A recent report issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Fisheries division has given all of us that fish the Hudson, a reason to be optimistic
about the future of striped bass as an addition to our dinner table. Although many have
consumed the fish over the years, it was done so with the knowledge that PCB contamination
was present and most likely above the safe levels. Interestingly enough many of the bass
taken commercially from the Atlantic are the same fish that are a part of the Hudson River
spawning stock. But now the angler can pursue this exciting species and look toward the
many recipes that are available for presenting a culinary delight. Enough said about the
gastronomical aspects of the striped bass. Those that have never aspired to catch this
fish have missed out on some of the most exciting fishing the river has to offer. Sizes
during the peak of the migration are upwards toward 40 pounds with catches in the 25 - 30
pound ranges not uncommon at all. They are fished for all along the Hudson from the end of
March until the first of June. As the stock move into the warmer waters of the lower river
in April the activity begins. Places like Piermont, the Tappan Zee, Haverstraw bay and
Croton Point become the angler’s haven. Further north along the banks in Newburgh and
Kingston anglers are tempting the striper with herring, blood worms and eels. Boats become
so numerous on the weekends as the season progresses that you could "walk across the
river on their decks."
One can view a smorgasbord of fishing styles and techniques. Those used to fishing Lake
Ontario will be seen using down riggers - a method that allows the lure to be presented to
the fish at a specific depth. Others swear that live bait is the answer. On occasion, if
the live bait is an eel, you will just swear! Perhaps "flat lining" the lure
while trolling. Or drifting across the shallow flats with bloodworms dangling from the
hook. They all work. Fish are caught and fought and everyone has a great time.
If you are new at it much advice can be gleaned from talking to those with more
experience. Many tackle and bait shops that abound in communities along the river are only
too happy to assist the neophyte as well as the experienced. After all, they make their
living selling tackle and bait to those of us who fish. Many popular access sites are
available along Rivers’ edge on both the west and east shores. There has been
somewhat of a problem in the past gaining access across the railroad tracks on the east
shore but to the best of my knowledge it is being remedied. There are some interesting
stories in The Riverkeepers by Robert Kennedy Jr. and John Cronin regarding river
access. You own a boat. No problem. Many public and " launch for a fee" sites
can be found anywhere the stripers are to be found. If it is your first time be aware
that some of these launches can be a nightmare highly dependent upon tide. A few years
back I saw a fisherman almost sink his small boat when it dropped off the concrete edge of
the ramp in Newburgh. It is a good idea to launch with a four wheel drive vehicle!
For those who like to fish but lack a boat and tackle there are a number of fishing
charters available. An advantage of a charter is the comfort and safety of a well equipped
vessel, the availability of the proper fishing tackle and the experience of a licensed
captain. Since the weather can be nasty in the spring one thing to look for is an enclosed
boat, perhaps with a heater. I have been on the river in April with temperatures in the
40's with a cold rain and sleet. Your chances of catching fish usually are better because
the charter captain knows where the fish are and the popular bait-of-the-day. Prices for a
full day charter vary depending on the size of the vessel and the location. Make you plans
well in advance as there are a limited number of charter vessels and striper fishing on
the Hudson is becoming more and more popular.
It will not be long now - soon we will be hearing "they’re back"
