about the Montauk Surfcasters Association, a Hudson River Chapter, and the differences between the Association and the Alliance. He will share news about their November 18, 2023 Surf Day.
CONTACT
(631) 373-9894
All are invited to join the meeting 
& share their fishing stories.
Want to write an article for this newsletter?
If so, contact: editorriverviews@thehrfa.org.
We still have a limited number (3) of
Gray FishTag Research bumper stickers left.
Your $25 donation supports the HRFA and FishTag's northeast striped bass tagging study.
Donate to the HRFA
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 core 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 get 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

Executive Board Officers
President
Joseph Albanese
Vice President
Michael Sardinas
Treasurer
Aram Setian
Assistant Treasurer
TBD
Secretary
TBD
Membership
Arnold Ulrich

Directors
Scholarship & Fund Raising
Chair Jerry Crean
Youth Angler Program
Chair Wayne Geider 
Hooked on the Hudson
Chair Pete Musse
Environmental
Chair Gil Hawkins
Publicity
Chair Miguel Sardinas
Fishing Contests
Chair Aram Setian
Chair Scott Havner
Outdoors Shows
Chair Dave Mercer
Chair Janice Soto
Outreach
Chair Dan Harrison
Director Emeritus
Tony Evangelista
Trustees
Ivan Garcia (2023)
Janice Soto (2024) 
Dave Mercer (2025)
Nominating Committee:
John Golon
Gil Hawkins
Aram Setian
Social Media
Chair Alex Spindelman
Editor River Views:
Joseph Albanese
Send Comments to: editorriverviews@thehrfa.org
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 the HRFA?
  • Fellowship with other anglers.
  • Learn valuable fishing tips from experts.
  • We are a conservation minded club - fighting for the Hudson and public access - with a shared passion for fishing and doing good for others.
  • Discounts at select sporting goods stores.
We Love Volunteers

The Mission of Spectrum for Living is to enable individuals who have developmental and/or physical disabilities to have the opportunity to attain their highest level of skills, purpose and independence with dignity through an ongoing commitment to comprehensive quality services, advocacy and family partnership.
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From our President
Greetings Gates,

FOMO
While surf fishing Oct 19-24, in Mr. Poseidon's 3rd Annual Montauk Challenge and then with the Berkely Striper Club on their annual trip to The End, I kept hearing & reading about all the great striper action taking place back in New Jersey.

So, on Thursday Oct 26th, I went down to Sandy Hook where for days prior there were reportedly blitz like conditions. Sadly, I saw two big stripers, dead on the beach. Click HERE to watch a short video of BEST PRACTICES for Catch & Release.

I fished hard with high hopes that Thursday from daybreak till 9:30AM. Nothing. Then, with renewed enthusiasm, from 2:30-5:00PM with the incoming tide. Nothing again. Same for everyone else on the beach; and believe me, I was far from being alone.

I heard it from every angler I spoke with "you shoulda been here yesterday". The fault is my own. Instead of heading down the shore ASAP I opted to spend Tuesday unwinding and then Wednesday fishing in the HRFA's panfish derby on a lake in Harriman State Park (where, by the way, I also got skunked). Sometimes, when the Fear Of Missing Out hits you, it's best to not dally.

The selfie is me, sitting and waiting in the late afternoon for the magic of the previous days to repeat itself. If one is not going to catch fish, a warm sunny day in October is the best weather to do it.

I'm not feeling sorry for myself because next we're off to Block Island for a week where I will get some fishing done. Never fished the Block before but I just read Dennis Zambrotta's Surfcasting Around the Block. So, I'm ready.

While I'm there I will fight off the compulsion to check Facebook and Instagram every other hour, for fear of seeing just how spectacular the fishing is back along the NJ beaches.
LIBERTY STATE PARK REVITALIZATION
On October 18th Arnie Ulrich and I traveled down the Turnpike to Jersey City to learn more about the Murphy administration's plans to revitalize the park from NJDEP Commissioner LaTourette and others. The mission of the park is to provide the public with access to the harbor's resources, a sense of its history and be responsible for its continued improvement.

By our estimate, the open house event was attended by several hundred people. The first step is the removal of chromium contaminated topsoil from the interior before design improvements can begin. While there we also had opportunities to see detailed plans and have input with consultants on same. We voiced our concerns about lack of opportunities for recreational fishing in the park. What follows now is a month for public comment.

I encourage everyone to participate in the process by commenting ASAP on the recreational opportunities you want at the park. Here is the link to the NJDEP's online survey: https://dep.nj.gov/revitalizelsp/comment-on-phase-1b/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#recreation. In numbers there is strength.

We support the Friends of Liberty State Park's fight to preserve open spaces at the park for the public rather than a competing plan for an exclusive golf course and stadium. We had great conversations with Sam Pesin (President FOLSP) who agreed to speak with us at an upcoming monthly meeting via Zoom.

Read more below.
Dart Board
DART TAGS
If you were at the October monthly meeting you heard that the EBoard voted to move ahead with the more fish friendly dart-type tagging kits from the American Littoral Society. Since then, the order was placed and we await word on how soon they will arrive.

There are multiple reasons why we pushed for this change. The current tags require pushing a needle all the way through the fish which comes with a greater risk of infection. Tying an overhand knot to prevent the spaghetti tag from dislodging keeps the fish out of water for a prolonged period. The loop created also has a greater propensity for marine growth and might snag on some underwater obstruction.

If interested, we currently still have some inventory (40 kits) of the less costly clasp-type tags available for sale. However, the Society has graciously agreed to accept the return of our current supply. Once they are either sold, or returned for credit, we will only be providing our members with the new style of tag.

This is an exploratory program, exclusive for the HRFA. The program will expand to others if the percentage of returns justifies it.

DID YOU KNOW?
Your membership in the HRFA allows you to tag fish for science. Without our club membership in the Society the initial cost for individuals to participate in the American Littoral Society's tagging program is $60 which includes 2 spaghetti-type tagging kits. There is an annual membership fee as well. Click HERE if you would like to learn more or make an added donation to the Society's tagging program.
COMMERICAL MOORING
We sided with Riverkeeper in opposition to an application submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers requesting a commercial mooring for barges in the Hudson River across from Indian Point at Thompkins Cove. Click HERE to read the proposal.

Tell an HRFA EBoard member what event(s) you would like to have. Please recommend guest speakers and topics for our monthly meetings too. Get involved.


Best regards,
Joseph Albanese
Joe
HRFA 2023 President
Email: president@theHRFA.org

Fight for the Hudson

PS. DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated, the opinions in my monthly letter to members are mine. Although, others may agree to disagree.
In this month's issue of River Views
Please consider promoting your business in River Views. Click here to make a $60 donation and we will publish your business card, with a link to your company website, for 12 issues 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.
Please check out Rainy's Rigs on Facebook. Rainy's is a sponsor of our Bass & Blues Derby.
THANK YOU!
Aboard a 44' Henriques 6-pack with a large fishing cockpit powered by twin 550 HP diesel engines.

XTC Sportfishing gives HRFA member discounts.
If you would like to be added to the contact list for upcoming charters please contact Dirk at:
dirkvan@optimum.net
or (201) 983-2402
Here's what is in the rest of this month's River Views. You will find details on everything listed here by scrolling down through this newsletter.

Upcoming HRFA Events
2023
  • November 11: Bass and Blues Derby at Sandy Hook
  • November 14: HRFA General Meeting. Speaker Bill Jakob President of the Montauk Surfcaster's Association.
  • November 19: HRFA Invitational vs. NJBBA at Island Beach State Park. Original date was Oct. 14th.
  • December 12: HRFA Fishing Gear Green Market. THE place to sell/buy new/used fishing gear. Reserve your table(s). Limit 2 per donation.
2024
  • January 9: General Meeting. Tentative Scott Havner "Ice Fishing 101"
  • February 13: General Meeting. Speaker TBD
  • March 12: General Meeting. Speaker TBD
  • March 15-17: Saltwater Fishing Expo in Edison, NJ
  • April 27: Hooked on the Hudson
  • TBD: Annual Awards Dinner

Other Happenings
  • November 11: JCAA's Sportsperson-of-the-Year Dinner
  • November 18: Montauk Surfcasters Association's Surf Day

Past Events
  • October 7 t0 28: HRFA Panfish Derby on the Fishing Chaos App.
  • October 10: General Meeting. HRFA Vice President Michael Sardinas will cover surf fishing. A prelude to our November 11th Bass & Blues Surf Fishing Derby.
  • October 18: NJDEP seeking public feedback on design plans for Liberty State Park Revitalization
  • October 19 -21: Mr. Poseidon's 3rd Annual Montauk Challenge

Carl's Corner
"Salmon Season 2023: Better Late Than Never" by Carl Bruger.

Ocean Industrialization
The HRFA Supports NJ Assembly Resolution No. 181

Calls for Action
  • Join New York's Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program
  • NJ's Operation Game Thief Tip Line. Help stop poaching. If you see something, say something.
  • Notice to prevent spread of invasive baitfish
  • Lake Access Bill
  • Contacts of NJ Legislature

From our Membership Chair
Arnie Ulrich updates the monthly calendar and more.

That's Entertainment
  • Stripers Forever X Keep Fish Wet - Catch & Release Best Practices
  • Ross Pilot, Keith Crane - Whale Watch (Dancing on the Water)

Special Projects
The start of three (3) somethings BIG - the Spectrum Fishing Pier, saving the original HRFA patrol boat Riverkeeper, creating a permanent 'home' and museum for the HRFA.

Social Media
Sadly, we learned that our good friend and longtime HRFA member Al Miller passed away this week. So, we thought it fitting that we share an Instagram post from 2020 of Al up on a Lake Ontario tributary holding a brace of big salmon. Send your photos to our Social Media Chair Alex Spindelman: a.spindelman@gmail.com.

From the Internet
  • Is it safe to eat that fish from the Hudson River? - A simpler one-page summary from the NJDEP.

The HRFA Lending Library
A complete listing of books available in our library, maintained by Michael Sardinas. Three new books donated. Check out the updated list.

Youth Angler Program

H.R.F.A. Merchandise

NJ Palisades Interstate Park's Calendar of Events
The PIP's calendar for the month, courtesy of the HRFA's 'Friend of The Hudson River' recipient Jeanie Ross.

HRFA Members' Photo Gallery
Do you have a fishing story to tell? But no time to write it? Well, wasn't it Confucius who said, "A photo is worth a thousand words." Submit your photo to editorriverviews@thehrfa.org.

2023 HRFA Annual Fishing Contest
What are you waiting for? Submit your catch. As Mr. Poseidon would say, "Let's go Fishing Champs!"

Friends & Supporters of the HRFA

Please email comments, photos, articles, news and other things of interest to members to care of The Editor. We could use the material!

The Editor
River Views
editorriverviews@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.
Upcoming HRFA 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.
THE HRFA's 3rd Annual Bass & Blues Surfcasting Derby
November 11, 2023
Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook, NJ
THIS IS A FREE EVENT FOR ALL VETERANS
All members & their guests are invited to
join the HRFA's Surfcasting Derby.

Entry Fee: $25.00 donation
Will accept cash or check
in person at the beach.

Meet up: 6:00 AM in Parking Lot B
Awards: 11:20 AM in Parking Lot B
Striped Bass Prizes
1st Place -- $100 value
2nd place –$50 value
3rd place – $25 value
Bluefish Prizes
1st Place – $75 value + Trophy
2nd place – $50 value
3rd place – $25 value
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
 REMEMBER, if fishing with bait, you MUST use a circle hook

If you have any questions or need help with selecting the right gear for the derby, contact
Michael Sardinas:
Email: Masardinas@yahoo.com
Phone: +1 (201) 232-5988
HRFA General Meeting
November 14, 2023
MONTAUK
Bill Jakob with share his hard earned wealth of knowledge of targeting stripers from surf and boat. He will cover conservation efforts of the Montauk Surfcaster's Alliance a 501 (C)(3) organization. And more!

Below, we share a couple of YouTube videos done by Bill for Surfcaster's Journal.
William Jakob has been fishing the waters around Montauk since before he could even spell the name. Bill is usually found thrashing his Van Staal reels at his favorite points on the "North Side" where hundreds of hours of submersion put them to the ultimate test. Bill has been a invaluable part of the VS Pro Team since 2001.
Surf Fishing 101 Episode 25 Lure colors with Bill Jakob
Surf Fishing Tip of the Week # 50 Bill Jakobs & Zeno Hromin on some lures for Montauk Lighthouse
NOTE: Originally scheduled for November's Monthly Meeting, Dennis Kuntz of 2nd Chance Tackle will have a table at our December sale. Bring him your old, worn out, and tired reels needing rejuvenation. Dennis pledges a donation to the HRFA for every reel he services. He will also have reels for sale.
HRFA Invitational at Island Beach State Park
November 19, 2023
The HRFA has challenged the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association to a surf fishing derby and they accepted. Who will take home the trophy?

Fishing starts at 8 AM 
Fishing ends at 11 AM
Award Ceremony & BBQ at 12 PM

This is a FREE event for members of the HRFA and the NJBBA. Entry fee of $25 for non-members will cover cost of food & prizes. Plus support the efforts of both clubs. Pay by check or cash at the beach.
NJBBA 2023 Logo
Governor Murphy has made entry to NJ's state parks free of charge. Stop at the gate then meet up on the beach at Fishermen's Walkway. Click HERE to open the park map.
Registration at IBSP is from 7AM - 8AM. You can start fishing in the as soon as you register. Of course, if you register ahead of time, you can start fishing at 7AM - but NOT sooner. Fishing ends at 11 AM. Awards Ceremony & BBQ starts at 12 PM.

The angler with the largest fish in length wins the trophy and their club's name will be added to the plaque. 

Which club will win? Which lucky angler will take home the trophy? Got questions? Contact Joe Albanese Email: president@thehrfa.org Mobile: (908) 456-2968
THE HRFA's Fishing Gear Green Market
December 12, 2023
Sell/buy new/used fishing gear. Vendors welcome. Your donation supports the mission and activities of the HRFA. We thank you for your support.

There is space for 20 tables. Two tables are already reserved:
  1. Dennis Kuntz - fishing reels
  2. Don Marantz - fishing gear
Other Happenings
JCAA's Sportsperson-of-the-Year Dinner
November 11, 2023
Once again, the dinner will be held at the Captain’s Inn located at 304 E Lacey Rd., Forked River, NJ.

Paul Schell will be honored as the Sportsperson of the Year and Paul and Joyce Lenzo will receive our Youth Education Award.

As always, they will have gift and silent auctions along with a 50/50. They will have a lot of nice prizes including some for the ladies. They are requesting that member clubs and individuals donate something for their raffle and/or our silent auction, or perhaps a bottle for their basket of cheer.

To donate, please contact Paul Haertel at (973) 943-8201. Tickets are $90 per person or $800 for a table of ten. Mickey Sherri and John Toth will be handling the ticket sales as well as the seating arrangements this year. Call Mickey at (732) 421-6668 or John at (732) 656-0139.
Surf Day
November 18, 2023
Past Events
HRFA Panfish Derby
October 7 to 28, 2023
‌
The winners were not yet announced at the time this issue was "put to bed" but the prizes will be as follows:

Check Social Media or the Fishing Chaos App for the winner's.

Thank you again for participating, this has really become a fun event. Look for more to come in 2024 including our bass derby in June
General Meeting. Speaker Michael Sardinas.
October 10, 2023
Michael shared the lures he carries in his surf bag for the fall run of bass and blues. He takes a minimalist approach to travel light and focus on enhancing his technique with each.
Michael is a successful surf fisherman.
Prez and Vice Prez.
Hackensack Riverkeeper Gala
October 11, 2023
This year the Hackensack Riverkeeper's annual gala acknowledged the contributions of 3 notables for their ongoing commitment and support of the nonprofit organization:
  • Excellence in Public Service Award - The Honorable John Anlian, Mayor Ridgefield Park
  • Corporate Environmental Stewardship Award - Anthony Borelli, Sr. VP of Planning & Development, Edison Properties
  • Friend of Hackensack Riverkeeper Award - Mary Beth Postman, Deputy Director Waterkeeper Alliance

Did you know?
In 2021, past HRFA President and our current Environmental Chair, Mr. Gilbert Hawkins, received their Friend of the Hackensack Riverkeeper Award for his establishment of the Overpeck Preserve. It was once a garbage dump but is now a nature preserve with 4.5 miles of trails. However, somehow it is still in remediation and not yet open to the public. It's a long story.
THE HRFA was in da house supporting and celebrating the 26th year of Hackensack Riverkeeper.

In the photo: Past and current HRFA Presidents Dan Harrison, Gil Hawkins, Capt. Aram Setian & Joe Albanese flank Mary Beth Postman (Waterkeeper Alliance) & Capt. Bill Sheehan (Hackensack Riverkeeper).
Capt. Setian with award recipient Villiage of Ridgefield Park's Mayor John Anlian.
Liberty State Park Revitalization Event
October 18, 2023
Public embraces, suggests tweaks to plan for new...

The overhaul will surround Audrey Zapp Drive and represents the second stage of a nearly park-wide transformation.

Read more
www.nj.com
Here's an except from the article above written by reporter Teri West of The Jersey Journal:

An interest in the potential for new fishing amenities were part of the reason why Hudson River Fishermen's Association President Joseph Albanese traveled from Fort Lee to attend. As he looked at a poster board depicting new recreational plans, he asked about creating a handicapped accessible space for fishing. "I think somewhere along the shoreline would be a great opportunity to put a T-pier or something like they have in Hoboken so that it doesn't interfere with people walking," Albanese suggested.
NJDEP| Liberty State Park Revitalization Program |...

NJDEP| Liberty State Park Revitalization Program | Northern Area Recreation, Arts & Culture | Page Description

Read more
dep.nj.gov
Mr. Poseidon's Montauk Challenge
October 19-21, 2023
Fantastic event for those of us who prowl the beaches for striped bass. The shared comradery, cash prizes for the 3 big winners, casting contest at Hither Hills State Park, awards ceremony at Shagwong Tavern, 3 Van Staal give aways, the raffles ... etc. etc. etc. Kudos to Mr. & Mrs. Poseidon for bringing the surf fishing community together. Of course, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place all went to members of the Montauk club.

What made the long drive to The End from Joisey and back again even better was that when this tournament ended the Berkley Striper Club's annual trip to Montauk began and ran for the next couple of days! BSC members Joe Albanese, and soon to be new HRFA member Doug Barr, also caught stripers. Mostly in the mid-20's range with the largest one measuring 32".
Doug with another bass.
HRFA President with the Beast River posse - Oscar L. Brea (L), Elliott and his lovely wife Cee Cee, aka Mermaid (R). This fine group of people from the Bronx are on a mission to introduce kids to fishing. Their motto simply is "Rods up. Guns down." Follow them on Instagram.
Joe Albanese with guide Bill Wetzel at Blade & Salt - a GREAT restaurant in town.
Doug Barr & Joe Albanese
Joe's biggest striper at 32". The flip side of that bass had a bite taken by a seal that we saw within casting distance.
1st Place winner Brandon Sausele - 47" striper
2nd Place winner Jay Markowitz - 45.5" striper
3rd Place winner Bill Schulken - 43" striper
 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 (are) his latest gem(s).
Salmon Season 2023: Better Late Than Never
By Carl Bruger
I choose autumn as my favorite season. Rain is always the key! Salmon spawn up rivers creeks and streams when increased cold water flows goad the fish into their one-way upstream effort at procreation. Places like the Salmon and Oswego Rivers usually have early September runs thanks to the steady cold feeds from the reservoir and canal respectively. The fact that many fish originated at the Altmar hatchery headwaters or were directly stocked in the Oswego also guarantees thousands of early returns.                                       

Severe drought in late August through September and the first week of October meant the lesser channels of moving water were either hot, too low or even empty! The ESLO side of Lake Ontario (East Side of Lake Ontario) thus concentrated the early runs in the big two and therefore squashed all the avid anglers in the same spots! This old scribe was not in the mood for elbow to elbow angling so I bided my time filling the freezer with yummy yellow perch fillets and more than a few fresh fried perch filleted dinners.                                    

Mother Nature finally opened the heavens and began to spread the salmon run around. I was sad that no HRFA members joined me for the onslaught, but local friends got to share in the bounty that evolved. Out of the 37 kings that I landed only 11 were destined for the hickory smoker. Many were not head shots with released beauties in the upper twenties swimming off with hook holes in fins, tails and even my nurple fly snagged in a lure on the side of one hapless Chinook! Another lucky keeper was a
23 pound hen that broke off my Cleo spoon that hooked her dorsal only to strike my nurple fly an hour later for a legal hook in the upper jaw! One released male got revenge on me by slashing open my waders with one of his snaggled teeth! The projecting “canine”caught the inside of my boot as the sprinting king swam right between my legs to rip open the waders.                                

The best keeper fish was a feisty hen of 38 ½ inches and 25.2 pounds that held between five and six pounds of shiny orange salmon eggs. Rather than selling the eggs from the eight females kept I always donate them to Judy Kirch at B & J bait shop. She is a local saint who gives kids free worms and even rods and reels when she knows that their family finances are an issue. I donate dozens of repaired rods to this cause every year. With that bait shop closed for the season before we depart, I have extra eggs which I will cure and bring to the HRFA general meeting for any member who wants to tie their own egg sacks for steelhead and browns.  

One of our mutual friends is a retired school bus driver and awesome amateur bird photographer, Alice Ferguson. She has landed kings from her kayak and is great at netting fish that others botch. We motored into the Perch River headwaters and she used a ¾ ounce Cleo spoon to lure a green kype jawed male that battled for over twenty minutes with five jumps and over a dozen sprints away from my waiting net. He was well over three feet long and scaled out at 22 ½ pounds. The ride back revealed a Cumulus cloud formation that looked just like a giant white salmon. What a great omen for more success! While writing about colors, the pink flesh of our fillets showed how fresh and delicious they would taste after smoking. I’m bringing home a batch for the November HRFA general meeting for those who like these delicacies. All donations will go to the HRFA scholarship fund. 
  
November sees the end of the salmon run with what were August lake bound silver kings turning brown, then black, then skunk-striped in stages of decomposition. Kings waste away to paupers with tattered bodies that we call zombies and mushies. Starting in August the shoreline action will begin again with the trollers at the river mouths.
Ocean Industrialization
The HRFA Supports Assembly Resolution No. 181
Calls for Action
Join New York's Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program
Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are New York's official saltwater fish and highly sought-after by recreational anglers in New York's marine waters and the Hudson River. DEC is seeking participants to join the Striped Bass Cooperative Angler (SBCA) Program to help biologists understand and maintain a healthy striped bass population. Anglers help provide data on fish caught and can submit scale samples that are used for aging their catch. Learn more from our new storymap and sign up for the Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program. 

In New York's marine waters (south of the George Washington Bridge), the recreational slot limit is 28-31 inches, and the season is open April 15 through December 15. The recreational striped bass fishing season in the Hudson River (north of the George Washington Bridge) is open April 1 through Nov. 30 and the recreational slot limit is 18-28 inches. Anglers who fish for striped bass in the tidal Hudson River can learn more about the Hudson River Cooperative Anglers Program on DEC's website. 

Circle hooks are required when fishing for striped bass with bait. When fishing using a circle hook and a fish bites, avoid pulling up on the rod immediately. Instead, point the rod tip at the fish and reel quickly. When the line becomes tight, keep reeling for a few more seconds before raising the rod tip. When the rod is bent, turn the reel handle slow and steady to bring in the fish. Check DEC's Best Practices for Saltwater Fishing for more information on responsible fishing and safe fish handling tips. 

Before fishing, visit the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations webpage for the most up-to-date limits. In New York's Marine and Coastal District, or when fishing for "migratory fish of the sea," including striped bass, be sure to enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
NJ Operation Game Thief
NYDEC Baitfish Warnning
New Jersey’s A1047 / S987 Lake Access Bill
SENATE, No. 987

SYNOPSIS - Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-owned lakes; appropriates $1 million.

Read more
njfederation.wildapricot.org
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
From our Membership Chair
HRFA Members stuff
Arnie Ulrich Membership Chair
New Members this month are Michael Stella Secaucu NJ

 Fight For the Hudson

DON'T Forget the FREE HRFA Members fishing contest submit your entries and check the Leader Board below at the 2023 Leader Board down below!!

$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 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 2023 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 2023 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 (kavester@aol.com) or call me at 1-201-304-4691.
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

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)
That's Entertainment!
Stripers Forever X Keep Fish Wet - Catch & Release Best Practices
Ross Pilot, Keith Crane - Whale Watch (Dancing on the Water)
Special Projects
Become a committee member for one our more our Special Projects. We now have three (3) big ticket ($$$) projects. The first two have been discussed for years already and we hope to make some headway on each in the coming years. To offer your time and talents contact Dan Harrison at dharrison@cdtresources.com. Here are the BIG three:
If we build it they will come!
Dan Harrison proposed, and the Board approved, a $2,500 contribution to kick-start a special project to build a fishing pier in the Oradell Reservoir across the street from “Spectrum for Living” located in Closter, NJ. The long-term benefits will include support for outdoor activities, including fishing, for the residents and local community. To learn more about this wonderful organization click on their logo.

To offer your time and talents contact Dan Harrison at dharrison@cdtresources.com.
SUBJECT: Update for Spectrum Pier DATE: May 25, 2023

Some things never move as fast as you like. Good news here is that it may not be moving as fast as I would like BUT it is moving. By moving I mean getting the right people involved to get this project going. We are now in talks with two NJ Senators, one with a R and one with a D after their name. The hope is that they can work together for people in the state that could care less about the R And D. They are the clients at Spectrum for Living.

We now have a special bank account that was set up exclusively for this project. We can now start taking donations for this project. Please see our website to click on the donate button. Or send a check to the HRFA Spectrum pier project PO box 421 Cresskill NJ 07626.

We have some fund-raising events planned. Just to mention a few:
·       A wine tasting event at make wine with us in Wallington NJ.  
·       Beefsteak dinner 
·       The Catfish Chaos on August 19.

I can not stress enough how much this project would help better the lives of the clients at Spectrum for Living. 

Thanks,
Dan H 
Spectrum Pier Poster Feb 20 2023
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, or make a donation, contact Dan Harrison at dharrison@cdtresources.com.
Permanent Home & Museum
To build a permanent home and museum in the Palisades Interstate Park at Bloomers Beach. 

To offer your time and talents, or make a donation, contact Dan Harrison at dharrison@cdtresources.com.
Follow the HRFA on Social Media
Submit fishing photos & news of interest to Alex Spindelman.
a.spindelman@gmail.com
You can also tag us in your posts @thehrfa.org
Click on the logos below to visit our FaceBook and Instagram pages.
Photo Gallery
Stripers and Bluefish in the Hudson
Forget Montauk, Block Island, the Jersey and Long Island shorelines for a minute and you just might discover an AMAZING fishery right in your own back yard. So to speak, that is.

The river was alive this October with plenty of peanut bunker and herring. Schools of bass and even a big chopper feasted on them. Mini blitzes busting out here and there for hours. Lost count of how many fish were caught and released, Mainly all on topwater plugs too. The most exciting way to fish.
From the Internet
Is it safe to eat that fish from the Hudson River?
safe to eat
HRFA Lending Library
Please make your selection from the list below and make a reservation by emailing Michael Sardinas at Vicepresident@thehrfa.org  If the title is available, you will receive a confirmation and book will be ready for pickup at the next General Meeting. 
TITLES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
  • Secrets of Surf Fishing at Night by William A. Muller
  • The Trophy Striper by Frank Daignault
  • Croton Point Park by Scott Craven & Caroline Curvan  
  • The Riverkeepers by John Cronin   
  • Striper Surf by Frank Daignault  
  • 20 years on the Cape by Frank Daignault  
  • On the Run by David DiBenedetto  
  • The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger
  • 101 Fish - Fly Fisher's Life List by Lefy Kreh  
  • Fly Fishing in Saltwater by Lefy Kreh  
  • Longer Fly Casting by Lefty Kreh  
  • Incredible Fishing Stories by Shaun Morey  
  • Fifty Favorite Fly-Fishing Tales by Chris Santella  
  • Sport Fishing - Aquatic Resources Handbook by Bob Schmidt
  • Max's Magic Fly by Peter Nilse
  • The Great East Coast Seafood Book by Yvonne Young Tarr
  • New Jersey Coastwalks by D.W. Bennett
  • Marine Gamefish of the Middle Atlantic by David K. Bulloch
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
2023 Fishing Contest Leader Boards
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, a.spindelman@gmail.com
Saltwater Species
Striped Bass Released
Caught From Boat
(leaders determined by length)
Mike Santiago 47.5"
Striped Bass Kept
Caught From Boat
(leaders determined by weight)
No entry.
Striped Bass Released
Caught From Shoreline
(leaders determined by length)
Sandy Federico 42"
Striped Bass Kept
Caught From Shoreline
(leaders determined by weight)
Carl Hartmann 12 Lbs.
Bluefish
Mike Santiago 17.8 Lbs.
Flounder
No entry.
Fluke
Edward Christensen 5 Lbs. 8 oz.
Blackfish
No entry.
Black Sea Bass
Carl Hartmann 2 Lbs
Scup (Porgy)
No entry.
Open Category 
Salt Water
Jeffrey Grabovski, Tarpon 140 Lbs.
Freshwater Species
Catfish
Carl Bruger 27 Lbs. 2 Oz.
Carp
John Francesconi 24 Lbs. 3oz.
Trout  - Local
No entry.
Trout - Great Lakes
Stephanie Hess 12 lbs 13 oz.
Smallmouth Bass
Linda Havner 5 Lbs. 12 Oz.
Largemouth Bass
Joseph Duemmer 6 Lbs 7oz.
Salmon
Carl Bruger 24 Lbs 13 oz.
Open Category 
Fresh Water
Carl Hartman - 1 Lb. Yellow Perch
YOUTH ANGLER DIVISION
Harry Cudlin - 9 Lbs. 8 Oz. Northern Pike with grandpa Carl Bruger
Noah Sardinas - 30" Striped Bass from Shore and Released
Sarah Sardinas - 9.5" Porgy
Partial list of Friends & Supporters of the HRFA
(Click on any image below to visit their website.)
Davis Sport Shop
Stop&Shop
Hudson River Fishermen's Association
PO Box 421, Cresskill, NJ 07626 • PO Box 421, Piermont, NY 10968