River Views - the monthly newsletter of the HRFA

THE

Hudson River

Fishermen’s Association

February 2023

E-02-23

NEXT GENERAL MEETING

February 14th

Meeting starts at 7:30 PM

Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge

21 Cedar St

Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660

GUEST SPEAKER: Capt. Scott Klaszewski

BRIEF BIO: Capt. Scott is a lifetime resident of Ocean County. He has been a charter boat Captain since 1999.

SUMMARY: Capt. Scott will return to cover offshore fishing excursions available aboard the XTC Sportfishing Charter. He knows his stuff - just ask any club member that's been out fishing with him and his First Mate "Joe"

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2709586694?pwd=S0orOHFrNzZmYzdsVEt5TVVCdmgrZz09

Meeting ID: 270 958 6694

Passcode: 0gbqUg

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 arguably the first and most successful group to find polluters of the Hudson River and hold them accountable. We continue our mission to "Fight for the Hudson" to this very day.
The HRFA is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. You need another charitable tax deduction don't you?
All of our members are volunteers. No member of the Elected Board of Directors earns an income for all their hard work. Every penny donated goes to support our programs.
Our Youth Angler Program continues to get kids "Hooked on fishing, not on drugs." Help support us so that we can give America's veterans opportunities to go fishing too.
Let us continue to offer scholarships for worthy college-bound high schoolers.
Support the restoration of the world's first Riverkeeper vessel so it may take its rightful place in history. Perhaps, in a museum on the Hudson River; the river it protected for decades before its decommissioning.
Help us realize our dream of having our own museum and meeting place in the Palisades Interstate Park. A beautiful historic place, one that can be shared with the public to enjoy as well.
Shall we continue?

Executive Meeting

1st Tuesday of every month Ridgefield Park Elks at 7:30 pm

21 Cedar St, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660

Executive Board Officers

President

Joseph Albanese

Vice President

Michael Sardinas

Treasurer

Aram Setian

Assistant Treasurer

TBD

Secretary

TBD

Membership

Arnold Ulrich

Directors

Scholarship & Fund Raising

Chair Jerry Crean

Youth Angler Program

Chair Wayne Geider

Hooked on the Hudson

Chair Pete Musse

Environmental

Chair Gil Hawkins

Publicity

Chair Miguel Sardinas

Fishing Contests

Chair Aram Setian

Chair Scott Havner

Outdoors Shows

Chair Dave Mercer

Chair Janice Soto

Outreach

Chair Dan Harrison

Director Emeritus

Tony Evangelista

Trustees

Ivan Garcia (2023)

Janice Soto (2024)

Dave Mercer (2025)

Nominating Committee:

John Golon

Gil Hawkins

Aram Setian

Social Media

Chair Alex Spindelman

Editor River Views:

Joseph Albanese

Send Comments to: editorriverviews@thehrfa.org

Want to help us "Fight for the Hudson"? Click HERE or the striped bass image & make a donation today.

The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association is a group of recreational fishermen who make active use of the N.Y. Bight and the surrounding water system and are concerned with the present and future state of these fisheries. Our objectives are to encourage the responsible use of aquatic resources and protection of habitat. We assist where possible in efforts to abate pollution and promote sportfishing and the management of that recreation. We are a IRS recognized nonprofit 501c3 organization . All donations are welcome and maybe tax deductable.

Click HERE to become a member or renew your membership today.

Why join the HRFA?

Fellowship with other anglers.
Learn valuable fishing tips from experts.
We are a conservation minded club - fighting for the Hudson and public access - with a shared passion for fishing and doing good for others.
Discounts at select sporting goods stores.

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,

There’s something you should have known before electing me President of this esteemed organization. And it is this – I never cared about the Hudson River. In my defense, what did I really know about it. Nothing much. It was just there, a boundary between my Bergen County and New York City.

You see, I grew up in Closter, NJ. As kids we would fish the trout stocked Tenakill Brook in town or stretches of the upper Hackensack in springtime while the water was still cold enough for them. In the summer we would ride our bikes down Durie Ave., cross Schraalenburgh Rd., cut through the cornfield, cross over the railroad tracks, ditch our bikes and duck under a hole in the fence to fish sections of the Oradell Reservoir near Old Hook Rd. The night before, we would douse our lawns with the garden hose then creep stealthily, with flashlights in hand, to gather big nightcrawlers for bait. Then, in anticipation of an early start the next morning, we would find it nearly impossible to sleep at night. Mostly we would use small pieces of worm to catch a bazillion bluegills, sunnies, white perch, yellow perch and, crappies. We would sometimes clean and cook up these delectable panfish in the woods. An occasional largemouth bass or pickerel would be fooled by a small lure like a red & white Daredevil, CP Swing or Hippy. We would never dream or lose a moment of sleep thinking about fishing the Hudson River. It was just too far away, and we heard polluted. I don’t recall when I caught my first fish from the Hudson. I do recall it was off the pier in Piermont, NY and it was a catfish I cleaned and cooked. Not good!

By the time High School came around I was more passionate about fishing in saltwater. Especially off the jetties in Long Branch where I would fish for fluke and caught my first schoolie striper – way back when 18” was the legal-size limit. Truth is, I didn’t begin to appreciate the Hudson until I read (maybe not from cover to cover) Robert H. Boyle’s “The Hudson River: A Natural and Unnatural History” while sitting in the library. It must have left an indelible impression on me because here I am writing this letter to you.

At Monmouth College in Long Branch, I mainly studied surfing and surf fishing. While there I joined the American Littoral Society and tagged my first fish – a fluke that was recaptured a year later. Pam Carlson, then the Tagging Director at the Society, said I was the BEST fish tagger they ever had. No one else had a 100% return rate. The 9 remaining tags in the set went unused for many years. After earning a 2-year Associates Degree in Science I did a semester at St Thomas Aquinas College in Blauvelt, NY. A classmate there got me a summer job for two famous oceanographers at Columbia University’s Lamont Doherty Geological Observatory. Bruce Heezen and Marie Tharp drew the first maps of the ocean floor used by the US Navy and later published by the National Geographic Society. Students, like myself, worked on the light tables in Marie’s home in Nyack plotting the ocean’s depths. Her home sat on the banks of the Hudson near the Taipan Zee Bridge. (Sorry Mario.) It was there that I caught my first striper from the river on a lunch break using my medium action freshwater rod with a Mitchell 300 reel and 8 lb. test monofilament. It hit a Mepps Spinner. Being an honest fisherman, I wouldn’t even call it a schoolie. It was possibly 12” small. (I may be exaggerating a bit.) The point is there were stripers there in the murky looking water and they would attack a lure.

But I digress. This isn’t all about me, not entirely anyway. I’m working my way to a bigger objective here. Bear with me.

A few years go by, and I join the HRFA for the first time. I guess it was primarily to learn how to catch bigger stripers in the river. I was excited to get the pamphlet put together by Pete Barrett who started the New Jersey Chapter and psyched to go catch a big bass over at a place called Croton Point on the other side of the river. I convinced a friend of mine to join me. It was a cold and dreary day, I think we carefully crossed the RR tracks possibly with the dangerous third rail (illegal) only to get skunked while being cold, wet, and miserable. The experience didn’t make either one of us fall in love with the river.

However, as a member of the HRFA, my knowledge and appreciation for the river blossomed. Initially, it was (and still is) especially educational to attend our annual Hooked on the Hudson (HOH) event. When I first attended shad were still abundant in the river and the commercial guys prepared planked shad and shad roe to taste.

I allowed my membership to lapse when I moved down close to the Colgate-Palmolive labs in Piscataway where I worked. I joined the club a second time about 7-years ago. I came onto the EBoard as Secretary, then Vice-president and now President.

By now you might be asking yourself, "My god, is this guy still talking?" Forget that thought, and let's get down to business.

Some of my goals as President of perhaps the most prestigious non-profit organization on the river are as follows:

• First and foremost is to give our members what they want. I believe they want to belong to a true fishing club with a desire to build lasting friendships and fishing buddies (Read Carl Bruger’s article below on what he considers the best attributes for his comrades in waders). To that aim we hope to provide many opportunities to enjoy fishing together.

• Continue fighting for the Hudson. Our founders, most singularly Mr. Boyle, made history and turned the tide on polluters by patrolling the river in the world’s first Riverkeeper vessel and holding them accountable for the damage done, and by assuring public access to the river. We played a significant role in making the striped bass a gamefish in New Jersey (Sergio Radossi played a major role in that endeavor.) thereby stopping commercial fishing for them in the state. We helped plan the Hudson River Walkway that starts in Bayonne and goes north to Fort Lee. Unfortunately, it is still not a contiguous path. There are breaks in the path that need to be connected. Click HERE to visit our old website for a complete chronology of our history.

• Doing good for others in running our Youth Angler Program and fishing clinics which gets kids hooked on fishing instead of drugs and gets our veterans out there too.

• Educating people about this wonderful, majestic river and the importance the estuary is the survival of anadromous fish like the striped bass.

• Our Scholarship program for high schoolers seeking a college education.

“Ask not what your country can do for you,

but what you can do for your country.” – J.F.K.

Well, I have many more hopes and aspirations to preserve our legacy and carry it forward into the future. To raise it to a higher level. To be successful I need your help. Without it the HRFA will fade into the sunset like the regional Chapters it once had. Let’s not let that happen. Together we can do it.

We need a people to:

Join the HRFA and/or renew their membership at the start of each year.
Recruit new members
Just show up at meetings and events to show your support. Attendance will be its own reward.
Fill the open Secretary position on the Board. Attend Board meetings and take notes. Type them up and present them at the next month’s meeting. Easy-peasy. A great way to learn all that the club is doing
Become a sponsor or ask for donations for our events
Sell advertising space for the newsletter
Accept an apprenticeship for our Youth Angler Program. Wayne Geider is ready, willing and able to train a newbie.
Do Public Relations to let local newspapers know what we are doing, announce scholarship winners, upcoming events, etc.
Become a committee member for one 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. We’ve done really BIG things in the past. Like raise $40K to sink a ship to provide habitat for marine organisms and fish. The Darren Cardinal artificial reef went to the bottom of the sea off Sandy Hook, NJ, June 19, 2020. So, anything is possible. Here are the BIG three:

To build a permanent home and museum in the Palisades Interstate Park at Bloomers Beach
To refurbish our Riverkeeper vessel as a museum piece to preserve its history in as the world’s first patrol boat seeking polluters and holding them accountable.
To build a fishing pier in Closter, NJ for the clients at Spectrum for Living and a place to conduct our fishing clinics.

Many of our most active members and volunteers are like me, getting on in years. We need more young people who want to help but don’t know how to get more involved. If you agree that these kinds of things are worth doing, please pitch in to help in any way that you can.

Still not sure? We extend an open invitation to every HRFA member to attend our Board Meetings. We meet at 7:00 PM the first Tuesday of every month at the Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge. Admission is free! Just show up with your ideas - but be ready to help implement them.

That's what our Vice President Michael Sardinas and his son Noah did. They suggested we start a library. Guess what - the HRFA now has a library! They came up with the idea and made it happen. See the listing of titles already available by scrolling down through this newsletter.

Well it is getting late, and I realize I wrote this letter kinda bass aacwards by rambling on a bit too long about myself (no one was here to stop me) before getting down to HRFA business and what I hope we can accomplish together and how you can help get us there. Oh well, I will have to leave it as is if its to go out the 1st of the month. Which happens to be in 30 minutes from now. Who reads this thing anyway?

Best regards,

Joseph Albanese

Joe

HRFA 2023 President

Email: president@theHRFA.org

Fight for the Hudson

In this month's issue of River Views

Please consider promoting your business in River Views. Click here to make a $60 donation and we will publish your business card, 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.

We wish to welcome a new advertiser in River Views. Please check out Rainy's Rigs on Facebook. Rainy's is also a sponsor of our Nov. 5th 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 Events

Winter 2023 - The H&H Invitational ice fishing derby. Open to all. Date and location TBD. All proceeds to benefit the HRFA. A guide to ice fishing in NY plus a few tips for staying safe out there on hard water.
February 4, 2023 - The Brainerd Jaycees' virtual ice fishing tournament raises money for their local charities. You can fish this one-day derby (8am-3pm) on any lake in the country. It will pay out up to $20,000 in cash and prizes. Sign up today on the Fish Donkey app. See details below.
February 5, 2023 - Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County Fishing Flea Market. Space for additional vendors is available. Click HERE to register a table.
February 14, 2023 - General Meeting. Guest speaker is Capt. Scott of XTC Sportfishing. Valentine's Day surprise.
February 18, 2023 - Surf Day at Brookdale Community College
Registration for Rutgers' IFISSH program is now open. Ten class sessions will meet via Zoom webinar on Tuesday evenings (6:30 - 9:00 PM) from February 21 through May 2 (excluding March 14).
March 2-5, 2023 - World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition. Volunteers needed.
March 14, 2023 - General Meeting. Guest speaker Bayside Dave
March 17-19, 2023 - Saltwater Fishing Expo. Volunteers needed.
April 11, 2023 - General Meeting. Guest speakers Jim Hutchinson, John Tiedemann, Emily McGuckin, Jessica Best, John Kravchak & Steve Perna. Presentations & round table discussion of striped bass tagging methods with panelists.
April 15 to May 13 - The HRFA's Fred Rung Memorial Catch, Tag & Release Striped Bass Derby. Plus, Best Practices for Striped Bass Catch & Release
April 22, 2023- Hooked on the Hudson (HOH) at Ross Dock
April 23, 2023 - The HRFA Annual Awards Dinner at Cornetta's restaurant in Piermont, NY
May 6, 2023 - Surf Fly Fishing Derby. Sandy Hook, NJ
May 9, 2023 - General Meeting. Guest Speaker George Jackman, Riverkeeper's Sr. Habitat Restoration Manager

Past Events

January 10, 2023 - General meeting. Guest Speaker was Michele Kohler
January 12-15, 2023 - Garden State Outdoors Sports Show.

Carl's Corner

Carl talks about what makes a great fishing buddy. In it we get another baker's dozen. This time it is a list of his 13 favorite fishing buddies. Replete with photos and videos submitted by a few of his besties. Scroll down to find out if you made the cut. If you didn't, you may want to chat with the author.

In the News

Pick up on Jim Hutchinson's weekly video forecast from The Fisherman magazine right at the moment when he discusses what might be causing the recent slew (5) of dead whales washing up on NJ beaches. Then read his article from 2019 entitled "Myth or Matter – Is Offshore Wind Blowing In Too Fast?"
A short video from NJ Spotlight News presenting the diverse opinions on what is causing the increased whale mortalities.
A recent article from Stop these Things on the dangers windmills pose to endangered species like right whales and birds.

Calls for Action

NJ's Operation Game Thief Tip Line. Help stop poaching. If you see something, say something.
An Update on New Jersey Bill A-1047. The HRFA took a stand to support the initiative to provide boating access to state owned lakes. Here is an update.

From our Membership Chair

Arnie Ulrich is back on the job.

That's Entertainment

Practically nothing else online beats the entertainment value of a fishing video posted by Mr. Poseidon. Likely, there's not a more rabid striper fisherman out there. Follow him and catch the fever!

Instagram: @mr_poseidon_fishing
Facebook: Poseidon Fish
Email: eric10983@gmail.com

The Spectrum for Living Fishing Dock

The start of something BIG.

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.

From the Internet

Hot off the presses. Figuratively speaking that is. Scroll down to read an update on the Northeast Striped Bass Study from the February 2023 issue of The Fisherman magazine.

ALL NEW! The HRFA Lending Library

A complete listing of books available at our fledgling library.

NJ Palisades Interstate Park's Calendar of Events

The PIP's 2022 calendar for the month of February, courtesy of the HRFA's 'Friend of The Hudson River' recipient Jeanie Ross.

2022 HRFA Fishing Contest

What are you waiting for? Submit your catch. Let's go!

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 Events

Be sure to also check out the H.R.F.A. Events Calendar below for this month's member birthday notices, holidays and events.

The H&H Invitational

Winter 2023

There will be a live and in-person one-day ice fishing derby, open to all, on a lake and lake to be determined. Details to follow. Many prizes donated by the derby organizers - Scott Havner, Stephanie Hess & Andrew Ward. See photos.

Good to know stuff about ice fishing . . .

Ice Fishing

Anglers in New York State can stay busy all winter by targeting some of their favorite fish species through the ice. New to ice fishing? If you've never been ice fishing before and would like to test the waters - learn how to ice fish .

Read more
www.dec.ny.gov

Tips & Guidance

Four inches of solid, clear ice is a safe thickness if venturing out on foot. Be sure to periodically check the thickness as you move further out.
Avoid ice near open water or around docks. Dock owners often use bubblers to prevent thick ice from forming and damaging them.
Carry ice safety picks. They can help you pull yourself out of the water should you break through the ice. Store-bought or homemade work just fine.
Let someone know where you're going to fish and when you plan on returning.

Getting out there during the hard water season is fun, but definitely not worth risking your lif

America's Ice Fishing Tournament

February 4, 2023

Start 8:00 AM End 3:00 PM

To participate in the Brainerd Jaycees' virtual tournament you must download the FishDonkey app on your mobile device. This event raises money for local charities, and provide avenues for individual growth, personal development, and leadership. Click on the link below to find out how you can join.

Americas Ice Fishing Tournament - Presented Virtually by ...

AMERICA'S ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT THE BRAINERD JAYCEES ANNOUNCES A NEW, SEPARATE, VIRTUAL EVENT: AMERICA'S ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT BRAINERD, MINN - The Brainerd Jaycees are excited to present America's Ice Fishing Tournament, scheduled for January...

Read more
virtualicefishing.org

Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County Fishing Flea Market

February 5, 2023

SWABC Flea Market

Vendors Needed for Fishing Flea Market The Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County are having an early Flea Market on February 5th, 2023 at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton and we invite you to attend this only Fishing Flea Market in North Jersey! The...

Read more
www.swabc.org

Click Here for printable Vendor Registration Form

HRFA General Membership Meeting

February 14, 2023

Guest Speaker - Captain Scott of the XTC Sportfishing Charter outta Belmar

Surf Day

"A day dedicated to the surfcaster"

February 18, 2023

IFISSH

February 21 - May 2, 2023

Registration is now open for the 2023 Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH) course offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

The objective of this course is to educate stakeholders of New Jersey's commercial and recreational fisheries so that they will better understand and make progress on issues impacting their industries, including the science, management, and responsible stewardship of fishery resources.

Ten class sessions will meet via Zoom webinar on Tuesday evenings (6:30 - 9:00 PM) from February 21 through May 2 (excluding March 14). Each class will include a mixture of presentations with Q&A and open discussion periods.

Please see the attached flyer for additional details including a list of topics and confirmed speakers on page 2. Please feel free to share this email and flyer with anyone who you think might be interested.

There is a $40 program fee for this course and registration is open to all who are interested.

Please visit the following link to register by February 16: https://go.rutgers.edu/nfimj76e

If you have any questions, then please contact me via email or phone (732-349-1152), or contact Kelly Jurgensen (Administrative Assistant, RCE of Ocean County: kjurgensen@co.ocean.nj.us | 732-349-1152).

IFISSH webpage: https://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu/marine/IFISSH.html

Thank You,

Doug Zemeckis

World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition

Suffern, NY

March 2-5, 2023

Volunteers needed! Spend a few hours volunteering at the HRFA booth and get FREE entry.

HRFA General Meeting

March 14, 2023

We are happy to say that Bayside Dave accepted our invitation to come speak to us about fishing for tog from shore. Specifically from the Barnegat Inlet jetty in LBI. We expect some lively discussion of techniques and some expert advice.

Saltwater Fishing Expo

Edison, NJ

March 17-19, 2023

Volunteers needed! Spend a few hours volunteering at the HRFA booth and get FREE entry.

HRFA General Meeting

April 11, 2023

Jim Hutchinson

The Fisherman

Emily McGuckin

Tagging Director

American Littoral Society

John Kravchak

President Berkely Striper Club

John Tiedemann

Professor Monmouth University

Stripers for the Future

Jessica Best

Fisheries Biologist

NY DEC

(tentative)

Steve Perna

Vice President

Berkeley Striper Club

Tagging stripers for science with Prof John Teidemann and the Berkely Striper Club Dec 2 2022

The Fred Rung Memorial Striped Bass

Catch, Tag & Release Derby

April 15 - May 13, 2023

The cash prizes are higher than before. The Entry Fee remains unchanged at $40.00. However, annual membership dues for HRFA have increased. Therefore, the total cost for new or renewing members is now $80.00. The cost to join the Derby as a non-member will be $20 additional. The cost to compete in the Calcutta for largest fish is $30. There is no 50:50 raffle. Everyone who enters the Derby, whether they entered a fish or not, is eligible to win Grand prizes with participants' names drawn at the conclusion of the contest.

New Decal

Best Practices for Striped Bass Catch & Release

Hooked on the Hudson

Ross Dock 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

April 22, 2023

The Palisades Interstate Park New Jersey and the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association invite you to experience the Hudson River at the Annual Hooked on the Hudson event.

Food and Refreshments.

FREE Fishing Contest from 9:00am to 1:30pm. The HRFA will supply all equipment and bait free for your children to use! Fishing information and assistance will be available. Prizes awarded.

FREE Children’s Casting Contest from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Prizes awarded.

FREE exhibits provided by leading environmental conservation and sportsmen’s organizations in our area from 9:00am to 3:00pm

FREE Awards Ceremony at 3:00pm

There are no entry fees. There are no registration forms. Just come down to the park, throw your line in the water and enjoy yourself.

For more information contact: Peter Musse (201) 233-3119 or petemusse@gmail.com

The HRFA's 3rd Annual

Saltwater Fly Fishing Derby

Sandy Hook, NJ

May 6, 2023

9 AM - 1 PM

All members & their guests are invited to join the HRFA's Fly Fishing Derby. The intent of the Derby is to inspire the interest and growth of saltwater fly fishing.

Entry Fee $25.00

Payment options: in person at the beach or online at Thehrfa.org.

Online registration opens April 1st

Meet up: Sandy Hook, NJ – Lot C – 8:00 AM for a quick rundown of rules and answers to questions if you have any. And last minutes sign ups.

The Categories

Striped Bass
Bluefish
Fluke
Weakfish
Sea robin

The Rules

Largest fish in length wins
A photograph of your catch is to be submitted by text to 201-232-5988
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

Awards: 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place prizes

BBQ To follow!

If you have any questions or need help with

selecting the right gear for the derby, contact

Michael Sardinas:

Email: Masardinas@yahoo.com

Phone: +1 (201) 232-5988

BSC Fishermen's Flea Market

Seaside Park, NJ

May 14, 2023

Past Events

HRFA General Meeting

January 10, 2023

From L to R: Aram Setian, Michele Kohler, Pete Musse & Karen Noe.

Michele Kohler's PowerPoint presentation, "Hope and Positivity in a Turbulent Environment", covered her & Karen's recent fishing adventures in Alaska. Her positive outlook on life was apparent as she spoke and engaged with the audience. She also treated everyone present to her "happy as a clam" baked clams. Everyone that ate one (or more) said how delicious they were.

‌

From L to R: Tony DiModugno, Michele Kohler & Tim Burden

From L to R: Tony DiModugno, Tim Burden & Dan Harrison

Michele said she shucked the top neck clams she purchased at Restaurant Depot then added shallots, garlic, pepper, Panko bread crumbs, Pecorino Romano cheese, Tabasco and other good stuff. Nothing could be better than a gathering of friends talking fishing, while sharing food and drink. Perfect way to ring in the new year together. Thank you Michele!

Garden State Outdoors Sports Show

Edison, NJ

January 12-15, 2023

Reportedly the show was not as populated with vendors and attendees as in the past. Lingering effects of the pandemic? The venue didn't advertise enough? NFL Playoffs?

Regardless, we had a great booth location and Aram was able to reserve the same spot for next year already. The tally of HRFA donations and memberships is not yet available but we did "just okay".

Thank you to all of our volunteers who worked the booth: Janice Soto, Dave Mercer, Aram Setian, Gil Hawkins, Pete Musse, Dan Harrison, Tony Stellato, Carl Bruger, Dirk Van Everdingen, Michael & Noah Sardinas

From L to R: Aram H. Setian, Michael Sardinas, Noah Sardinas,

Dave Mercer, Janice Soto, Carl Bruger & Gil Hawkins

Janice Soto & Carl Bruger holding down the fort on a reportedly very slow first day.

Janice & Dave moving those mugs and glasses to generous passersby who chipped in a few dollars donation.

The dynamic duo with Conor Harrison renewing his HRFA membership.

Carl's Corner

Carl Bruger has been a writer for this newsletter educating and entertaining us who read River Views for a long time. Here is his latest gem.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT FISHING BUDDY?

By Carl Bruger

Carl's annual Catfish Chaos Challenge up at his place on Lake Ontario.

The HRFA Kiddie Rod Challenge.

Another Kiddie Rod Challenge event.

Fishing with Emily.

Turning a newbie into a lucky fisherman.

A couple of Als - one White, the other Miller.

Probably along the Salmon River in upstate NY.

At the HRFA's Annual Bunny Clark trip.

Carl's wife Pat made the cut. Obviously. Smart man!

Tim Burden photobombing the shot. It's what he does.

With Marvin Oresky.

Two Past Presidents of the HRFA. Carl and Gil Hawkins.

The gang up at "Carl's Lodge". Likely, an annual Catfish Chaos Challenge that Carl runs with all proceeds going to the HRFA.

What makes a great fishing buddy? Just angling alone is something this scribe does only because friends are not always available to join me on jaunts to the water. Fishing friends are true treasures that deserve praise and respect just like a devoted wife or husband or even a super loyal and loving dog.

Because catching fish is a pass-time, hobby, and passion for me, the time I spend chasing finned creatures easily exceeds any other potential outdoor activities. What better scenario than to have a best buddy join you in a successful trophy pursuit or at worst, a day on the water skunked while downing a few cold beers, sighting soaring eagles and gaining a nice tan as “consolation prizes”.

What factors contribute to the ideal fishing partner? I’ve compiled a baker’s dozen elements that sum up to this role, whether it be in seeking offshore tuna to tiny trout in the backwoods mountains and all other angling in between. Read carefully and if you see most of these traits and qualities in your fellow piscatorial pursuers, then value their friendship much more than silver or gold.

1). Can be relied on to meet commitments and be on time.

2). Willing and enthusiastic to go fishing on short notice.

3). Has talents and abilities that can be shared like teamwork in rigging up, chumming, cooking, cleaning up, gaffing and netting.

4). Shares expenses generated by the trip including gas, tolls, bait, lodging, food, drink, and other misc. stuff.

5). Genuinely works toward everyone catching fish and is happy for a great catch even if it is someone else.

6). Shows up with the right gear for that type of fish and shares lures or baits that are working in his/her arsenal.

7). Stays home if running a fever or at risk of spreading any various type of contagion i.e. pink eye, leprosy, rabies, etc.

8). Not reckless in casting, driving or boating despite a mutual “Fish Fever”.

9). Enjoys food and beverages but does not overdo consumption to affect the “stability” of the trip and cleans up cups, cans, line etc., even others litter.

10). Agreeable to many hours of angling effort without always being the one who wants to quit early.11). Willing to try something new, original and maybe even weird if it offers the chance to change angling luck.

12). Shares the driving time on long trips no matter whose vehicle it is.

13). Doesn’t fall asleep and snore all the way home. (Sorry I added this because I am the worst culprit somewhat alive)!

Certain “flaws” are not really “bad” traits when it comes to delineating the perfect partner. By these I mean an occasional lapse into profanity when lines or rods snap. Maybe the individual reeks of fish at day’s end. This as a good thing, emblematic of the hefty haul that covers the angler’s cloths like a badge of honor. Spouses may take exception, however, your dog or cat will love you more.

Now ask yourself. Am I even close to emulating such buddy behavior? I bet the closer you are to batting 1000 the more you are asked to go fishing with others. The departed folks in my past that belong in my fishing friends “Hall of Fame” must include my own Dad, son Pete and HRFA members Darren Cardinal, Tom Bromilow, and Kel Hiltsley. To complete the all-time best baker’s dozen to the present I proudly recognize (alphabetically to avoid offending): my wife, Pat Bruger, Tim Burden, Scott Havner, Gil Hawkins, Wayne Geider, Fred (Lake Ontario neighbor) Lamon, Arnie Ulrich, and Al White. These people truly eclipsed all others in matching up to the checklist categories. Thank God for each and every one of these true best fishing buddies! I have been deeply blessed by their company and that of hundreds of other wonderful people who enjoy the sport.

Next month I will write an article about what traits and behaviors make the worst fishermen.

A video by Tim Burden

In the News

Is there any correlation between dead whales and offshore windmills?

Pick up on Jim Hutchinson's weekly video forecast at the moment when he begins to ponder what might be causing the recent slew (5) of dead whales washing up on NJ beaches.

Myth or Matter - Is Offshore Wind Blowing In Too Fast? - ...

Should President Donald Trump be impeached?Or should Hillary Clinton be jailed for espionage?Those questions should probably get folks' attention, don't you think?Well before your blood begins to boil, I ask that you consider this - the...

Read more
www.thefisherman.com

Environmentalists disagree over cause of whale strandings

Offshore Wind Power Plans Threaten Endangered Species

Fortunately, federal wildlife officials are speaking out for whales. On May 13, Sean Hayes, the chief of the protected species branch at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Northeast Fisheries Science Center, sent a letter to the lead biologist at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, warning him about the deadly effect offshore wind will have on whales. Hayes proposed that a buffer zone be established around the whales’ habitat to protect them from the turbines. He wrote that “Additional noise, vessel traffic and habitat modifications due to offshore wind development will likely cause added stress that could result in additional population consequences to a species that is already experiencing rapid decline.” He continued, saying that disturbance to the North Atlantic Right Whales’ foraging areas “could have population-level effects on an already endangered and stressed species. The right whale population is food resource-limited and generally in poor body condition. Right whales are chronically stressed from food limitations, entanglement, sub-lethal vessel strikes, and noise. Displacement from a prime portion of their only winter foraging grounds due to disruptions in forage availability/distribution and/or exposure to other stressors (e.g., increased vessel traffic) could have extremely detrimental energetic effects, resulting in reduced calving success.”

But that’s not even the strongest part of the letter. Hayes also said that the “oceanographic impacts from installed and operating turbines cannot be mitigated for the 30-year lifespan of the project, unless they are decommissioned.”

SOURCE: Stop these Things. Click HERE, or the photo of the right whale (above), to read the full article.

Calls for Action

If You See Something Say Something

An Update on New Jersey Bill A-1047

From: Webber, Asm. D.O. <AsmWebber@njleg.org>

Date: Friday, January 20, 2023 at 1:05 PM

To: David Vollenweider <muskynut2002@yahoo.com>, Arnie Ulrich <kavester@aol.com>, THE Hudson River Fishermen's Association <president@thehrfa.org>, Joe Albanese <joealbanese2@gmail.com>, Aram Setian <setianah@gmail.com> . . .

Subject: Bill A-1047 : Requires DEP to provide public access for boats on State owned lakes; appropriates $1million

As the sponsor of A1047, I thank you for your support of this important legislation.

We believe the State can and should provide public access at State-owned lakes. Such access is entirely reasonable and fair for our residents.

I previously requested of Chair Kennedy that he post the bill on his Committee’s agenda for consideration and positive vote for release. Below is my renewed request to Chairman Kennedy. You will see that I emphasized for Chair Kennedy that the policy is so sound and needed that it has earned ample bipartisan sponsorship in both the Assembly and Senate. And the Senate version has moved favorably out of Committee there already.

If you haven’t yet, please advocate for the bill’s consideration and release from Chair Kennedy’s Committee.

Thank you.

Jay Webber

Assemblyman

From our Membership Chair

HRFA Members stuff

Arnie Ulrich Membership Chair

New members this month are Lloyd Castillo, Congers NY, and Joe McCoy Sayerville, NJ

Fight For the Hudson

If anyone would like a current JCAA newsletter please click here > https://jcaa.org/JCNL2212/Mainpage.htm

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 dont have a 2022 or lifetime member card you are losing out on great HRFA member benifits.

Pay your dues. Get your 2023 membership card.

The generous grace period ended for renewals on March 31st. Those not renewed are on the stale list and are removed from the membership rolls. Note , If you do not have a 2023 or life time membership card , you are not a HRFA member.

For those people who join(ed) the HRFA in October (or later) of a given year, their new or renewal membership also is covered for the following new year. There is also a generous grace period (3 months) for those who are unable to update their membership in January, however paying your dues late puts a strain on the records maintenance and consequently the ability of the executive board’s planning of activities and events.

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

Calendar | Hudson River Fishermen's Association

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

Read more
thehrfa.org

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 2023 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

That's Entertainment!

Surf Fishing Insane Jersey Striper BLITZ in Late Fall Season of 2022 !

Hello Fishing Champs! Watch the action with me, Mr Poseidon, on a two-day surf fishing trip on the New Jersey shores -- and finally finding the Striped Bass on the last couple hours of the last day. Follow me on:

Instagram: @mr_poseidon_fishing
Facebook: Poseidon Fish
Email: eric10983@gmail.com

Surf Fishing Insane Jersey Striper BLITZ in Late Fall Season of 2022 !

Spectrum for Living Fishing Dock

Dan Harrison proposed, and the Board approved, a $2,500 contribution to kick-start a special project to build a fishing dock 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.

Artist's rendition for promotional fund-raising purposes. Obviously, the actual dock will be built to meet existing codes.

Various sites for entry of machinery etc. needed to build the dock were examined by Board members and contractors back in November. The ray of sunshine hints that God must be smiling on this location and approves of the project to do good for others.

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

Consider highlighting products or services, sales or promotions, personal bios, and more. Use images that complement your message, and link your images to supporting resources.

With no hard water to walk on, Scott Havner did some sweet water fishing from the shoreline of an undisclosed lake mid-January and scored with this BIG pickerel.

NJ Palisades Interstate Park February Calendar of Events

Read more
www.njpalisades.org

From the Internet

Northeast Striped Bass Study: Friends, Fathers, Sons &...

"Talk to your dad tonight and let me know what day works for you," was the text I received from Chuck Many on October 22, 2022. "Forecast looks good Tuesday, Wednesday and or Thursday, but east wind always makes me a little nervous."

Read more
www.thefisherman.com

HRFA Lending Library

The HFRA now has a 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

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 Nilsen

HRFA Youth Angler Program

Youth Angler Program

By Wayne Geider

Want to volunteer?

Just call our Youth Angler Program Chair Wayne Geider at

(201) 384-8046.

H.R.F.A. Merchandise

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

Other apparel with our logo are also available. Like this handsomely designed and practical UPF shirt. Wear it proudly when fishing and save a little on the sunscreen too. For members only. Ask Ivan Garcia for one.

Back

Front & Sleeve

The Pride of the HRFA

Project to Save our Historical Heritage

Due to the restrictions imposed on our lives by the COVID 19 pandemic our plans are on hold. We hope and pray that one day volunteers may start working to refurbish Riverkeeper to her former days of glory when she was the world's first and only riverkeeper vessel. To offer your time and talents contact Dan Harrison at dharrison@cdtresources.com.

2022 Fishing Contest Leader Boards

as of June 27th

(only listing 1st, 2nd & 3rd place)

The HRFA hosts an annual fishing contest which runs from January through December and is open to all HRFA members. You have 30 days from the day you catch a fish to send in your entries. So, the deadline for submissions is January. As a member of the HRFA you and your immediate family are eligible to enter fish in any of our categories. Various divisions are available for prizes presented at our Annual Awards Dinner in March of the following year. Website updated daily. River Views newsletter updates below are done around the first the month. * indicates a new club record.

To be posted on Instagram, photos of your catch should be emailed or texted to Alex Spindelman: (845) 548-0003, a.spindelman@gmail.com