River Views - the monthly newsletter of the HRFA

THE

Hudson River

Fishermen’s Association

January 2024

E-01-24

Happy New Year!

NEXT GENERAL MEETING

January 9th

Meeting starts at 7:30 PM

Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge

21 Cedar St

Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660

TOPIC: "Ice Fishing 101"

SPEAKER: Scott Havner is one of our most active members. In fact, he is a past winner of the club's prestigious Pete Barrett Award. Currently, he sits on the EBoard where he Co-Chairs our Annual Fishing Contest (with Alex Spindelman), runs fishing events, and is a frequent Youth Angler Program volunteer. Aside from his HRFA credentials, he is a wine aficionado, and a retired N.Y.P.D. Sargent.

SUMMARY: Anyone who knows Scott knows he is an avid angler happy to help others learn how to be better at the sport. So, he will bring some of the gear he uses on hard water and demonstrate their use so that you can have what it takes to become a successful ice fisher person. Then you too can beat Scott at his own game in the next ice fishing derby! And he's okay with that.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83988577222?pwd=NE5scXFqU3VIZFFiSFN1Y1VlNVRWdz09

Meeting ID: 839 8857 7222

Passcode: 568950

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.

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?

We only have two (2) of the beautiful

Gray FishTag Research bumper stickers left.

Your $25 donation supports the HRFA and FishTag's northeast striped bass tagging study.

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.

Click HERE to make a separate online PayPal donation to the HRFA's Spectrum for Living fishing pier project.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The full version of River Views is no longer just for members. If your emailed copy of River Views ends abruptly look for this quote "[Message clipped] "View entire message" at the bottom of the page. Clicking there will open up the full issue.

Did you know that back issues of River Views, the monthly newsletter of the HRFA, are available for all to enjoy on our website? Click here, or the River Views banner, to go directly there and catch up on your reading.

From our President

Greetings Gates,

THE POWER OF NOW

Eckhart Tolle’s “Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” was a different kind of self-help book. Normally, I'm not a fan of such books (being almost perfect myself.) Basically, if you live in the moment and refuse to dwell on the past or fret about the future it will set you free. I guess nothing new there but the approach taken. It’s a thought provoking read. I recommend it. It was empowering. Having said all that, let’s ignore Tolle's sage lessons for a while.

IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR

In January 2023 I asked members how I was doing so far. It was a rhetorical question because I hadn't done jack squat. Now, looking back over the past year, what did we accomplish together? Here is a partial list:

• Our Youth Angler Program volunteers, led by retiring Chair Wayne Geider, had more than twenty events. For the betterment of the program, we purchased 25 freshwater fishing rod & reel combos. These new combos are perfect for fishing a pond or lake with hook and worm wiggling below a bobber. Children will no longer need to wield cumbersome oversized combos more suitable for the Hudson River or saltwater environs where a 2- or 4-ounce weight is needed to hold bottom. Thank you to Art’s Tackle & Fly Shop in Nanuet, NY for giving us a good deal on the prices.

• We initiated the process of securing approval from the NJ Gaming & Gambling Commission that will allow us to legally raise money through raffles, 50/50’s and the like. While our initial application was rejected, we received clear guidance on what was needed. So, we added the first Amendment to our Constitution & Bylaws which stipulates how the club’s assets will be dispensed should we default. (Not on my watch!) The Amendment was read aloud and ratified by majority votes at our November and December meeting and the application resubmitted. Now we wait.

• Our 3-member Board of Trustees conducted a much-delayed internal audit of our finances and found a few discrepancies that have been properly addressed. Thank you Janice Soto, Dave Mercer & Ivan Garcia. A big thank you to our current Treasurer and my predecessor Capt. Aram Setian who opened an investment with Edward Jones to put our money to work so that we can do more. Thanks to him something that was only talked about for years became reality. Together, we researched and found a new CPA, one more responsive to our needs, to file our annual income taxes.

• We added a much-needed liability insurance policy to protect our EBoard members in today’s litigious society. We still maintain a general insurance policy for our assets, volunteers, etc.

• We stated our position on several emerging issues including, 1.) The decommissioning of the Indian Point Power Plant, 2.) Support of NJ's Lake Access Bill, 3.) Opposition of a proposal to allow mooring barges in the Hudson River, 4.) Support of Option B for the striped bass regs, and 5.) Support of NJ Assembly Bill 181 calling for a moratorium on offshore wind development.

• After decades of keeping dues at $25 we raised them to $40. It’s important to remember that, unlike some other clubs, this gives membership to the entire family. The EBoard made this decision because everything costs us more and to compensate for the money which we could not raise because outdoors shows were cancelled by the fear of spreading Covid-19. We hope that the increase will provide additional benefits for membership.

• We awarded $500 scholarships to two graduating high schoolers seeking to advance their educations.

• Our Annual Hooked on the Hudson, Awards Dinner and multiple fishing derbies were all successful events. Kudos to Pete Musse (HOH & Fluke Fest), Dan Harrison (Awards Dinner & Catfish Chaos), Joe Albanese (Fred Rung Memorial Striped Bass Catch, Tag & Release Derby, HRFA Invitational vs NJBBA, Inaugural Dart-Tag Striper Derby), Alex Spindelman (Social Media & Panfish Derby), Scott Havner (Ice Fishing & Kiddie Rod Challenge) and our VP Michael Sardinas (Bass & Blues Derby). Kudos also to those volunteers helping them. We thank our many sponsors - Ramsey Outdoors, Art's Tackle & Fly Shop, Tackle World, Lee's Sporting Goods, Stop & Shop, The Fisherman, Davis Sport Shop . . .

• We improved the quality of our ZOOM meetings with the purchase of a superior video camera and audio. Thank you "Tagger Tony" Evangelista for picking up the annual tab for ZOOM. We love it when you join us from your home in Florida. Pity so few others take advantage of the given opportunity to join us remotely. Heck, we’d like it even more if we had greater in-person presence! Meetings are always free for all.

• Working with Veolia Water Company we made progress on design plans to build a fishing pier in the Oradell Reservoir for clients living at Spectrum for Living in Closter, NJ. We opened a special checking account to keep donations for the project separate from other HRFA monies. Most recently, we identified a P.E. that wants to help us! Stay tuned.

• We had a stellar line-up of guest speakers at our monthly meetings:

January – Michele Kohler presented a slide show on her fishing trip to Alaska with emphasis on how important it is to "keep hope and positivity in a turbulent environment.”
February – Capt. Scott Klaszewski shared photos of some of the impressive catches aboard the XTC Sportfishing Charter out of Belmar Marina. Because it was the evening of Valentine’s Day, we did something special for our member’s “significant others” too. They made me promise never to do this again.
March – Dave Etelman, aka “Bayside Dave”, provided a most excellent tutorial, replete with all the gear he uses, on fishing for tog from LBI’s Barnegat Inlet jetty. Even our resident “pros” picked up some valuable tips.
April - Steve Liesman (Founder, Save a Million Bass) moderated a panel discussion on striped bass tagging programs and methods. The 6-person panel of experts on the subject included notables Jim Hutchinson (Editor, The Fisherman), John Tiedemann (Professor, Monmouth University, Stripers for the Future), Emily McGuckin (Tagging Director, American Littoral Society), Jessica Best (Fisheries Biologist, NY Department of Environmental Conservation), John Kravchak (President, Berkely Striper Club) and Steve Perna (Past President, Berkely Striper Club).
NOTE: An offshoot of this panel discussion is that the American Littoral Society heard our concerns about their spaghetti tags and approved a pilot program, offered initially only to the HRFA, for a more fish-friendly dart-style tag. If you've tagged fish before you'll know this is a pretty big deal. We hope this change encourages greater participation in tagging.
May – Matthew Best (Habitat Restoration Manager, Riverkeeper) gave us a status report on shad populations in the Hudson and Delaware rivers.
June – Cindy Zipf (Executive Director, Clean Ocean Action) gave us the alarming facts about the industrialization of our coast with the rush-to-complete offshore wind-farms. Jim Hutchinson returned to do the introduction of his friend. A perfect one-two combination of enlightened experts reporting on the issue.
July – The HRFA EBoard had an open meeting with members in attendance. (Something you’re not likely going to witness ever again.) However, our monthly board meetings have an open-door policy for all paid up members in good standing. Please join us. We need the help!
August – Ashley Pape and Jimmy Treshack (Summer Interns, American Littoral Society) presented their research findings on “dogfish” and the “impacts on urbanization on striped bass in the Hudson River” respectively. Both reported to the Society’s Tagging Director Emily McGuckin who was on hand to do the introductions.
September – Capt. Dave Vollenweider (Live to Fish Guide Service) gave an excellent presentation covering musky fishing in NY/NJ. PS. The good Captain donated a free guided trip to the club. We will raffle that off at this year's Annual Awards Dinner.
October – Our Vice President, Michael Sardinas, a passionate surf fisherman, shared the lures he carries in his surf bag along with when and how to use each.
November – Bill Jakob (President, Montauk Surfcasters Association), gave us the lowdown on fishing “The End”.
December – Our 2nd Annual Fishing Gear Green Marketplace

At this point I'm pretty much just as exhausted thinking and writing about the HRFA's many accomplishments in 2023 as you are reading them. Probably more so.

THE ROAD AHEAD

At our January meeting Scott Havner will cover “Ice Fishing 101”, in February Dennis Kuntz of 2nd Chance Reels will return, and in March Sam Pesin will update us on his group's vision vis-a-vis NJDEP’s plans for Liberty State Park. Please recommend speakers and topics for our monthly meetings. If you have a good contact, please reach out to them, and ask if they would like to give a presentation. I could rattle on here, but I think I’ll cover more about the coming year in the pages of this and later issues of River Views.

Now, back to the present. Is it fair to ask, "How are we doing so far?"

Best regards,

Joseph Albanese

Joe

HRFA 2024 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!

CHARTER BOAT FISHING

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

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.

January 9: General Meeting. "Ice Fishing 101" with Scott Havner and Andrew Ward.
February 13: General Meeting. Speaker Denis Kuntz of 2nd Chance Reels
March 1 - May 15: The Annual Fred Rung Memorial Catch, Tag & Release Striped Bass Derby
March 12: General Meeting. Speaker Sam Pesin President Friends of Liberty State Park (FLSP) via ZOOM teleconference.
March 15-17: Saltwater Fishing Expo in Edison, NJ
April 6: One-Day Kayak Striper Derby & concurrent Fishing Clinic at Croton Point Park
April 14: Annual Awards Dinner
April 27: Hooked on the Hudson
May 4: Saltwater Fly Fishing Derby
Spring 2024: Lake Ontario Catfish Chaos
Fall 2024: Pete Bruger Memorial Salmon Tournament

THE HRFA's Youth Angler Program

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

Past Events

December 12: HRFA Fishing Gear Green Market. THE place to sell/buy new/used fishing gear.
December 9-16: Inaugural Striped Bass Dart Tag Derby
"Thank you for tagging with us this year!" An email from Emily McGuckin, Tagging Director American Littoral Society dd December 28, 2023.

Carl's Corner

"Auld Lang Syne: Regarding Fishing Gear" by Carl Bruger.

In the News

NJ Federated Sportsmen News: "Orsted Cancels 2 Offshore Wind Projects"

Ocean Industrialization

"Wind & Sea Ep. 1 Block Island Wind Farm" A documentary on Offshore Wind
Two reads from stopthesethings.com
"Atlantic Fishery Under Threat"
"Alternating Ocean Currents"

Calls for Action

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

A short video from the NYDEC "The History of the Hudson: Hope for the Future". Anyone else have a problem with the telling of the history?
Our Environmental Chair, Gil Hawkins, shares two hyperlinks to read about:
The United Nations' meeting in Dubai about the future of fossil fuels and,
Storm King Oppenheimer - the Birth of Environmental Law

That's Entertainment

Fresh Water Does THIS to Saltwater Fish
Jersey Shore Stripers: '23 Fall Run Madness With the American Sportfishing Association

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.

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.

General Meeting: Ice Fishing 101

January 9, 2024

Join Scott Havner and you might just decide that taking up ice fishing will be your next angling endeavor. Hey, ya never know, you might catch the fever. Misery loves company.

How To Survive A Fall Through Frozen Ice

HRFA Youth Angler Program

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.

Youth Angler Program

Calendar 2024

Westchester County Parks Commission

April 6, Saturday: Fishing Clinic at Croton Point Park

Bergen County Special Needs Children

All start at 9:30AM and end at 1:00PM

May 1, Wednesday: Darlington County Park
May 8, Wednesday: Darlington County Park
May 14, Tuesday: Darlington County Park
May 21, Tuesday: Darlington County Park
May 29, Wednesday: Darlington County Park
June 3, Monday: Darlington County Park
June 12, Wednesday: Darlington County Park
June 17, Monday: Darlington County Park
June 18, Tuesday: Darlington County Park

Want to volunteer?

Just contact our Interim Youth Angler Program Chair

Joe Albanese (908) 456-2968

president@thehrfa.org

(Please note the emphasis on Interim!)

Urban Watershed Education Program (UWEP)

Calendar 2024

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.

All UWEP fishing clinics will start at 9:00AM and end at 3:00PM

May 2, Thursday: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus
May 15, Wednesday: Mill Creek Point Park, Secaucus
May 20, Monday: Carteret Waterfront Park, Carteret
May 23, Thursday: Carteret Waterfront Park, Carteret
May 30, Thursday: Laurel Hill Park or Mill Creek Point Park (TBD)
June 5, Wednesday: Mill Creek Point Park, Secaucus
June 11, Tuesday: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus
June 13, Thursday: Mill Creek Point Park, Secaucus

Want to volunteer?

Just contact Joe Albanese

president@thehrfa.org or (908) 456-2968

About the NJDEP's UWEP . . .

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

NJDEP-Division of Water Monitoring and Standards

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Read more
www.nj.gov

Past Events

General Meeting. Fishing Gear Green Market.

December 12, 2023

Participation in the event, from both sellers & buyers, was down from the previous year. Nonetheless the event raised a few bucks for the club and we downsized our surplus inventory of fishing rods, reels, etc. to cut on storage costs. We will have to decide what to do for December 2024. A small scale sale along with a holiday party with free food and soft drinks for everyone. Any ideas?

Inaugural Striped Bass Dart-Tag Derby

December 9 -16, 2023

On December 9th a hearty "band of anglers" (Richie Wheeler, Dan Marfino, Walter Lypowy & Joe Albanese) showed up at Sandy Hook in the pre-dawn hour with high hopes of tagging at least one striper to kick off the Derby. They found no birds, no bait, few fishermen and caught nothing. Same deal on December 13th when Doug Barr fished the Hook with Joe.

Walter & Dan

Richie

Joe & Richie

And the winner was . . .

CONGRATULATIONS RICKY TALIAFERRO!

Let history show that Dirk VanEverDingen tagged the first bass with the new dart-type tag. Next came two entries from Ricky Taliaferro. Ricky's photos showed the tag properly inserted into each fish (both around 25"-30"), him holding the tagged fish prior to release and a successful release. Both guys were fishing where there were at least a few stripers to be found. Spoiler alert, it's a tributary to the Hudson River. Namely, the Hackensack River.

Tagged fish above the ruler.

Successful release of tagged fish.

Thank you for tagging with us this year!

The American Littoral Society’s Fish Tagging Program would like to thank you so much for tagging with us this year! We had a wonderful time talking to new people about tagging, teaching children how to surf fish, meeting with fishing clubs and anglers who care about our global fisheries as much as we do, and of course, catching cool fish!

This year the Tagging Program helped organize and present in the first annual World Tagging Program Summit. Our program was introduced on a world stage, highlighting us as the longest running tagging program in the world and the largest tagging program on the East Coast.

In 2023, we have gained more than 70 new fish tagging members, tagged more than 9,000 fish and have had over 350 recaptures. In total, our Tagging Program tagged 23 different species in 11 states on the East Coast.

Here is the breakdown of the fish we tagged and were recaptured:

The Tagging Program is close to selling our 1,000,000th tag! There’s only 18,000 tags to go, so keep on supporting our program so we can hit our one millionth in 2024.

Make sure to keep an eye out for our new dart tags and needles in April of 2024. They allow for faster application and lessen any potential harm done to the fish.

Best fishes,

Emily McGuckin

Fish Tagging Program Director

American Littoral Society

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).

Auld Lang Syne: Regarding Fishing Gear

By Carl Bruger

Auld Lang Syne is Scottish for times long past and a fitting way to reflect with nostalgia on cherished events, experiences and things that we don’t want to forget. Watching an old video of party boat guys stuffing mackerel into burlap sacks tied to the boat rails of the famous party boats out of Hoboken called the Palace boats triggered this article on a dozen fishing memories most of my older readers will enjoy recounting.

1) The Balletti brothers converted sub chasers from WWII into hundred foot party boats during the 1950s. As a kid that was my nickname, (the kid), as I spent my allowance and lawn mowing money on weekend forays out of their Hoboken dockage. We had no coolers then and filled burlap potato, peanut, or coffee sacks with the catch of the day. Quite a change to the hundreds of bucks folks invest in Yeti coolers that hold ice

for days. A warm day with a hefty ling catch left you with mush to clean back in the day.

2) Any trout angler worth his salt carried a wicker creel for storage of the days’ catch. Stream-side water cress or other wet greenery lined the bottom to keep things cooler through evaporation. Many a mantle still has the antique creel prominently displayed as homage to those good old days.

3) Hand carved, whittled wooden and cork lures were viable fish catchers still created by a dedicated few. My old tackle boxes had stick lures I made as a kid with my first pocket knife and later on one of our machinist family lathes were the base where a broom handle chunk was turned into a productive striper or bluefish lure.

4) Fishing logs and diaries were great ways to record the events of a day spent fishing. Flies that worked at certain times and where the fish were found became resources to consult over the years so wisdom was expanded every time a line was wet. Colors, sizes, species available and myriad other factors all were noted. Even failure taught lessons about what not to do.

5) Cane, wood and bamboo poles were the starter rods for most anglers unless you had an old Bristol or Union metal one. With targets as diverse as panfish or bass to wooden boat poles nailing soaker cod and pollack, Fiberglass opened new realms, and then graphite evolutions made even more advances that every nimrod enjoyed in respect to lightness, action, durability and even price.

6) Rubber waders or even canvas versions

enabled old time anglers to conquer the surf

and river angling opportunities. The weight,

cracking, leaking and sweating produced back then proved challenging. Neoprene was a step forward and now light breathable waders with heated boots can put you on steelhead or stripers when temperatures are freezing!

7) Catching fish out of wooden rowboats was a fond memory that extended to flounder

pounding from Belmar and Silly Lilly rentals to row-trolling for bass and pickerel from my Aunt Pat’s handmade skiff on Mascoma Lake in NH. There’s no competition for the vast potentials demonstrated by speedy, light, gear filled kayaks today.

8) Canvas tent camping My Uncle gave me a

huge ancient WWI army cook tent that had a

stove hole and 4 inch thick wooden ridgepole. My ZBT fraternity used to park a car inside so we could play poker on a picnic table inside! Fishing after exams at Lake Paradox became an unforgettable year end tradition. New tents are light, portable waterproof and pricy yet can’t compare with the Coleman camp stove joys of camping in the 1970s.

9) Prince Albert in a can was an old joke (Let him out!) Those tin tobacco holders were awesome as garden hackle containers, the worm side opposite to the purist fly rod shadow casting Brad Pitts of the world. I loved doing both.

10) Wooden wading staffs were simply carved or sanded from appropriate tree limbs for use as balance in the stream. I now use an old ski pole or even long handled net as my slippery rock finding third leg. The best today are those collapsible folding gizmos all the catalogues sell.

11) Cork bobbers were awesome indicators of a bite and never shattered on a rock like those ubiquitous red and white multi-sized round plastic breakables. The newer foam versions also are flawed as they melt nicely when partnered with rubber/plastic worms in your tackle box.

12) Old lines of catgut, silk, linen, nylon and

Dacron The latter were stretchy and slinky

presented off spinning reels in the 1950s,

monofilament replaced those organic short lived products. Copolymers, fluorocarbons, are now thin, virtually invisible, and suppler fish catchers. Want no stretch so you feel the bite? Use Spider wire, Power Pro or similar brands as your main line. Go catch a batch!

Now it’s fitting to wish all my readers a

HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR! CB

In the News

Ocean Industrialization

Wind And Sea - Ep.1 Block Island Wind Farm - Offshore Wind Documentary

Atlantic Fishery Under Threat: Offshore Wind Farm...

The offshore wind industry is wiping out thousands of marine mammals and fish are its next victims. While plenty has been written about whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals being deafened by wind turbine construction activities (they don't...

Read more
stopthesethings.com

Alternating Ocean Currents: Offshore Wind Turbines The...

Spear hundreds of 300m high wind turbines into ocean environments and it's only natural that that environment changes. Downwind air currents are cut and buffeted by the blades of turbines up wind. The phenomenon known as 'wake turbulence' reduces ...

Read more
stopthesethings.com

Calls for Action

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 Member this month is John Loperfido Cortland Manor, N.Y.

Fight For the Hudson

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

https://thehrfa.org/membership/

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 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.

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

Hudson River Fishing and Boating Public Access <--- click here

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:

NEW JERSEY FRESHWATER LICENSE

NEW JERSEY SALTWATER REGISTRY

NEW YORK FRESHWATER LICENSE

NOTE: To order your NY State Fishing License by phone call 866-933-2257

NEW YORK SALTWATER REGISTRY

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)

NEW YORK HUDSON RIVER FISHING REGULATIONS

NEW JERSEY 2024 FRESHWATER DIGEST

NEW JERSEY RECREATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLER SURVEY

NEW JERSEY RECREATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLER FAQ SHEET

Join the Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program

Complete the NY DEC’s Striped Bass Fishing Survey

Environmental

History of the Hudson: Hope for the Future

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?

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

The future of fossil fuels could be decided in Dubai

At the United Nations climate conference in Dubai, nations will debate over a global deal to phase out fossil fuels.

Read more
www.theverge.com

Storm King, Oppenheimer and the birth of environmental law

A long-running court battle over a proposed power plant in the Hudson Valley proved that citizens could stand up to corporate power.

Read more
www.timesunion.com

That's Entertainment!

Fresh Water Does THIS to Saltwater Fish

A 4-minute video on why you should never rinse saltwater fish with fresh water

Jersey Shore Stripers: '23 Fall Run Madness With the American Sportfishing Association

A 15-minute video from The Fisherman Magazine along the Jersey Shore beaches in late November of '23.

Jersey Shore Stripers: '23 Fall Run Madness With the American Sportfishing Association

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:

Spectrum for Living Fishing Pier

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

Click HERE to make a separate online PayPal donation to the HRFA's Spectrum for Living fishing pier project.

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

Photos from Turkey Tournament 2023

Stephanie

Scott

What to photograph when you're not catching fish

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 following 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

NEW ARRIVALS!!!

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

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