THE
Hudson River
Fishermen’s Association
E-07-23
NEXT GENERAL MEETING
July 11th
Meeting starts at 7:30 PM

Ridgefield Park Elks Lodge
21 Cedar St
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
HRFA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
Come listen to what we are doing and share your input.
Board Meeting
AND YOUR FISHING STORIES
All are invited to join the meeting 
& share their fishing stories.
Want to write an article for this newsletter?
If so, contact: editorriverviews@thehrfa.org.
We still have a limited number (3) of
Gray FishTag Research bumper stickers left.
Your $25 donation supports the HRFA and FishTag's northeast striped bass tagging study.
Why Donate?
  • The HRFA was arguably the first and most successful group to find polluters of the Hudson River and hold them accountable. We continue our core mission to "Fight for the Hudson!" to this very day.
  • The HRFA is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. You need another charitable tax deduction don't you?
  • All of our members are volunteers. No member of the Elected Board of Directors earns an income for all their hard work. Every penny donated goes to support our programs.
  • Our Youth Angler Program continues to get kids "Hooked on fishing, not on drugs." Help support us so that we can give America's veterans opportunities to go fishing too.
  • Let us continue to offer scholarships for worthy college-bound high schoolers.
  • Support the restoration of the world's first Riverkeeper vessel so it may take its rightful place in history. Perhaps, in a museum on the Hudson River; the river it protected for decades before its decommissioning.
  • Help us realize our dream of having our own museum and meeting place in the Palisades Interstate Park. A beautiful historic place, one that can be shared with the public to enjoy as well.
  • Shall we continue?
We Love Volunteers
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,

THE LATEST ON PIERMONT
Last month I reported that we possibly reached a compromise with the Village of Piermont, NY regarding the level of liability insurance required to have a small gathering on the pier. Now, I confirm that we are satisfied with the compromise.

The compromise they offered was to drop the level of liability insurance from $5MM to $2MM. Since then, we learned that the Palisades Intestate Park system increased their requirement from $1MM to $2MM, matching that of Piermont. With that change we had little recourse but to increase the club's level of coverage from $1MM to $2MM. The additional coverage raised the club's annual basic insurance costs by $382.00 (from $2,092.00 to $2,474.00). With the liability coverage for officers, which we added earlier this year, costing an additional $633.00 the total cost to protect the club and its members from a lawsuit is now $3,107.00. That's the world we live in today.

We will apply for a permit to use the pier in Piermont as a weigh station for our August 19th Catfish Chaos Derby. Hopefully, the Village can approve it on time. If not, we will have it at the PIP (Ross Dock or Alpine Boat Basin) where a gathering of fewer than 25 persons does not require a permit. Once again, stay tuned.

PS. My head shot was taken at Piermont's annual Bastille Day Celebration a few years back. It's a fun day with the closure of main street for pedestrians to enjoy table fair and drinks from restaurants, visit shops and street vendors with vintage Citrons, Renaults and Peugeots on display.
WAS IT APATHY OR UNCERTAINTY
When I was newsletter Editor for the NY Chapter of another non-profit, one that shall remain untold here (see me privately LOL), the Co-Editor and I asked the Chair of the Organization at the time if anyone bothers reading it. Now, despite this being an organization comprised mainly of college educated scientists, many with advanced degrees, his reply was surprising - “Our members are stupid. We do it because it is the right thing to do.”
 
Having gotten that off my chest, I will ask again: "How do you feel about offshore windmills?" Please respond to a brief survey (one to which nobody responded last month). Perhaps, after hearing about "Ocean Industrialization" from Cindy Zipf of Clean Ocean Action, you now feel more knowledgeable and confident in responding one way or another. Certainly, one’s response may be a bit more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”. If so, please dare to elaborate. We’re listening.
 
Please take a moment to reply to this email with your answers.
1.     Are you a member of the HRFA? Yes or No.
2.    Do you support offshore windmills? Yes or No.
Dart Board
DART TAGS
Tagging fish (mainly striped bass) for the American Littoral Society is an HRFA tradition. One that we want to continue. That's why it is a key component of our spring Fred Rung Memorial Striped Bass Derby in the Hudson River and all its tributaries between the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge north to the Troy Dam in Albany. As an incentive, cash prizes for winning participants who tag a minimum of 10 bass is twice that of those who do not. There are also prizes for the most tagged stripers.

Currently, the tagging kits we use come with a needle that must be inserted completely through the fish. Then the ends of the tag must be either tied or clasped to form a loop. (Talk with Dirk VanEverdingen for how he avoids this step with the lock-on type tag he prefers.) Often the time-consuming process keeps the fish out of the water for far too long, reducing its chance of surviving the ordeal. Plus, the wound might develop an infection, the loop has a propensity to collect marine growth and get caught on some underwater obstruction. Despite the inherent downsides, if done expeditiously (which only comes with practice), there is still much knowledge to be gained. So, basically, we believe the benefit of tagging for science still outweighs the risks involved.

However, when we became aware of a different type of affordable tag for the 'citizen scientist', one that is kinder to the fish (Thank you, Berkely Striper Club.), we lobbied the Society to provide us with that type of tag. These tags cost more to manufacture but take only a second to place under the scales of the fish and in many cases can be done without taking the fish out of the water.

When I announced at our June meeting that they decided to make the more fish-friendly dart-type tagging kits available for us it met with a rousing round of sustained applause. To start, this will only be a pilot program because the Society remains concerned that these dart tags are more likely to become dislodged from the fish. They will review and compare the return percentages and determine if this is the case.

These new kits will still be 10 dart tags and 10 cards. Tentatively, they will cost us $15.00 (instead of $7.00) and the required applicator needles will cost $23.00 (instead of $1.00 for spaghetti style or $7.50 for lock-on style tags). The cost also includes something for the Society to mail kits directly to our members, record and share the data. Besides our club membership, it is how we can continue to support them and their mission. Now, what does the club (YOU) want to do? Pay the extra money or keep the status quo? Let's decide together.

These new kits might become available as early as the Fall of this year. If so, the HRFA will have a special one-day derby, FREE to those who purchase the new kits, to kick off the pilot study.

Got questions? Contact me to learn more.
IMHO
It seems the science is pointing the finger directly at the recreational angler as a key reason why the striped bass population is reportedly in jeopardy. No doubt, just given the sheer number of recreational anglers today, it certainly has an impact. Yet, for me personally, the claimed 9% mortality rate for those who practice catch & release properly seems high.

Admittedly, I have not closely examined the data. So, it is possible the negative impact from recreational anglers exceeds that of commercial interests, poaching, predation, water quality/temperatures and other natural or man-made causes. However, I'm not yet convinced.

Regardless, the new tighter slot limit regulation being imposed coast wide (28" - 31") to protect the 2015 year class, will not do anything to reduce mortality from catch and release anglers who are already trying to do the right thing by the species. For those who fish all the time it is no big deal I suppose. For anglers who only fish a couple of times a year it must be a major disappointment not to keep one unless it fits into the narrow 1" slot. It's not wrong to take a legal fish home for the table if desired. Nonetheless, many of them don't intentionally harvest a single bass, regardless of size, anyways.

So, what's next? Perhaps a total moratorium on recreational fishing for striped bass in NJ while commercial fisheries for stripers still exists in NY, MA, MD, RI, DE & NC. Poaching seems to be rampant with little to no enforced consequences of significance. Yet the onus is placed on the catch & release angler. Agree or disagree with the new regulation, compliance is the right thing to do. What is this change really going to accomplish? I guess time will tell.

Enough of my musings. Whatever the C&R mortality percentage is, education is the key to giving your catch the best chance of survival after you send it along its way. If you don't know already, here is how to do it correctly:
Improving "C&R" Success

The concept of anglers releasing fish as a conservation measure has its roots in the early days of American fly...

Read more
www.thefisherman.com
commercial striped bass
RODS UP GUNS DOWN
Oscar L Brea (@bx_surfcaster) and I met during one of Mr. Poseidon's (@MrPoseidonSays) Sunday night "Let's Talk Fishing" livestreams. Oscar has since become a member of the HRFA. In case you did not know, Eric Stoumpos Argyri, aka "Mr. Poseidon" already was.

Oscar is also a member of Beast River Fishing (@beastriverfishing7332). This is a fledgling group, which I only just learned about when I stumbled upon a Mr. Poseidon livestream in Instagram. It was airing on location along the East River the Saturday before Father's Day this year. These men and women are a wonderful group dedicated to helping children in their tough neighborhood of the Bronx housing projects stay on the right path by introducing them to fishing.

Needless to say, we were delighted when Oscar and a few of his fellow Beast River crew arrived at the West Harlem fishing pier near the end of our fishing clinic there as part of the NYDEC and Riverside Park Conservancy's "Summer on the Hudson" program. As Danny Harrison wrote me and Aram Setian,

"I want to thank the both of you for continuing the fishing clinic in Manhattan. After this weekend I see it has really paid dividends.

Joe has made some great contacts with the group that fishes the East River. They have a great story and even better slogan - "Rods Up Guns Down!"

What really struck me and compelled me to write this was a young girl that showed up late but wanted to fish. She was a young lady that seemed lost and needed a little direction. You could tell by her looks she is having a tough life. When we gave her a fishing pole to keep, she looked at us and said “For real, now I have something to do when I have nothing to do”. I will always remember that.

While we were leaving, we noticed that she was putting on the tee shirt the Beast River crew gave her. Together we went over and showed her how to tie the rig to the line. You could see in her face this is something she will continue to do. Go down to the river and wet a line and forget all the bulls - - - ."

To learn more about Beast River Fishing scroll down this newsletter and watch Mr. Poseidon's Father's Day livestream. You will discover, like we did, that their love of family and each other is heartening. We hope to build a closer relationship with them as we share common interests and a desire to help others.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Fourth of July,

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

Fight for the Hudson

PS. DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated, the opinions in my monthly letter to members are mine. Although, others may agree to disagree.
In this month's issue of River Views
Please consider promoting your business in River Views. Click here to make a $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.
July 8, 2023
Kiddie Rod Challenge
The most fun one-day derby ever returns to the shores of Sebago Lake in Harriman State Park. This slightly unhinged fishing contest is the brainchild of Scott Havner. He created it for a fun day together with all proceeds going to support our Youth Angler Program. Registration starts that morning from 7am to 8am with fishing from 8am to 1pm. $20 donation to enter. There will also be a $5 lunker pool for longest fish caught. Trophies will be awarded for 3 largest bass entered.
 
Come on out and have some fun trying to land a fish on one of these rods! It truly will be a challenge in more ways than one!
kiddie rod & reel combos

You don't want to
miss all the fun!
Rules are as follows:
  • Must fish with push-button spincast reel and pole no longer than 40". Go out and get your favorite superhero rod & reel!
  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass only
  • All lures and bait allowed.
  • Fish must be photographed with ruler in photo to determine length and sent via text to Alex Spindelman (845) 548-0003
  • Winners will be determined by length of fish and time of photo received will be the tie breaker.
  • Fishing from boat or shore allowed. Boats must have Harriman State Park permit.
 
For more information contact Derby Organizer Alex Spindelman by phone (845) 548-0003 or email siztastic7@aol.com.
Freshwater Bass Tournament
July 8 (3:00am start) - July 30 (3:00pm end), 2023
  • Fishing within New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania
  • Biggest 5 bass stringer of Largemouth/ Smallmouth wins
  • Biggest Bass wins lunker division
  • $25 entry fee on Fishing Chaos https://app.fishingchaos.com/tournament/il50NG8hR3kEeAjPnLR6
  • For more rules and details look on Fishing Chaos page
  • Top 3 Payout (based on number of entries) 
For more information contact Derby Organizer Alex Spindelman by phone (845) 548-0003 or email siztastic7@aol.com.
Home - Fishing Chaos

A dynamic platform that allows tournament directors to run their tournaments more effectively, charter captains to manage their businesses more efficiently, and anglers to keep their fishing trips more organized. Find the right modules for you.

Read more
fishingchaos.com
Open EBoard Meeting
July 11, 2023 7:30PM-9:00PM
AGENDA
  • Upcoming Events
  • Treasurer's Report
  • Membership Report
  • Committee Chairs
Fund for a Better Waterfront Event
July 15, 2023 
HRFA Booth and Youth Angler Fishing Program on the Castle Point T-Pier in Hoboken. Volunteers needed!
General Meeting
August 8, 2023
7:30 - 9:00 PM
We were delighted to learn from Emily McGuckin, Fish Tagging Program Director for the American Littoral Society, that both of her tagging interns can present their work at our August meeting before they head back to college in the Fall.

Jimmy Treshock will present "Assessing the Relationship Between Striped Bass and Morone Saxatilis Yield and Urbanization Along the Hudson River". Ashley Pape will present "The effects of climate change on Spiny Dogfish".
Littoral Society Interns Take Part in AERS Spring Meeting

Congratulations to the Littoral Society's 2023 fish tagging interns, who attended the Atlantic Estuarine Research Society (AERS) spring meeting from March 23-25 at Monmouth University in Long Branch,...

Read more
www.littoralsociety.org
Catfish Chaos
August 19, 2023
Cost to register is only $20 for Adult and $10 for youth under the age of 16. An additional $10 donation will sponsor a youth angler.

Registration opens: June 15th
Registration ends: August 18th

Fishing starts at 12:01AM and ends 3:00PM AUGUST 19th
Weigh Stations 
  1. Coeyman's Landing Marina - Coeyman, NY
  2. Alpine Boat Basin - Alpine, NJ
  3. Rondout Yacht Basin - Connelly, NY
  4. River Front Marina - Newburgh, NY
  5. Haverstraw Marina - Haverstraw, NY
  6. Westerly Marina - Ossining, NY
  7. Croton Yacht Club - Croton-on-Hudson, NY
  8. Dutchman's Landing Park - Catskill, NY
  9. Cornetta's Marina - Piermont, NY
GRAND PRIZES
$500 First Place 
$250 Second Place 
$125 Third Place

Kids' Prizes to 3rd Place 
(Youth Under 16-years old)
Rod & Reel Combos, fishing gear, etc.

Additional prizes awarded at each 
weigh station the day of the Derby.
All proceeds to benefit the Spectrum for Living fishing pier.
2023 HRFA CATFISH CHAOS DERBY RULES

1. Fishing in the Hudson River and tributaries only.
2. Event will be held rain or shine.
3. Only channel catfish, white catfish, and bullheads will be counted.
4. Fish can only be caught using a rod and reel.
5. Fish will be checked-in by length.
6. Fishing from shore and boat allowed.
7. Fish must be alive at check-in. The HRFA promotes catch and release therefore dead fish count at half the length.
8. One entry per angler. Largest fish checked-in counts.
9. Fishing starts at 12:01AM and ends at 3:00PM. You must be at weigh station by 3:15PM.
10. Ties are determined by time of catch. Early fish wins.
11. Check-in starts at 8:00AM. Fish caught prior to 8:00AM send photo of fish to
845-300-1562 for time stamp of catch. You must still check fish in to count.
12. Registration ends at 8:00PM Friday August 18th .
13. Prize structure is subject to change.
14. All New York and New Jersey rules and regulations apply depending on state fished.
15. The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association and all sponsors are released from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or resulting from any participation in this derby.
16. All decisions of the derby committee are final.
Ridgefield Park Elk's Annual Fishing Day
The Youth Angler Program will be there to support the Elk's Lodge. Volunteers needed!
Croton River Day
Youth Angler Program
September 9, 2023
Volunteers needed!

Call Wayne Geider (201) 384-8046 to be part of the crew.

Details as they become available.
Other Happenings
Student Summer Programs at Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center
Explore the Salt Marsh

NJ Fish & Wildlife's Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center is offering two overnight programs this summer for students interested in exploring the salt marsh through hands-on activities.
NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | Student Summer Programs at...

NJDEP's Fish and Wildlife and its partners offer teenage students exciting summer programs based at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center located within NJ's first Marine Conservation Zone. The facility is located just off Island...

Read more
dep.nj.gov
Annual Fluke Tagging Trip

Sunday, August 27 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Meet at: The Mi-Jo Charters 2 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 $105 for members $115 for non-members Join American Littoral Society Fish Tagging...

Read more
www.littoralsociety.org
Past Events
June 3, 2023
Youth Angler Program with Hackensack Riverkeeper
8:00am - 12:00pm
The lucky angler taking home 1st Place is flanked by
Jodi Jameison (L) Urban Watershed Education Program Manager
and Capt. Bill Sheehan (R) The Hackensack Riverkeeper / Executive Director
Our Youth Angler Program volunteers participated in NJ Fish & Wildlife's Youth Fishing Challenge hosted by the Hackensack Riverkeeper and Veolia water company. Children and their families joined in the fun along the banks of the Oradell Resevoir. The HRFA provided rods and reels and their fishing know-how. Bait and prizes courtesy of Riverkeeper.

We couldn't have made this a successful event without our dedicated volunteers. Thank you Wayne Geider, Robert Geider, Al White, Kevin Morgan and special cameo appearance by HRFA reporter Joe Albanese snapping photos for River Views.
Setting up
The first anglers of the day along with Riverkeeper's Jodie Jamieson
Robert Geider baiting up
YAP Chair in chair.
Robert Geider with youth angler
Besides fish a tree was caught
Wayne and freinds
Kevin Morgan rigging up and Al White standing up
Staying busy at the work table
June 7, 2023
Youth Angler Program
Bergen County Special Needs Children
9:30am - 12:00pm
Darlington County Park
Mahwah, NJ
Event canceled due to poor air quality resulting from wildfires in Canada.
June 13, 2023
General Meeting - Cindy Zipf & Jim Hutchinson
clean ocean action logo
Title of Presentation: 
"What is Ocean Industrialization and Why Should I care?"

Description of Presentation:
Clean Ocean Action formed in 1984 to fight ocean dumping and ongoing threats to the ocean. While much progress has been achieved, the ocean is now at grave risk. COA will present the most recent threats from of ocean industrialization. 
What is Ocean Industrialization & Why Should I Care?
Review by Carl Bruger
The June 13th general meeting of the HRFA was a well-attended and significant event for all those who care about the use and abuse of our Atlantic Ocean. Cindy Zipf, the head of Clean Ocean Action since its inception in 1984, shared eye-opening disturbing facts about the many windmills projected to infest our coast. They will be assembled by the thousands if nothing is done to slow the seemingly inevitable construction. Her enthusiastic introduction by Jim Hutchison Jr, the Managing editor of The Fisherman, NJ edition, engendered unmitigated applause from the appreciative audience who already knew the hard work she has done.

In 1984 the New Jersey/New York coast was derisively known as “the ocean dumping capitol of the world”! COA was formed from 20 organizations to change this abuse and has grown today to include 120 organizations. Cindy has devoted her life to making the Atlantic Coastline a safer place for people to recreate and sea life to thrive. She helped make the area dump site free in 2000 and help beat back the Liquid Natural Gas proposals that almost gained deep traction. 33 species of cetaceans 5 sea turtles and 14 threatened and
endangered fish inhabit these priceless waters today.

The sea mammalian whale family has been exposed as endangered or at risk as over 50 cetacean corpses have washed up on our beaches since depth disturbances to set up the windmills started. Permits allowing 63,820 seismic disturbances of sea mammals were issued by states to 11 different companies.

Just one wind mill is the height of the Chrysler building and by 2030 we are projected to have 3,500 of these turbine behemoths changing who-knows-what offshore? At least a moratorium to get to the (Sea?) bottom of the effects will provide more honest and detailed answers to the fact hungry public.

What are the diverse answers for the future energy needs of the USA and the rest of the world? Fossil fuels pollute most, yet are often cheapest and readily available. Nuclear power has great value but is at risk of meltdowns, sabotage and natural disasters. (See
Chernobyl and Fukushima and consider building on earthquake fault lines). We can tap the tides and the heated inner core of the earth for energy as a partial answer. Wind power built on land is far cheaper and bird loss is the key frustration here. Solar power needs huge
fields to collect, then store in batteries that are significantly rare earth constructed.

This scribe is just another “average Joe”, but I value the lives of whales and dolphins plus the millions of fish with easily damaged swim bladders. They are not an acceptable trade-off for temporary power sources that can easily be erased by one major hurricane that could pollute the area with spilled toxics for years to come. Also consider the fact that anglers will not be welcomed around structures. The owners maybe rightfully fear they are potential sabotage targets. You, the reader, have the option to get involved, sign petitions like we did at the
meeting, and don’t let a powerful group of investors ruin your ocean!
We also had a record number of viewers following along on ZOOM.
A rapt audience
Technical Wizards - Vice President Michael Sardinas and Mr. Poseidon saved the day. They got our new webcam set up and ready on time.
Winner of the HRFA's 2023 Fred Rung Memorial Striped Bass Derby Shore Division Mr. Ricky Taliaferro with a $300 check.
Listening to every word.
HRFA Scholarship Winners
Mr. Peter Rudolph
In the center of the photo is President Joe Albanese with Scholarship Committee Jerry Crean and Dan Harrison. Jerry & Dan selected 3 deserving high schoolers to each get a $500 check from the HRFA to help defray the costs of furthering their educations. Jerry presented a special scholarship to honor the memory of his lifelong friend Peter Rudolf who passed away at the age of 48. Congratulations go to:
  • Robert Larsen (on the left with his mom) of Washington Township, NJ. Robert will attend Lincoln Tech to become an electrician.
  • Sheila Wiese (on the right with her parents) of Dumont, NJ. Sheila will attend American University. Sheila remains undecided but is leaning towards a degree in history.
  • Molly Hennessy of Long Beacon, NY. Molly will attend The College of William & Mary to major in Anthropology & English. Molly was unable to attend.
June 14, 2023
Youth Angler Program
Bergen County Special Needs Children
9:30am - 12:00pm
Darlington County Park
Mahway, NJ
Volunteers needed!

Call Wayne Geider (201) 384-8046 to be part of the crew.
June 15, 2023
Youth Angler Program
with Hackensack Riverkeeper
9:30am - 12:00pm
Secaucus, NJ
Wayne Geider and Kevin Morgan managed the event together with HRI's Jodi Jamieson.
It would have been nice if the HRFA had a few more 'hands-on-deck.' Just saying.
June 24, 2023
Youth Angler Program
10:00am - 3:00pm
Summer on the Hudson: Fishing Clinic
This was a catch-and-release fishing session in partnership with the NYDEC and Riverside Park Conservancy at the West Harlem Piers Park, 125th Street, New York. Despite the morning rain and the rain forecasted for the remainder of the day it tuned out to be quite nice. Wayne's crew of volunteers included Al White, Kevin Morgan, Dan Harrison, Scott Havner and Joe Albanese. The only fish caught was an American eel which drew much excitement and interest from the boys. See photos below.
Ira Gershenhorn, who spoke about NY's Billion Oyster Project at one of our monthly meetings, stopped by to say "hello".
A squirmy, slimy American eel got a lot of attention before being tossed back to the river.
The end of a perfect event.
A cold brewski and Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem before heading home to Joisey.
Beast River Fishing in da House Bro
From L to R: Moises Cruz, Dan Harrison, Elliot & Christina Rodriguez (Beast River founders), Al White, Joe Albanese & Oscar Brea (member of Beast River AND the HRFA).
"Let's Talk Fishing" with Mr Poseidon
Father's Day Interview with Beast River Fishing
 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).
Lake Ontario Past, Present & Future
By Carl Bruger
This past spring resulted in awesome angling for trophy channel catfish, pike and bass. Salmonids were hit and miss and panfish were present with perch being the major stringer and bucket fillers. It was impossible to get skunked if you wet a line.

This scribe was especially fortunate to battle, capture, weigh, measure, photograph and release a new HRFA club record 27 pound 2 ounce egg filled channel catfish that measured 37 ½ inches in length. Caught right off my dock on a fresh yellow perch head, the behemoth is now swimming around waiting for one of you to catch her at next spring’s renewed Catfish Chaos contest!

My greatest joy this past spring was to have my two grandsons, Miles, 13 and Harry, 11, join us for a week of angling during their Easter break. Both boys made remarkable dual catches of trophy fish with proud picture memories showing their twin catches of 17 pound channel catfish and 31 inch pike. Out of their dozens of large fish caught, fresh cut perch chunks were the key bait factors of success every time. Good old worms were the secret to loading up on both white and yellow perch for fillets and bait. We never had to leave our shoreline to achieve any of these catches! Both boys happened to experience further success at the wonderful Hooked on the Hudson event with each winning salmon rods and reels for winning accuracy and distance casting contests.
When a hired crew arrived in May to install our 44 foot long dock and that of our neighbors Fred and Pat, I offered to chaperone two of their 11 year old kids on an angling adventure while the dads and others were busy dock installing. First they nailed some perch on the
garden hackle and then we tossed heads and chunks way out into the channel on fish finder rigs. Just as it was time for all to leave one boy named Travis nailed what turned out to be a 23 pound channel cat! He could barely turn the spinning reel handle and saw the monster cat
pull out the drag every time he brought it close to my net. I awarded new rods and reels to the overjoyed youth anglers and they vowed to return for next year’s dock installations to do battle again.

Scott Havner organized another fun fishing expedition to the Niagara River this last spring. While the steelhead were not available in numbers, the smallmouth bass were! Scott’s mom, Linda, nailed a whopper close to six pounds that should earn her the HRFA first place award. One the second day fishing the upper Niagara river with Guide and Buffalo policeman, Peter Goretti, Al White and I nailed double headers all day long on light green Ned rig jigs. I brought over thirty fish to boat and lost just as many to jumps and “old man ineptitudes”. A photo of Al and I titled "bent rods on bronzebacks" is one I will cherish forever!
Linda Havner
"bent rods on bronzebacks"
Carl Bruger & Al White
With the advent of summer the bass are post spawn and are in new haunts feeding on gobies and crayfish to be even fatter next year! The salmonids have gone deep to primarily devour schools of smelt and alewives. Pike and muskies still patrol the warmer shallows for anything from ducklings to dragonfly larvae. Giant carp and double digit sheepheads add muscle to the mélange and fish fillets from perch will always remain on my menu.

It is now a reality and part of next spring’s HRFA planning that I will run a revival of the popular Lake Ontario Spring Catfish Chaos. Due to the Covid cancellations of past years it was impossible to put a whole bunch of HRFA anglers together. Thank God that’s over and at least a dozen of you have asked about bringing back the 'original' Chaos. Next April or May we will have a four day contest with two prizes for the biggest channel Cat and one for the largest by weight of any other fish. One of my neighbors is willing to rent one of her homes to us for $150 per night. It holds up to eight people so do the math and see that you can easily afford an awesome angling adventure. The club can determine entry costs and meals and every penny will go back into club coffers. Another house near us may also be available. My shoreline and others plus boats will be at your disposal. At least seven guys have tentatively
signed up already! I can’t wait to bring back Chaos!
In the News
Hudson River Atlantic Sturgeon: Studying the River's...

Each June, biologists from DEC's Hudson River Fisheries Unit study the endangered adult Atlantic sturgeon when the fish return to the Hudson River to spawn. Atlantic sturgeon, the largest fish species in the Hudson River Estuary, are anadromous,...

Read more
content.govdelivery.com
Calls for Action
Sign the Petition

A healthy ocean is our most valuable natural resource-it is life sustaining, economically vital, and helps combat climate change. The ocean realm off New Jersey/New York is one of the most diverse in the world for marine mammals and sea turtles...

Read more
www.change.org
If You See Something Say Something
NJ Operation Game Thief
Baitfish Warning
NYDEC Baitfish Warnning
New Jersey’s A1047 / S987 Lake Access Bill
SENATE, No. 987

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

Read more
njfederation.wildapricot.org
New Jersey Legislature

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

Read more
www.njleg.state.nj.us
No Accounting For True Cost of Wind Industry's...

There's nothing even vaguely 'clean' or 'green' about wind power. An industry built on lies and running on subsidies can't produce power as and when we need it, but is a master at producing environmental havoc at a global scale. The wind and sun...

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stopthesethings.com
Letter to the President
From: John Loperfido <perf822@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 7:21 AM
Subject: Listen to short podcast that will explain the extent of these wind farms and the impact on the area. Very interesting and important. We need your help to spread the word. STOP THE WIND FARMS. Good content for meeting information.

Short Podcast. Click the link below to listen.
 
 
Thank You !


From: John Loperfido <perf822@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 9:39 AM
To: Joe Albanese <joealbanese2@gmail.com>
Subject: <no subject>
Hi,
 
Here's What Jersey grass roots group is doing as well. And a good description of what's going on.

The Block Island Turbines are dwarfed by the size of the proposed units that are about as tall as NY skyscrapers with 100' individual blades. We can see the 5 B.I. units fairly well from Montauk and that a 16 mile run. So, imagine these monsters in close starting at 9 miles.

Thanks for helping.
 
PS. I'd really appreciate it if you would share or donate to this GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/66e6b754
Fishermen's Offshore Wind Lawsuit, organized by...

The Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) is a co... Responsible Offshore Development Alliance needs your support for Fishermen's Offshore Wind Lawsuit

Read more
www.gofundme.com
From our Membership Chair
HRFA Members stuff
Arnie Ulrich Membership Chair
New Members this month are Rick Babitts, from Ramsey, NJ and Douglas Fleisher, from Union City, NJ
 Fight For the Hudson

If anyone would like a current JCAA newsletter please click here > https://jcaa.org/JCNL2212/Mainpage.htm
$20 bills money
What is HRFA Free Money? Are you a paid member.?
 At every HRFA in person meeting, half of the HRFA portion of the 50/50 money goes into a virtual jar. At the end of the meeting, a paid HRFA members name is picked (from a jar of all paid HRFA members) to receive the money. The name is announced three times. If the HRFA paid member is not present, the money goes back into the jar for the next months meeting. The process continues and is repeated at the next HRFA meeting.
HRFA Membership Information. If you dont have a 2022 or lifetime member card you are losing out on great HRFA member benifits.
Pay your dues. Get your 2023 membership card.
The generous grace period ended for renewals on March 31st. Those not renewed are on the stale list and are removed from the membership rolls. Note , If you do not have a 2023 or life time membership card , you are not a HRFA member.
For those people who join(ed) the HRFA in October (or later) of a given year, their new or renewal membership also is covered for the following new year. There is also a generous grace period (3 months) for those who are unable to update their membership in January, however paying your dues late puts a strain on the records maintenance and consequently the ability of the executive board’s planning of activities and events.

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

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

Read more
thehrfa.org

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

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

Click on the buttons below for the:
NOTE: To order your NY State Fishing License by phone call 866-933-2257
NOTE: To get the New York Saltwater Registry you must first register for a free Citizen Access account, then log in and Buy Sporting License(s) (the Saltwater license is free)
That's Entertainment!
The Advent of the Needlefish
How to Double Haul in under 5 minutes
Beast River fishing New York City for fluke on jigs
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 Dock
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 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.

To offer your time and talents contact Dan Harrison at dharrison@cdtresources.com.
Click HERE to make a special one-time donation for the project.
SUBJECT: Update for Spectrum Pier DATE: June 26, 2023

Things are still not going as fast as I would like it. Seems like we are going two steps forward one step back.

The latest delay was because we do not have a PE (Professional Engineer) to approve our schematic drawings of the pier. Anyway, one day I was on a site survey for a cabling project. As luck would have it, the company has PE’s on staff.

I thought we hit a grand slam. So, we set up an in-person and Zoom meeting with them. We thought we were going to leave with signed drawings and be on our way. NOT!

However, they were very open to the project and want to get involved. Our task now is to go to the town or county and get Geographical drawings of the area and bring those back to them. Not a grand slam but maybe a base on balls!

I should have some more details for next month. I can not stress enough how much this project would help better the lives of the clients at Spectrum for Living. Things would likely move a lot faster if we had money to pay professionals.

Thanks,
Dan H.


PS. Don't forget we now have a special bank account that was set up exclusively for this project. Please click HERE to make a special dedicated donation for this project. 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 HRFA's Catfish Chaos Derby on August 19.
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
A Father's Day . . . for the Children!
HRFA member Stoumpos (Eric) Argyri, aka "Mr. Poseidon" live-streamed a very special event on the NYC side of the Hudson at Pier 42 on the East River. It was Beast River's 4th Annual Father's Day BBQ. We are hoping to be a part of that event next year. Actually, President Joe Albanese promised we would help. Also, an HRFA Invitational challenge may be coming their way in 2024.
Pier 42 Master Plan and Phased Implementation

Sectors Parks and Open Spaces, Waterfront Services Landscape Architecture, Master Planning Client Location Status Site Area Pier 42 completes a critical missing link of public access along Lower Manhattan's East River shoreline. MNLA's master...

Read more
www.mnlandscape.com
Hudson River Striper Fishing by Boat
A Video Short filmed by Alex Spindleman
What did I catch?
Surprise catch while out fluking the jersey shore. A 3-minute video by Joe Albanese.
Rod: Shimano SJS 60ML2 6'0" Line WT 4-10lb. Lure WT 1/16-3/8oz.
Reel: Daiwa Fuego 2500-XH
Line: 10lb braid Leader 17lb mono
The Blues are Back Baby
Sandy Federico was having himself a good ol' time catching bluefish at 'Squan Inlet
A Heck of a Halibut
Dan Marfino and his Mrs. did a little fishin' up in Alaska and scored BIG with an impressive halibut and stringer of sockeye salmon. Dan's 108 lb. halibut is currently leading the Saltwater Open Category of our Annual Fishing Contest.
Photo shared for comparison purposes only. - The Editor
From the Internet
How Do Tides Work?

A guide to the most common questions and terms related to tides asked by anglers. Neap tide, king tide, and slack tide are all covered.

Read more
www.sportfishingmag.com
Circle Hook Guide for Striper Fishing - On The Water

(Note: On The Water is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.) Striped bass anglers are required to use inline circle hooks when fishing with natural baits. The goal is to reduce the release ...

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

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

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www.nj.gov
Public Access

The ancient laws of the Roman Emperor Justinian held that the sea, the shores of the sea, the air and running water was common to everyone. ​The seashore, later defined as waters affected by the ebb and flow of the tides, could not be...

Read more
www.littoralsociety.org
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. 

We just got in a few more new books for our library. Thank you Dave Mercer & Janice Soto! They will be added to the list next month.
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
From Fish to Dish
Sautéed Atlantic Sea Scallops
This is the simplest scallop recipe ever. I go clamming but hope we can one day harvest scallops and oysters from Barnegat Bay as well. Wouldn't that be swell? - Pete Musse
Sauteed Atlantic Sea Scallops

Scallops are easy to cook and work well in a wide range of recipes. Here is Brady Lybarger's (Scallop Shack Farms) recommended cooking method. Pat scallops dry with paper towels for a minute or 2. You just want to make sure to soak up the excess...

Read more
ediblejersey.ediblecommunit...
A New Season for Jersey Scallops

Ernie Panacek, longtime general manager of Viking Village Seafood in Barnegat Light, remembers a time 50 years ago when bay scallops were harvested in abundance at the southern Jersey Shore. Things have changed with Barnegat Bay since then. To...

Read more
ediblejersey.ediblecommunit...
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.
A Blast from the Past
"BOATING on the Hudson"
May 1994
Cover
Page 4
Page 5
H.R.F.A. Merchandise
Newly redesigned HRFA baseball caps are now available. Pick one up at the next monthly meeting. Or, click on the photo to order yours today. Wear it proudly!

Other apparel with our logo are also available. Like this handsomely designed and practical UPF shirt. Wear it proudly when fishing and save a little on the sunscreen too. For members only. Ask Ivan Garcia for one. 
Back
Front & Sleeve
2023 Fishing Contest Leader Boards
The HRFA hosts an annual fishing contest which runs from January through December and is open to all HRFA members. You have 30 days from the day you catch a fish to send in your entries. So, the deadline for submissions is January. As a member of the HRFA you and your immediate family are eligible to enter fish in any of our categories. Various divisions are available for prizes presented at our Annual Awards Dinner in March of the following year. Website updated daily. River Views newsletter updates below are done around the first the month. * indicates a new club record.

To be posted on Instagram, photos of your catch should be emailed or texted to Alex Spindelman: (845) 548-0003, a.spindelman@gmail.com
Saltwater Species
Striped Bass Released
Caught From Boat
(leaders determined by length)
John Francesconi 39"
Striped Bass Kept
Caught From Boat
(leaders determined by weight)
No entry.

Striped Bass Released
Caught From Shoreline
(leaders determined by length)
John Francesconi 36.5"
Striped Bass Kept
Caught From Shoreline
(leaders determined by weight)
Carl Hartmann 12 Lbs.
Bluefish
Carl Hartmann 2 Lbs 8 oz,
Flounder
No entry.
Fluke
Carl Hartmann 3 Lbs 8 oz.
Blackfish
No entry.
Black Sea Bass
Carl Hartmann 2 Lbs
Scup (Porgy)
Sarah Sardinas 9.5"
Open Category 
Salt Water
Dan Marfino Halibut 108 Lbs
Freshwater Species
Catfish
Carl Bruger 27 Lbs. 2 Oz.
Carp
John Francesconi 24 Lbs. 3oz.
Trout  - Local
No entry.
Trout - Great Lakes
Stephanie Hess 12 lbs 13 oz.
Smallmouth Bass
Linda Havner 5 Lbs. 12 Oz.
Largemouth Bass
No entry.
Salmon
Carl Bruger 24 Lbs 13 oz.
Open Category 
Fresh Water
Carl Hartman - 1 Lb. Yellow Perch
YOUTH ANGLER DIVISION
Harry Cudlin - 9 Lbs. 8 Oz. Northern Pike with grandpa Carl Bruger
Noah Sardinas - 30" Striped Bass from Shore and Released
Sarah Sardinas - 9.5" Porgy
Partial list of Friends & Supporters of the HRFA
(Click on any image below to visit their website.)
Davis Sport Shop