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THE
Hudson River
Fishermen’s Association
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NEXT GENERAL MEETING
February 13th
Meeting starts at 7:30 PM
Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge
21 Cedar St
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
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TOPIC: Liberty State Park
SPEAKER: Sam Pesin
BIO: Sam Pesin is the president of the all-volunteer Friends of Liberty State Park and the son of Morris Pesin, FOLSP’s “father”. As Friends’ president, Sam urges the public to speak out on park issues and has co-led grassroots movements against profiteers to protect and improve this priceless urban waterfront park as a free and green Central Park type park behind Lady Liberty without commercialization and privatization. Sam taught preschool children for 4 decades before retiring 5 years ago to devote full time to advocate for LSP.
SUMMARY:
Sam’s presentation will update us on NJDEP's plans to remediate contaminated soil with focus on his group's efforts to preserve and/or create open space for recreational activities like hiking, birding, even baseball & soccer fields for Jersey City residents' children to play in the park. In opposition is a 'consortium' pushing for an exclusive (not inclusive) golf course and marina for luxury yachts. Of course, we support FOLSP in obtaining their goals. We hope they will partner with us in our goal to preserve public access to the waterfront that would include new provisions for additional fishing opportunities in the northern section of the park, such as a handicapped accessible fishing pier like the Castle Point T-Pier in Hoboken.
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Meeting ID: 839 8857 7222
Passcode: 568950
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All are invited to join the meeting
& share their fishing stories.
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Want to write an article for this newsletter?
If so, contact: editorriverviews@thehrfa.org.
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Why Donate?
- The HRFA was 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?
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Get a beautiful Gray FishTag Research bumper sticker.
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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
Volunteer Needed
Secretary
Volunteer Needed
Membership
Arnold Ulrich
Directors
Scholarship & Fund Raising
Chair Jerry Crean
Youth Angler Program
Volunteer Needed
Hooked on the Hudson
Chair Pete Musse
Environmental
Chair Gil Hawkins
Publicity
Chair Miguel Sardinas
Annual Fishing Contest
Chair Alex Spindelman
Co-Chair Scott Havner
Outdoors Shows
Chair Dave Mercer
Chair Janice Soto
Outreach
Chair Dan Harrison
Director Emeritus
Tony Evangelista
Trustees
Janice Soto (2024)
Dave Mercer (2025)
Volunteer Needed (2026)
Nominating Committee:
John Golon
Gil Hawkins
Aram Setian
Social Media
Chair Alex Spindelman
Editor River Views:
Joseph Albanese
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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.
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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.
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Please support our mission by advertising your business in River Views. Our digital newsletter goes out to nearly 1,000 persons all 12 months of the year. (On average about 50% of recipients open and read every issue.)
All ads will provide business card, logo or image you prefer along with a link to your business website. Pricing for 2024 is based upon size of the ad and dollar amount donated to support the mission of the HRFA; a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization.
The Editor
River Views
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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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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.
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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.
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Greetings Gate,
THE HRFA ANNUAL FISHING CONTEST
Cha-cha-cha-changes for 2024 include a new fly-fishing category for freshwater (Trout, Smallmouth, Largemouth, Salmon & Carp) and saltwater (Striped Bass, Bonito/False Albacore, Bluefish & Fluke). Regardless of angling method, kept stripers are no longer eligible for prizes. We eliminated the Open Categories for fresh & saltwater. We kept the Youth Division; any species may qualify. We will no longer accept entries by weight, only length. In case of a tie, time of entry will decide the winner. Entries must include photo of fish with ruler and angler holding the fish. To submit your catch, check the most up-to-date Leader Board, etc. go to . . . https://thehrfa.org/fishing-contest/. Got questions? Contact Annual Fishing Contest Chair Alex Spindelman a.spindelman@gmail.com or Co-Chair Scott Havner fishon7231@verizon.net.
ABOUT THAT PHOTO
To kick off the fly-fishing category we had new hats designed, modeled by me. (We need better marketing!) Anyone who registers for the May 4th saltwater fly fishing derby on Sandy Hook will get one for free. But why wait? A $15 donation gets you one.
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GOT TAGS?
The fishing contest with the longest name, "The Annual Fred Rung Memorial Striped Bass Catch & Release and Catch, Tag and Then Release Derby" is set to begin a full two weeks earlier this year. The April 1st commencement of the derby will coincide with the start of NY's season for stripers in the river north of the George Washington Bridge. (There just wasn't enough time to start the derby March 1st, opening day of NJ season. Maybe next year.)
Anyway, if you hope to tag fish during the derby to contribute to science (and double your potential prize money should you win) you better make sure you have at least one tagging kit (10 tags) on hand. Any style tag from the American Littoral Society will do. However, we hope everyone will switch over to the more fish friendly dart-type tag, which requires a special needle, when it comes time to place a new order. This year the HRFA will only be providing the new dart-type tags and special needles. Get 'em while supplies last.
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Click HERE to watch a short video from Commissioner Shawn LaTourette on NJDEP's plans for the park. Sam Pesin will break it all down for us at our February ZOOM meeting. I encourage everyone to join us. Hopefully in person at the Elks Lodge but if not, from home. Get involved in the planning stages to advocate for open space and create new fishing opportunities in the park. |
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**MEETING POSTPONED**
There was to be a Zoom meeting Jan 30th on the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program Design Task Force. A couple of HRFA EBoard members registered to attend. However, it was postponed earlier that same day "due to significant public interest". Does that rational make sense to anybody? What dark forces are at work behind that decision?
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NJ's FLUKE SEASON
The postponement of the LSP meeting allowed Arnie Ulrich and I to ZOOM into the JCAA's January 30th meeting. Paul Haertel presented the various options under consideration for the 2024 Fluke Season in NJ, and there were many. As Paul explained, the regs will be tied to those for Black Sea bass and Scup. Those in attendance, representing membership clubs, all voted in favor of the option shown in the table. It allows for a 3-fluke bag limit with a minimum size of 18-inches. This meets the required 28% reduction in harvest while at the same time giving the longest season (May 4- September 25) which shortens the time gap before Sea Bass season. This is 4 days shorter than last year's season which was May 2 - September 27. The regs for Island Beach State Park will remain unchanged. Namely, 2-fluke 16" or larger. The NJ Marine Fisheries Council will decide at their March 7th meeting Thursday 5:00 pm at the Stafford Township Administration Bldg. 260 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ. All should try to attend in person or via ZOOM.
There was also a bit of discussion about offshore wind farms, but I'll save details for a later date. For now, save it to say that sides remain deeply entrenched. Nonetheless, the majority of clubs voted to support a temporary suspension of offshore wind exploration & development until science shows it is safe to proceed. A letter is being drafted to NJ's Governor and others. Hopefully, that would include a letter to BOEM changing the JCAA's original position on offshore wind. We'll see.
One day there may be some common ground on which to build a brighter future. I believe those letters could be the start.
Let me leave off with these quotes . . .
"A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still"
- Dale Carnegie, HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE
"All the well-meaning words in the world are worthless without effective action toward win/win solutions. Until such time that we pull together, this world will continue to come apart. We're all on "Spaceship Earth" together."
- Steve Ramirez, CASTING SEAWARD Fishing Adventures in Search of America's Saltwater Gamefish
Best regards,
Joseph Albanese
Joe
HRFA 2024 President
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 with my views.
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In this month's issue of River Views
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The first to respond to our call for donations to the HRFA by advertising their business in our monthly newsletter. It was a pleasure speaking with you Frank, and thank you very much for your donation. Your ad will run from February 2024 until January 2025. Click HERE or the business card to visit the company website. - The Editor
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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
The HRFA meets the first and second Tuesday of every month at the Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge. The first Tuesday is our open Board Meeting. We invite all interested members to join us. The second Tuesday is our General Meeting.
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February 4: Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County (SWABC) flea market. Volunteers needed.
- February 13: HRFA's General Meeting. Speaker Sam Pesin President Friends of Liberty State Park (FOLSP) via ZOOM teleconference.
- March 12: HRFA's General Meeting. Speaker Denis Kuntz of 2nd Chance Reels
- March 10: NJOA's Wild Game Dinner Fundraiser, at the Black Forest Inn, Stanhope, NJ
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March 15-17: Saltwater Fishing Expo in Edison, NJ Volunteers needed.
- April 1 - May 15: HRFA's Annual Fred Rung Memorial Catch, Tag & Release Striped Bass Derby
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April 6: HRFA's Fishing Clinic at Croton Point Park. Volunteers needed.
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April 7: HRFA's One-Day Kayak Striper Derby Croton Point Park
- April 9: HRFA's General Meeting. Speaker Prof. Doug Zemeckis "The impacts to fish and fisheries when wind farms are built". Prof. Keith Dunton will speak on his research in this area of study.
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April 14: HRFA's Annual Awards Dinner Your presence is requested :-)
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April 27: HRFA's 37th Annual Hooked on the Hudson Volunteers needed
- May 4: HRFA's Saltwater Fly Fishing Derby
- May 14: HRFA's General Meeting. Speaker TBD
- May 22: Awards Ceremony for the Fred Rung Memorial Striper Derby at Croton Yacht Club.
- Spring 2024: HRFA's Lake Ontario Catfish Chaos
- Fall 2024: HRFA's Pete Bruger Memorial Salmon Tournament
THE HRFA's Youth Angler Program
Volunteers needed! Please save the dates.
- Westchester County Parks Fishing Clinic:
- April 6
- Bergen County Special Needs Children:
- May 1, May 8, May 14, May 21, May 29,
- June 3, June 12, June 17, June 18
- NJDEP's Urban Watershed Education Program (UWEP) in collaboration with the Hackensack Riverkeeper:
- May 2, May 15, May 20, May 23, May 30
- June 5, June 11, June 13
- Ridgefield Park
- May 11 from 11:00AM-2:30PM
- November 16
Past Events
- January 9: General Meeting. "Ice Fishing 101" with Scott Havner and Andrew Ward.
- January 26-28: The Fly Fishing Show
Carl's Corner
"Perfect Perch-Prolific and Pan-Fried" by Carl Bruger.
Letter to the Editor
Observations on Carp populations in the Hudson reported to NYDEC by member Bill Greene & shared here with us. Bill participates in that Diary program with the DEC for a number of yours now -- commenting on miscellaneous items - among them his success with in-line Circle Hooks for all species. He postulates problems with carp might have a collateral effect on the striper spawn, which seems to have experienced problems as well.
In the News
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Congratulations to Fund for a Better Waterfront for the recent court victory whereby "A Consent Order for Final Judgment, signed by Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Jablonski on January 11, granted to the City of Hoboken clear title of the former Union Dry Dock & Repair Co. property at 901 Sinatra Drive for the purpose of creating a public park and completing one of the final gaps in Hoboken’s continuous public park along the Hudson River coastline."
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"Quebec Anglers Catch Giant Atlantic Halibut Through the Ice", a great read from Outdoor Life shared by member Dirk VanEverdingen.
- "BP, Equinor Tear Up Contract for Big New York Offshore Wind Project" by Josh Saul, Bloomberg News.
Ocean Industrialization
"Are right whales big business for non-profits?"
Calls for Action
- Here's how to "Be Like Bill" (Bill Greene that is.) and file your fishing reports with the NYDEC.
- NJ's Assembly Resolution No. 181
- NJ's Operation Game Thief Tip Line. Help stop poaching. If you see something, say something.
- Notice to prevent spread of invasive baitfish
- NJ's Lake Access Bill
- Contacts of NJ Legislature
From our Membership Chair
Arnie Ulrich updates the monthly calendar and more.
Environmental
- Riverkeeper opposes Governor Hochul’s FY2025 Executive Budget
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Hudson River update shared by Chairman Gil Hawkins. Gil sits on the Community Advisory Group (CAG) which continues the fight to rid the lower river sediment of PCBs.
- "History of the Hudson: Hope for the Future" a NYDEP video shared again.
That's Entertainment
- Presenting on the Backcast with Mark Sedotti
- Fly Fishing for Carp
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
We share a recent Instagram post and invitation to send photos etc. to our Social Media Chair Alex Spindelman: a.spindelman@gmail.com.
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.
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. By length, not by weight.
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
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Be sure to also check out the H.R.F.A. Events Calendar below for this month's member birthday notices, holidays and events.
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SWABC Flea Market
February 4, 2024
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The SWABC Flea Market will return to the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton,650 Terrace Ave, Hasbrouck Heights N.J. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $5 entrance fee, children under 12 free.
The HRFA will have a table at the event and will need member volunteers to cover the event.
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General Meeting: Guest Speaker Sam Pesin
President Friends of Liberty State Park
February 9, 2024
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Sam Pesin will be joining us via the magic of ZOOM. Be with us at the Elks Lodge or from the comfort of your own home! |
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Sam Pesin, 'tenacious advocate' for Liberty State Park,...
For decades, Sam Pesin has led the charge against commercialization of Liberty State Park.
Read more
www.nj.com
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Liberty State Park Revitalization Overview |
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HomePage_FOLSP
The Friends of Liberty State Park is an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that is dedicated to preserving, protecting, conserving and promoting Liberty State Park, the inspiring urban state park on the Jersey City waterfront...
Read more
www.folsp.org
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The HRFA's 4th Annual Saltwater
Fly Fishing Derby
May 4, 2024
7:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Sandy Hook, NJ
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All are invited to join the HRFA's 4th Annual Fly Fishing Derby. The intent of the Derby is to inspire the interest and growth of saltwater fly fishing.
Payment options: 1.) online at Thehrfa.org online registration opens April 1st or, 2.) in person at a meeting or on the morning of the event.
Meet up: Sandy Hook NJ – Lot C – 6:00 AM - Pick up your 3 digit code and quick rundown of rules and answers to questions if you have any. Last minute sign ups.
Categories: Striped Bass & Bluefish
The Rules
Derby starts at 7:00AM. Fishing ends at 11:30AM.
Largest fish in length in each category wins
A photograph of your catch showing your unique 3- digit code is to be submitted by text to 201-232-5988 - (pick up your code at Sandy Hook lot C from 6am – 645am)
Please include your first and last name in text
Time of entry will break any ties.
Shore/wade fly fishing only. No boats.
The boundaries are anywhere on Sandy Hook – back bay and ocean side
Awards Ceremony: 11:45AM Lot C: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place prizes
– Sandwiches and drinks will be provide
If you have any questions or need help with selecting the right gear for the derby, contact
Michael Sardinas
Phone: +1 (201) 232-5988
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HRFA Youth Angler Program |
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We need to increase participation in our Youth Angler Program! The retirement of Wayne Geider as Chair and aging of our core group of volunteers puts our entire program at risk. We have so much we can do for others IF we only have people available and willing to pitch in whenever they can. We already have a full schedule for next year. More dates will be added too - Riverkeeper's City of Water Day in Hoboken, Waterford Canal Festival, Croton River Day, etc. If we are to succeed, we must make strengthening our team a key objective of 2024. |
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Youth Angler Program
Calendar 2024
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Westchester County Parks Commission
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April 6, Saturday: Fishing Clinic at Croton Point Park
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Want to volunteer?
Just contact our Interim Youth Angler Program Chair
Joe Albanese (908) 456-2968
(Please note the emphasis on Interim!)
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Urban Watershed Education Program (UWEP)
Calendar 2024
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We are happy to announce that the HRFA anticipates entering into a contractual agreement with Hackensack Riverkeeper (HRI) to support their role in running the NJDEP's UWEP for the next 3-years. We will commit to 8-days youth fishing opportunities (see calendar below), 3-days for equipment maintenance (dates TBD) and 1-day WMA Training at the Pequest Trout Hatchery on April 15th. Our club will receive monetary compensation to help us fulfill our own mission and objectives. Your volunteer time is needed! Please become a member of our Youth Angler Program team. |
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All UWEP fishing clinics will start at 9:00AM and end at 3:00PM
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May 2, Thursday: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus
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May 15, Wednesday: Mill Creek Point Park, Secaucus
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May 20, Monday: Carteret Waterfront Park, Carteret
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May 23, Thursday: Carteret Waterfront Park, Carteret
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May 30, Thursday: Laurel Hill Park or Mill Creek Point Park (TBD)
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June 5, Wednesday: Mill Creek Point Park, Secaucus
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June 11, Tuesday: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus
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June 13, Thursday: Mill Creek Point Park, Secaucus
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Want to volunteer?
Just contact Joe Albanese
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About the NJDEP's UWEP . . . |
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Episode 20-Watershed Education Urban Fishing Program...
Urban communities have benefitted from the Watershed Education Urban Fishing Program, now in its 20th year. This hands-on, experiential learning program introduces students to their watersheds through fishing. Students involved learn more about...
Read more
njdep.podbean.com
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NJDEP-Division of Water Monitoring and Standards
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Read more
www.nj.gov
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Other Upcoming Events of Interest |
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New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Wild Game Feast
March 10, 2024
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General Meeting: Ice Fishing 101
January 9, 2024
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Did you catch 'ice fishing fever' from Scott Havner? After all, Scott is an avid ice fisherman happy to share his knowledge. Some even say his enthusiasm for the sport is contagious.
As promised, Scott brought some of the gear he uses on hard water and demonstrated their use so that you can have what it takes to become a successful ice fisher person too. There was even a hub style shelter set up in the room. Despite the torrential rain we had a good turnout and record participation via ZOOM.
Newbies and 'old pros' alike learned a few tips and techniques. Scott himself admitted learning a couple of new locations from the audience.
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Scott discusses one of his favorite ice augers powered by a lithium battery charged Milwaukee drill. |
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Rod or tip-up? That is the question. Here is one classic style of the later. |
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Scott showing a typical spin set up used for ice fishing. |
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Membership Chair Arnie Ulrich trying to get through his updates without too many interjections from Joe. |
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Director Pete Musse updating us on the Hooked on the Hudson plans for April 27, 2024. |
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Scott explaining the use of a "throw bag" to rescue someone who has fallen through the ice. An essential piece of safety gear to always have available. |
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The Fly Fishing Show
January 26-28, 2024
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The sort of "spur of the moment" decision to participate in the Fly Fishing Show in Edison to kick-off the fly fishing category in our annual fishing contest was a success. We engaged in conversations with visitors, talked about our club, its history, what we do now, and just plain shared fishing adventures with one another. Some folks made generous donations and others contemplate doing a derby and membership.
We can't thank the following volunteers enough: Micheal Sardinas, Dan Harrison, Arnie Ulrich, Pete Musse, Janice Soto, Dave Mercer and Joe Albanese.
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Sunday's core crew - L to R Dan Harrison, Carl Bruger, Arnie Ulrich |
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Carl telling another tall fishing tale? |
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Janice Soto engaging with show visitors. |
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Opening Day Friday - L to R Joe Albanese, Pete Musse, Carl Bruger |
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The baseball cap worn by professional guides . . . |
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President Joe Albanese with Capt. Michael Mauri upon the conclusion of his excellent fly fishing demo.
"Everything he said not to do, I was doing. Learning takes time and patience I was told - The Editor
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Mauri Flyfishing
Mauri Flyfishing, LLC is located on Florida's Treasure Coast in the small quaint town of Stuart. Captain Michael Mauri offers year round all inclusive saltwater guided fly fishing trips, day trips, casting lessons & fishing technique.
Read more
mauriflyfishing.com
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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). |
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Perfect Perch-Prolific and Pan-Fried
By Carl Bruger
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PHOTO: Carl & Pat Bruger's 'grandkids'
Harry & Miles with a fine catch of yellow perch.
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Do you love the taste of fresh flounder fillets? Fillet of sole is one of the most popular sea foods of all time. Crab meat stuffed winter flounder was a heavenly
menu item I adored. Currently anglers are not able to catch winter flounder in any number approaching the hundred you could stuff in a burlap sack or iced cooler
back when I was a kid. This scribe’s treasured fish diaries reveal days when our fishing party harvested triple digit catches at such diverse locations as Belmar, Moriches, Montauk and Quincy Bay. Today the measly Jersey fish limit of two “foot longs” does not motivate this angler to even bother.
There is a cheap, productive and enjoyable
alternative to this conundrum. Fish for PERCH! These ubiquitous fresh water fish can be caught during any month that ends in a Y. They are flounder without the salt, similar in taste, texture, and even panfish size. Once you’re over a school of large fish NJ limit catches of 25 are not impossible. Where I live for half a year in Jefferson County, NY on Lake Ontario, the state allows unlimited harvest! Perch can survive in almost any fresh water environment from tiny pond to the Great Lakes with creeks, streams, canals, rivers, and reservoirs also providing residence.
Prolific perch are that way due to their amazing reproductive capabilities. Mama perch lay strands of eggs in the weeds, reeds, and vegetation of their common school haunts. They never nest or tend these millions of potential perch yet thousands survive to propagate future generations. People believed in spontaneous generation partly from perch appearing in sterile water bodies like newly filled quarry locations. They got there in the form of fertilized perch eggs that stuck to the bodies and legs of puddle ducks like
mallards, which flew to and then landed in these potential perch habitats.
Are you curious about what will catch these
tasty piscine morsels? A dozen live baits have worked for this scribe with the best being garden hackle red worms or night crawlers. Only a two inch or less piece
should be threaded on a thin wire #6 hook. Use more and you just feed the pick pocket perch! Small perch minnows also rank high followed by perch eyes, maggots or Euro larvae (both for ice jigging), grubs,
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grass shrimp, crayfish, hellgrammites, salmon eggs, leeches, crickets and grass hoppers. If you are partial to only artificials I can supply you with another dozen prolific producers of perch. Try small spinners, spoons, grub spinner baits, jigs, (lead and tungsten ice fishing weapons), flies, weighted cork poppers, rubber spiders, tiny minnow lures of balsa or
plastic, multifaceted soft plastics and products like Power baits and Gulp. These fish provide super special entry level
angling for kids and other beginners. It only takes an inexpensive “Snoopy sized” spin cast rod in little hands.
Yellow perch bite regularly on most of the items listed above, are easy to hook and land, are beautiful to behold, and become a delicious fish diner even for those
squeamish about trying seafood for the first time. The fact that immediate bites and landing success is likely will serve as major recruitment of future fisher-persons. What more could you ask from one of the most populous fish that swims in sweet water!
There are thousands of recipes for perch but here are my two favorites:
1) Poor man’s shrimp- fillet a batch of any sized perch being sure to remove all bones
and skin from the two side morsels. Dip each in a mix of melted sweet butter and a tablespoon of Old Bay crab seasoning. Cook in the microwave until you see each separated fillet curl, turn white and steam. Remove from the oven and cool in the refrigerator until time to serve with toothpicks and a bowl of cocktail sauce with horse radish to taste.
2) Bruger’s Better Budweiser Beer Batter
deep fried perch fillets- Stir thoroughly in a mixing bowl the following: One egg, one bottle of any beer in the house, enough Italian bread crumbs and flour to create
the thick sticky coating mix. Key minor additions include teaspoons of garlic, celery and onion salt. Options include ground black pepper, Old Bay and extra oregano. In a frying pan or deep fryer heat a batch of
peanut oil (or healthier options) to a temperature in the high three hundreds. Drop in batter dredged fillets one at a time and remove to drain on paper towels when each turns a crisp and golden brown. Serve with ice cold beers, tartar sauce and French fries or onion rings for a meal to drive your dietician mad! ENJOY! CB
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Fishing Diary Report - Submitted by Bill Greene |
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Bill Greene wins our annual fishing contest nearly every year for the largest carp. So, he knows carp! Here is the letter he wrote to Jessica Best, who you may recall was a guest speak at our monthly meetings. |
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1/23/2024
To: Jessica Best NYSDEC
Jessica,
Looking forward to a good 2024, and further participation in the Diary Program!!
Enclosed is my completed 2023 Diary. The final trip I took 12/16/23 has some REMARKS which may be of some interest concerning the die-off of larger Carp in the BEACON area shallows during the 2021-2022 spawning seasons due to OXYGEN DEPLETION. Diminished carp fry might also put a crimp in the forage for channel catfish and maybe others.
Carp spawn in the shallows during May & June each year, and even under usual circumstances, are temporarily exhausted immediately after the spawn – then slowly and fully recover.
In 2021 & 2022 however, a heat wave hit during the spawn, inordinately warming the shallows and severely depleting the oxygen. Carp carcasses were frequently encountered thereafter along the shoreline and probably in nearby waters.
The Beacon area was particularly hard hit since the heavy weed growth in the shallows (pocket formation!!) further entrapped both the heat and the carp. Ordinary tidal action was unable to sufficiently mitigate the heat build-up. (A similar oxygen depletion situation was reported in PA – internet - PA Fish & Boat Commission – Youghiogeny River. )
The Croton and Peekskill Carp communities seem to have been spared – shallows, but without weed growth. Hopefully Beacon Carp will start rebuilding in 2024 ---
Channel Catfish saved the day for me in 2023!
Anyway, Good 2024 to us all!
Bill Greene
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Quebec Anglers Catch Giant Atlantic Halibut Through the Ice
Rémi and Mathieu Aubin caught the fish on Saguenay Fjord, one of the only places in North America where you can ice fish for halibut.
Read more
www.outdoorlife.com
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BP, Equinor Tear Up Contract for Big New York Offshore Wind Project |
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BP, Equinor Tear Up Contract for Big New York Offshore...
(Bloomberg) -- BP Plc and Equinor ASA have terminated their power agreement with New York state for a 1.3-gigawatt wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean, blaming changing economic circumstances that made the Empire Wind 2 project unviable.
Read more
finance.yahoo.com
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Are right whales big business for nonprofits?
Forget the green economy, the deep blue economy has it beat by a nautical mile. Ever wonder how much money is spent trying to protect the North Atlantic right whale? Ask any of the non-profit corporations that participate in funding to save them...
Read more
www.wiscassetnewspaper.com
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Be Like Bill (Greene) and log your trips for conservation efforts of NYDEC |
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Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program
By joining the NYS DEC Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program (SBCA), you can take part in an effort to help manage and maintain a healthy striped bass population.
Read more
dec.ny.gov
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Instructions for Installation and Completion
HUDSON RIVER STRIPED BASS COOPERATIVE ANGLER PROGRAM ONLINE LOGBOOK
Read more
extapps.dec.ny.gov
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UPDATE
On January 9th AR181 was reintroduced as AR57 and is not scheduled to be read yet. It is sitting in the Senator Kennedy's solid waste committee. The same for the Lake Access bill AR1047.
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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
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From our Membership Chair |
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HRFA Members stuff
Arnie Ulrich Membership Chair
New Members this month is Albert Boylan, Equinunk, Pennsylvania, and Sterling Norcross, Bloomfield, N.J.
Get you saltwater registry below for New Jersey and New York. It's important to be counted!
Tickets will be issued with out it!!
DON'T Forget the FREE Annual HRFA fishing contest submit your entries and check the Leader Board below at the 2024 Leader Board down below!!
Membership application below / click there
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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.
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HRFA Membership Information. If you don't have a 2024 or lifetime member card you are losing out on great HRFA member benefits.
Pay your dues. Get your 2024 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 2024 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.
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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
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Fishing Licenses and Saltwater Registry for NJ & NY, Hudson River Regulations, etc.
Click on the buttons below for the:
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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) |
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Riverkeeper opposes Governor’s cuts to clean water and Hudson River funding
The Governor’s initiative to increase swimming requires continued investment in our critical water infrastructure.
Riverkeeper has the following reaction to the release of Governor Hochul’s FY2025 Executive Budget. While there are a few bright spots in the Executive Budget presented by the Governor, Riverkeeper has significant concerns about the Governor’s proposed cuts to environmental funding. The following statements can be attributed to Riverkeeper Senior Manager of Government Affairs, Jeremy Cherson.
Clean Water Funding
“We are disappointed to see Governor Hochul propose to halve our nation-leading funding for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act. Since 2017, this popular program has been funded at $500 million a year supporting critical wastewater and drinking water projects that reduce pollution into our waterways and protect drinking water quality. Despite record funding for infrastructure from Washington and Albany in past years, the need for repairs and upgrades is so significant that we have barely made a dent in the statewide needs, which stand at well over $80 billion over the next 20 years. Sustained commitments to the Clean Water Infrastructure Act are needed to leverage the historic opportunities presented by federal infrastructure funding and the Bond Act, and to keep up with the impacts of inflation and supply chain cost increases. As climate change continues to cause unprecedented precipitation, now is not the time to slow down our progress in funding critical infrastructure like our water systems. We urge the Legislature to push back against this cut forcefully and restore funding to at least $500 million annually.”
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The draft five-year review for the Hudson River cleanup might, maybe, possibly, come out in March, EPA’s Gary Klawinski told the community advisory group on Thursday. Members of the group raised ongoing concerns about people who are eating fish out of the upper Hudson River and frequently from the southern parts of the river. Environmental groups and community advocates are pushing EPA to determine that the dredging by GE was not effective enough in cleaning up the river and protecting humans eating fish from the river. “The agency will follow the science and the law in our determinations, that’s what we do. We have no choice,” Klawinski told the group.
Klawinski urged members of the advisory group to inform the EPA if they’re aware of people eating fish from the river. “It’s very hard to tell somebody that has been out there all day fishing on the river, that — especially if he speaks or she speaks a different language — that you can’t take that fish home,” said Gil Hawkins, an advisory group member with the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association. “It’s our job to clean up the river so they don’t have to be told.” — Marie J. French
Source: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/weekly-new-york-new-jersey-energy/2024/01/22/wind-jumpstart-00136903
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Community Advisory Group (CAG)
What's New Next CAG meeting: Thursday, January 18, 2024 1:00-4:00 PM Virtual Meeting, Registration Required Click here to Register for the Virtual Meeting Click here for Draft Agenda Overview The CAG for the Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site is...
Read more
hudsoncag.wspis.com
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History of the Hudson: Hope for the Future |
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Without taking anything away from the great work of the organizations mentioned in the video, I take issue with its failure to even mention the key catalyst in the cleanup of the Hudson River. A direct quote from the video - ". . . and you had the fish people doing fish things . . ." Now, who might they be? |
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Maybe it's nitpicking, but the NYS DEC's omission bothers me. They should know better. Or, are we at fault for letting our history evaporate? Some might even prosper by rewriting the factual history for political purposes. Just saying. Too cynical? Do we even care?
Our history as a champion in the fight to protect the Hudson River and public access to it are two important reasons why I am so proud and honored to be the current President of this club. Most importantly, how best to work in unison other environmental groups now and into the future to stay relevant in the fight to protect the river and public access to it?
Fight for the Hudson!
- Joseph Albanese
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Presenting on the Backcast with Mark Sedotti |
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FLY FISHING FOR CARP: COMPLETE GUIDE - ToFlyFish
Follow this guide on fly fishing for carp from over 25 years of experience chasing carp from East to West. Fly fishing for carp made easy.
Read more
toflyfish.com
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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: |
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If we build it they will come!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Follow the HRFA on Social Media |
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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.
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Member Dan Marfino took home a "perfect perch" from a frozen Lake George, NY. He shared these photos with this Editor and Alex Spindelman who Chairs our Annual Fishing Contest (and Social Media). These are the precisely the kinds of photos needed for the HRFA's revamped in-house contest.
Entries for all categories in the annual contest now must be reported by length, validated by a photograph. In case of a tie, the time of entry will determine winner. Reported weight will not be a factor. Another photo of the angler with his submitted catch will also be required, with implied permission to share on HRFA's Instagram and Face Book pages. We will not "burn" any spots.
Unfortunately, there was never a category for yellow perch and both Open Water Categories (Fresh and Saltwater) are no more. Still a brag-worthy fish and no doubt it became a tasty "Perfect Perch - Prolific and Pan-Fried". See article above by Carl Bruger.
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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 following General Meeting.
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TITLES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE |
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Secrets of Surf Fishing at Night by William A. Muller
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The Trophy Striper by Frank Daignault
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Croton Point Park by Scott Craven & Caroline Curvan
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The Riverkeepers by John Cronin
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Striper Surf by Frank Daignault
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20 years on the Cape by Frank Daignault
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On the Run by David DiBenedetto
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The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger
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101 Fish - Fly Fisher's Life List by Lefy Kreh
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Fly Fishing in Saltwater by Lefy Kreh
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Longer Fly Casting by Lefty Kreh
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Incredible Fishing Stories by Shaun Morey
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Fifty Favorite Fly-Fishing Tales by Chris Santella
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Sport Fishing - Aquatic Resources Handbook by Bob Schmidt
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Max's Magic Fly by Peter Nilse
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The Great East Coast Seafood Book by Yvonne Young Tarr
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New Jersey Coastwalks by D.W. Bennett
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Marine Gamefish of the Middle Atlantic by David K. Bulloch
NEW ARRIVAL!!!
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Through the Fishes Eye by Mark Sosin and John Clark
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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.
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2023 Fishing Contest Leader Boards |
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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
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Striped Bass Released
Caught From Boat
No Entry
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Striped Bass Released
Caught From Shoreline
No Entry
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Saltwater Species - Fly Rod Division |
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Striped Bass Released
Fly Rod From Boat
No Entry
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Striped Bass Released
Fly Rod From Shoreline
No Entry
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Bluefish
Fly Rod
No Entry.
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False Albacore/Bonito
Fly Rod
No Entry.
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Trout - Great Lakes
No Entry
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Freshwater Species - Fly Rod Division |
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Smallmouth Bass
Fly Rod
No Entry
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Largemouth Bass
Fly Rod
No Entry
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YOUTH ANGLER DIVISION
No Entry.
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Partial list of Friends & Supporters of the HRFA
(Click on any image below to visit their website.)
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