On-Hudson.com

Department Of Environmental Conservation To Limit Shad Fishing In Hudson River

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091125/NEWS/911259978/-1/NEWSMAP

Shad fishing in Hudson to end soon

DEC rules aim to replenish supply, shrunk by overfishing

Adam Bosch

It used to be that fishermen could dip their nets into the Hudson River and pull out hundreds of silver-scaled American shad.

It used to be that anglers would line the banks of the Delaware River during the shad's springtime migration into freshwater, waiting for the chance to hook one of these fighters. That's how it used to be.

Now overfishing has cut the juvenile shad population to historic lows. The result: The state Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed new regulations to outlaw commercial and recreational shad fishing in the Hudson River for the first time. The rules would also cut the daily recreational limit for shad in the Delaware River by half, from six to three.

The DEC hopes to have its regulations in place by March, before the start of next year's spawning season.

"It was the last option on the table," said Kathy Hattala, a fisheries biologist at the DEC. "We had to do it because you won't have a fishery if you don't have fish."

The American shad, a bony saltwater species, has been considered a "signature fish" in our local rivers, where they spawn every March from their oceanic homes. Kingston hosted an annual shad festival until 2008, when, in its last year, the festival portended the shad's downfall by calling itself the "Shad-less Festival."

For centuries, commercial fisherman scooped up shad because the female's eggs are a culinary delicacy. About 20 commercial shad fishermen still toss nets into the Hudson. Sportsmen cast for shad because they put up a legendary fight.

"The sporting value is great," said Ken Schultz, an angler and author of fishing books who lives in Sullivan County. "They put on a real tug."

The shad's drop-off is largely the result of overfishing in the Atlantic Ocean and local rivers, Hattala said. As other fish became the subject of federal restrictions in the early 1990s, commercial fishermen began targeting shad by trolling huge nets through the ocean. Meanwhile, fishermen here were still taking their portion, but from a dwindled pool. Federal regulations in 2005 stopped commercial fishermen from targeting shad in the ocean, but they can still be taken as a by-catch.

The outlook for shad became worse in 1991, when zebra mussels were introduced into the Hudson and began eating the tiny plankton that served as a food source for baby shad during their first year of life.

In 2008 and 2009, the DEC tried to help shad in the Hudson by limiting anglers to one a day, and cutting commercial fishing to three days a week.

"We saw absolutely no improvement," Hattala said.

The decline in average size, average age and population of young shad means one thing for longtime shad fishermen: the end of an era.

"In our lifetime we'll never see shad fishing again," said Bob Gabrielson Jr. of Nyack, a commercial shad fisherman since 1971. "I know the shad are hurting now, so it's probably for the best."

Commission Cuts Catches For Eastern BlueFin Tuna By 1/3rd

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/bluefin_tuna_quotas_cut_again_XZdCWaE9kxGZ2BMNT3vSIK

Bluefin tuna quotas cut again

Ken Moran

Future bluefin tuna quotas will be cut by a third under pressure from a trade ban being considered by the United States.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) voted on Nov. 15 to cut catches of eastern bluefin tuna by a third, from a 2010 quota of 19,950 tons to 13,500 tons. The move came as a last-ditch attempt by the disgraced tuna commission to ward off the trade ban.

"The impending threat of a total ban on trade in bluefin undoubtedly motivated ICCAT countries to bring the catch down by quite a bit," says Ken Hinman, president of the National Coalition for Marine Conservation (NCMC) and an advisor to the U.S. Delegation. "But is the lower quota enough to save the species, and is it enough to convince the world that an endangered listing under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is no longer necessary?"The U.S. representatives have said that ICCAT's action is "insufficient to guarantee the long-term viability of either the fish or the fishery [and] we remain committed to pursuing every legitimate avenue to recover Atlantic bluefin tuna and ensure their long-term survival."

The Obama administration will now decide what to do next. That is, whether, given the long history of illegal fishing and unreported catches in the eastern Atlantic -- actual landings often have been twice the quota -- trade restrictions are needed to keep total catches low enough to prevent further decline.

The U.S. still should go ahead and ban all trade of the bluefin tuna.

Closer to home, the American shad population in the Hudson River is at historic lows, and the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced draft regulations to prohibit commercial and recreational fishing for American shad, both in the Hudson River and the marine and coastal district of New York.

The closure is necessary because the Hudson River shad stock has declined dramatically since the 1990s. Juvenile production dropped to below average in 2002 and has not rebounded.

The public comment period will be open until Jan. 4, 2010. Written comments can be sent to Kathryn Hattala, NYSDEC 21 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561 or by e-mail to kahattal@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

ken.moran@nypost.com

Bergen BassMasters Hudson River Fishing Tournament September 27th 2009

http://www.bergenbassmasters.com/

Hudson River Challenge
Bergen's Open Tournament to benefit The USO of Metropolitan New York will be held on the Hudson River (Catskill – Dutchman’s Landing) on Sunday, September 27, 2009.

On September 1, Bergen – USO core committee members met with ourOrange County Chopper sponsors of the Hudson River Challenge.
From left to right, Tom Joyce Jr (OCC Fabricator), Terry Eckel (Bergen), Rick Petko (Senior OCC Fabricator) and Nick Albano (Bergen).

DEC Considers Shad Fishing Ban For Hudson

http://www.empirestatenews.net/News/20090907-8.html

Shad fishing ban considered in Hudson

ALBANY - With the American shad population in the Hudson River at historic lows, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plans to propose closing recreational and commercial fishing for American shad in the Hudson and prohibit commercial landings in marine waters. DEC will hold three public information meetings in September to outline steps to be taken to save this historically important species. Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “We have been closely monitoring the Hudson's shad population and hoped to see signs of rebounding, but unfortunately, that has not occurred.  A closure now appears to be a necessary step to prevent the potential permanent loss of this historically and ecologically important species. We will continue to monitor Hudson shad populations with the hope that they will rebound to levels that will allow the fishery to reopen.” At the same time, DEC will implement a Hudson River American Shad Recovery Plan to help rebuild the stock. The recovery plan is available on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/docs/remediation_hudson_pdf/shadreco veryplan.pdf . Public information meetings are scheduled for:                                                              Monday, Sept. 14, 7 - 9 p.m., at Schodack Town Hall, 265 Schuurman Rd., Castleton-on-Hudson.      Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2 - 5 p.m., at the Marine Resources Advisory Council meeting at the DEC Marine Resources Office, 205 Belle Mead Rd., East Setauket.      Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7 - 9 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Office, 21 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz.

New York Annual Free Fishing Days Last Full Weekend In June

http://www.thedailymail.net/articles/2009/06/25/sports/sports2.txt

Anglers can fish for free this weekend

By Dick Nelson

“If it’s free, it’s for me.”

I don’t know who first uttered those words or what he or she was referring to when they did, but let’s face it, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like free stuff — especially now, when stretching a dollar is harder than catching a legal size largemouth or smallmouth bass from the Hudson River.

Unlike most other state waters where there is a 12-inch size limit on black bass, those caught in the Hudson River must be 15 inches.

In any event, whether it’s a free subscription to a magazine or a free sample at the neighborhood supermarket, the “if it’s free, it’s for me,” philosophy is doing better than the economy and fishermen are often the first in line.

Give them an opportunity to pick up a free rod, reel or lure and they’ll be on it quicker than a hungry trout. And that includes those who have never tied a fly or skewered a worm.

This is what makes free fishing days so alluring.

Anyone who has had a hankering to go fishing but was never enthused about anteing up the $19 for a fishing license can get their feet wet this weekend during New York’s annual Free Fishing Days.

Ever since 1991 when the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) designated the last full weekend in June as Free Fishing Days, both residents and nonresidents have been able to fish public waters without fear of being questioned by the local game warden.

Actually, they’re called environmental conservation officers (ECOs), and according to DEC Division of Law Enforcement director Pete Fanelli, they’re just as pleased with the program as the guys and gals taking advantage of it.

The concept of free fishing days originated in Oklahoma in 1982. Since that time, every state in the nation has followed the Sooner State’s lead, some extending the free fishing time for as long as a week.

But regardless of the number of days anglers are given a pass, what state officials are hoping to achieve is that people will enjoy the experience so much that they will then invest in a fishing license and try their luck throughout the entire season.

While DEC officials can’t say with any certainty how many lifelong anglers have actually been produced from free fishing days, they are certain that the concept does work.

Every year hundreds of new anglers are lured into the sport, and when better to begin than this weekend when it’s free?

Free Fishing Days is also the ideal time to introduce children to the sport, especially if you angle for something easy to catch, like sunfish, bluegills or yellow perch. For just a few dollars, you can buy an inexpensive rod and reel, a few hooks and a couple of sinkers to start kids on an activity they can enjoy the rest of their lives.

The truth of the matter is you can get by on a minimum cost of equipment that will provide lots of action. A simple rod and reel combo, along with fishing line, a hook and bait will cost about $40. Add two dollars for a dozen worms and you’re good to go.

If you already have the gear, the most difficult decision you’ll have to make is where to fish. And, if you’re already a licensed fishing fanatic, you can take advantage of the days and bring along your friends and family. Who knows, you may get them hooked.

And, because of the late spring we had, this year is even better. A lot of the smaller pan-fish are just now starting to get going, so the action should be good this weekend.

Just remember that all fishing regulations — such as size and creel limits — still apply, and if you’re not sure what they are, you can swing by any of the more than 1,300 license-issuing agents and pick up a free fishing regulations guide.

The guide also provides tips on where to fish, tackle to use and other useful information. You can also stop at one of the area tackle shops and talk to the people behind the counter. Either way, Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to encourage families, friends and everyone who’s interested in trying some fishing an easy opportunity to do so.

In addition to helping introduce youngsters and novices to the sport of fishing, it also helps foster quality family time together.

For sure, the rods and reels will be busy this Saturday during the 6th Annual Children Fishing Derby. Held at the Bavarian Manor Lake, Mountain Ave., Purling, the event begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. Fishing hours run from 10 a.m. to noon.

Open to youngsters age 15 and under, prizes and trophies will be awarded to winners in two divisions — Junior (age 10 and under) and Senior (11-15), and all kids must be accompanied by an adult.

As in past years, everything at the derby is free, including the bait. Hot dogs and soda will also be available to youngster’s free-of-charge, and each of the young fishermen will receive a free gift just for participating. For more information and/or directions call Walt Bennett at 518-239-6569 or Bob Story at 518-622-9305.

The derby is sponsored by the Norton Hill Wildlife Club and the Cairo Fish and Game Club, in conjunction with the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.

Dropping anchor ’til next time

Hudson River Park "Big City Fishing " Weekends Through Labor Day 10:30 -5:PM Tuesday - Sunday: July & August 10:30-5:PM

http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/education/big_city_fishing.asp

Big City Fishing

Cost: FREE

Offered: Drop in weekends from Memorial Day through Labor day and Tuesday through Sunday in July and August
10:30am - 5pm

Where: Pier 84, Pier 46

Catch and Release

Provided: All of the necessary supplies including rods, reels and bait, as well as formal instruction.

 

Fishing poles are provided on a first come, first served basis, with a half-hour limit when others are waiting.

Big City Fishing is an important tradition at Hudson River Park. The program gives anyone and everyone the chance to fish, and is appropriate and fun for those as young as five.

Beyond learning to fish, the program also provides participants with a first hand opportunity to learn about the Hudson River environment. In a typical session, Trust staff offer a brief introduction to ecology and water quality, followed by an overview of the many fish species that live in Hudson River Park’s Estuarine Sanctuary. Visitors are also able to view plankton through microscopes; to examine live specimens – caught that morning, either in traps or on someone’s line; and identify species from Hudson River Park’s signature Fish Poster, which is available for purchase by contacting the Trust.

Fishing on your own...
Although a NYS fishing license is not required for fishing in this area of the Hudson, there are restrictions on the minimum size of the fish, daily possession limit, and a specified open fishing season for each fish species. Fishing is restricted in certain areas; please call the park for details: 212.627.2020. 

 NYS Fishing Regulations

11th Annual Fisherman"s Conservation Association Cup New York City Fishing Tournament

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/news/story?id=4173845

The Manhattan Cup

New York City hosts a fishing tournament like no other

Kyle Carter
ESPNOutdoors.com

NEW YORK — It's unclear exactly when the reality set in.

James Overstreet

The first boats begin to line up in the Hudson River for the start of the Manhattan Cup.

It could have been as early as the flight in, as the plane took a flyby of the most recognizable skyline, possibly in the world. The contrast should have been stark enough, considering most flights to fishing tournaments are on crop dusters into small town Alabama or Texas where the bass eat like Pete Incaviglia.

Or perhaps more appropriately, a flight filled with Hawaiian shirts, straw hats and mustaches, anxiously awaiting their chance to snag the froth from a piña colada. There was none of that on the flight to New York City — just Yankee hats and f-bombs.

Reality could have, and perhaps should have, set in at the plush hotel, in the back of a taxi or in Time Square. Or even closer to tournament time at the Chelsea Piers, which had one section devoted to Law and Order and another that was a three-story driving range.

But it was somewhere between noting the horrible water clarity in East River (didn't see anyone snorkeling) and the skyline of Manhattan as the fog lifted, that the truth started to become clear — this was not a typical fishing tournament.

A few minutes later, tournament director and Fisherman's Conservation Association chairman Frank Crescitelli sounded the horn and 50 boats flew by the Statue of Liberty to mark the beginning of the 11th annual FCA Manhattan Cup, which is as far as Crescitelli knows, the only one of its kind.

"There's no more stark contrast in the world than live animals swimming in the East River," Crescitelli said. "It's known more for being polluted, or dead bodies, or tires and cars."

Like all of the tournaments on the ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series, the Manhattan Cup is a charity event, looking raise money for the Fisherman's Conservation Association and raise awareness for the Jacob's Team Foundation (which offers financial support toward the diagnosis, treatment and eventual cure of autism).

It's usually full of Wall Street executives (not so much this year) and professional New York athletes (Wade Boggs topped the list of celebrities), but its charitable roots takes nothing away from the competition on the day.

While teams were also fishing for bluefish and weak fish, the single largest striped bass won the tournament. That bass was all Capt. Joe Blanda had on his mind as he trolled Raritan Bay at 1:30 a.m. — more than seven hours before the tournament started — looking for Atlantic Menhaden, the baitfish he planned on winning the tournament with, which he did.

Capt. Blanda and the winning crew

The backdrop and the fishing might be unique the New York City, but a Yankee guide plays the exact same game as guides across the country.

"I had half the field convinced I was going to fish the George Washington Bridge," Blanda said with a smile as he pulled up on a sunken tugboat near the middle of Raritan Bay. The boat was anchored near where the mouth of the bay opens up into the Atlantic. To the left was Brooklyn, and to the right was Staten Island. "You got to be careful who you give your spots to," Blanda continued. "You can only run with one pack of wolves."

James Overstreet

The team led by Captain Joe Blanda would catch and weigh the largest striper brought to the scales during the 2009 Manhattan Cup.

Blanda doesn't guide full-time, or even half-time, but he started working as a mate out of New York City when he was 13. He now owns and operates Michael's Bait and Tackle on Staten Island most days, and fishes most evenings.

"I've fished from the Gulf of Maine down to Central America, and some of the best fishing I've ever experienced is right here in New York," Blanda said as he lit a cigar. "You don't get a lot of the glamorous species, and maybe not as much variety as in Florida, but for numbers of fish and weight, this place is dynamite."

He didn't take long to prove his point. As is usually the case in charity tournaments, not all of the four guys fishing were seasoned anglers, so Blanda casted a piece of menhaden to demonstrate what they should do if they were to get a bite. And he got a bite.

"I knew when I got a bite on the demonstration cast that it was on," Blanda said. For the next three hours, John Wigand, who was just "happily laid off" by Bank of America, Arthur Bances, and Steve Porricolo, a bond trader who sponsored the team, were pulling in fish after fish  and more importantly, striped bass after striped bass.

The fourth member of the team, John Seaton, spent most the morning watching and smiling. Seaton, who works in government bonds in New York, spent most of the 30 minute boat ride pitching NYC fishing like he was with the tourism department. He's been fishing the area for 39 years. His grandpa first took him when he was 3 years old.

James Overstreet

Teams speed past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the 2009 FCA Manhattan Cup gets under way.

"I know guys that captain and run charter boats in the East River, where you're fishing with the Manhattan skyline as your background, and you can watch the traffic back up on the FDR," Seaton said. "It's a very good place to fish. It's an area where people don't really how good the fishing is."

Striper heaven

What Blanda thought might be tournament-winning stripers were being pulled out one after another. The first was 33 inches long with a girth of 16-1/2 inches. That was beaten by a 40-incher, then a 42-incher, but Porricolo's bass caught around 11 a.m. — two hours into the day — put them all to shame.

It started with a shout of, "Oh man. It's a nice one!" and ended with high fives and beers. The striper measured 44 inches long and 24-1/2 inches around.

Blanda started crunching numbers and estimated the weight at 35 pounds, but it eventually locked the scale at 30.5 pounds. (Each team was allowed to keep their largest striped bass in a specialized livewell built specifically for striped bass to be weighed in and released at the dock.)

"Our bass numbers this year seem to be a lot lower than in previous years," Blanda said, smiling because the day was going exactly as he planned it in his head while he was fishing for menhaden in the dark. "It forces you to fish structure. In past years, you could get away with being in a good area and still catch fish, but now you've got to be right on them."

He also attributed the day's success to using a monofilament leader instead of the wire leader he estimated 90 percent of the other teams were using and, of course, to his early morning when he caught over 100 menhaden that were swimming alive and happy in his livewell until the moment before they were chopped up for bait.

"Most of these boats today came out with 20 to 30 [baitfish] and are using them as dead chunk bait," Blanda said. "Even the guys that netted them today, they've still been dead for 6 to 8 hours. It can't compare to pulling them out of the livewell.

"The more you put into it, the more you get out of it … when it goes right."

James Overstreet

Captain Joe Blanda (left) and angler Steve Porricolo were presented the trophies as champions of the 2009 FCA Manhattan Cup.

The short ride home was a triumphant one, filled with smiles and a salute from Lady Liberty to her champions. The victory was eventually confirmed at the dock whereand Blanda and the winning crew went for beers and a silent auction at the Chelsea Brewing Company, the tournament's host.

Seaton briefly stayed behind, watching the East River and smiling like a dad who had been bragging on his son's pitching and just watched him throw 95. To Seaton, New York City not a place of business and Broadway shows, it's one of the top fishing destinations in the Northeast.

"I enjoy fishing. It gets rid of stress," he said. "It's the same reason everyone else goes fishing. Sure, there's a lot to do around here, but it's nice to come home from work and just go fishing.

"I put our bass fishing up against other state, any time."

Fishing Trip Highlights Recreational, Environmental and Economic Value Of The Hudson River

http://www.lohud.com/article/2009905150372

Sportsmen reveal river's treasures

 MARCELA ROJAS • MROJAS@LOLUD.COM

Fishermen try their luck for striped bass aboard the Second Chance, a Cornwall-based fishing boat, just north of the Beacon-Newburgh Bridge. Anglers from four sportsmen's clubs, including Putnam County, participated in yesterday's event, designed to highlight the recreational value of the river. (Tania Savayan/The Journal News Tania Sav)

It was wet, cold and windy, but that didn't stop more than 60 recreational anglers from heading out onto the Hudson River yesterday to try to catch some striped bass.

Some 12 boats went out onto choppy waters to hook what is considered the Hudson's most prized fish. The media leadership event, sponsored by four local sportsmen federation clubs, including Putnam County, was meant to highlight the recreational, environmental and economic value of the river.

"We try to show the beauty of the river," said Bill Emslie, event coordinator. "This is a unique estuary. We also want to let people know that the river is not a lake."

Some took the opportunity to raise issues related to the Hudson, such as a state-proposed saltwater fishing license regulation. Ray Merlotto of Patterson brought up that Putnam County does not have a public boat launch. He has approached several county legislators, he said, to no avail.

"Putnam County is one of the only counties on the river that does not have a public boat launch," said Merlotto, the representative of the Putnam County Federation of Sportsmens Clubs. "Everybody says it's a good idea, but nothing ever materializes."

The daylong excursion began at the Cornwall Yacht Club as boats headed north and south along the river to scout out striped bass. Throughout May and into early June, these fish make their annual migration from the ocean and head northward to spawn, typically between Cornwall Bay and the Troy Dam.

But while there were plenty of bass out there yesterday, Alex Stack of Southeast wasn't fortunate enough to catch any. Stack took eight people out on his 33-foot-long Carver Mariner, casting some four lines into the capped waters. In years past, Stack said he took a 30-pound striped bass out of the Hudson.

His boat came equipped with a "fish finder," a navigational tool that shows where the fish are swimming.

"It's just tough during windy conditions," said Stack, 47, a carpenter in Rockland County. "You never know where they are going to be."

Either way, he was happy to be out there creating awareness about the Hudson's treasures, he said.

It's like the sign on my boat says, 'A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work,' " Stack said.

Others, though, had better luck, particularly one boat trolling near Cold Spring. Most of the boats headed north past the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

Edward Fonseca, a squad leader for the Warrior Transition Unit at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, said he reeled in six striped bass from the Cold Spring area. The first one was about 23 inches and 9 pounds, he said, and he threw it back in the water.

"That's my first time catching fish on a boat," said Fonseca, 26, an Army medic from Rhode Island. "This is the coolest thing I've done since I came back from Iraq."

Fonseca accompanied five other members of the WTU, a program that provides care and support for wounded soldiers.

Army Sgt. Angel Velez said he entered the WTU at West Point in September after he was struck in the back of the head by a tree limb while serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Velez, who is from the Poconos, said he suffers from numbness in his face and hand as a result of his injury. Yesterday was his first time out on the Hudson River and though he didn't catch any fish, he wasn't disappointed, he said.

"I get out and kinda forget about life for a while. I liked looking at the water and the scenery," Velez said. "This was a way to get away from my everyday routine. It's soothing."

Striped Bass Caught Off Croton Point Weigh"s In @ 52 Pounds

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200905030230/NEWS02/905030341

Croton man catches 52-pound striped bass

THERESA JUVA • TJUVA@LOHUD.COM 

Mark Sofranko of Croton holds the third-largest striped bass ever fished from the Hudson River yesterday at the Croton Yacht Club. He caught the 52-pound, 48.5-inch fish Friday. (Mark Vergari/The Journal News)

CROTON - Chances are Mark Sofranko of Croton won't ever have a bigger fish to fry - or mount on his wall.

he humongous striped bass he hooked Friday night weighed in at 52 pounds, making it one of the largest stripers ever caught in the Hudson River.

"I've been fishing the Hudson River almost 40 years, and it's the biggest one I've ever seen and the biggest one I've ever caught," Sofranko said yesterday.

The biggest striped bass weighed 55 pounds and was caught in Ulster County in 2007, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Sofranko was on his boat between Croton Point and the Tappan Zee Bridge when the fish jerked the line from its reel.

Sofranko, 44, saw the huge splashing creature and he struggled to reel it in.

"I was in shock with how big it was," he said. "When I got it on the boat, it was bouncing around and knocked over the cooler. I started yelling like a little boy like it was the first fish I ever caught."

The 48-inch fish was too heavy for the scale at Croton Bait and Tackle, so it had to be weighed at Jack's Bait and Tackle in City Island where the scale reaches 100 pounds.

"I knew it was more than 46 pounds, because my scale wouldn't go further," said Croton Bait and Tackle owner Ina Ferris.

She said it was the largest striped bass she had seen in her 44 years in the fishing business.

"A 52-pound-fish is a beautiful fish," she said.

Sofranko said he may sell his big catch, which is being kept in a commercial freezer.

With the slow economy hitting his tree pruning and maintenance business, he doesn't know if he wants to spend $600 or $700 to mount the prize.

But he hopes to snag another one; spring is the height of the striped bass season.

"I'll go out again because these fish tend to run in herds," he said. "There are other gigantic striped bass."

Fishing @ Nyack Beach State Park

http://lohud.com/article/20090422/SPORTS05/904220391/-1/SPORTS

Nyack park offers fishing with a view

Nyack resident Edward Jones was among those who enjoyed the fishing and scenic views during a recent outing at Nyack Beach State Park. (Peter Carr/The Journal News)

 ERNIE PALLADINO

EPALLADI@LOHUD.COM

UPPER NYACK - William Ventura had cast his line and stuck his pole between the rocks hours ago. He hadn't gotten a single bite.

Bite? At this point, he'd have taken a nibble from a guppy, let alone hooking one of the catfish or perch that swim the Hudson River currents that front Nyack Beach State Park.

So why was this man smiling?

"I like this place," said Ventura, 43, of Spring Valley. "I just come out to pass the time, and if I catch some fish, that makes it better."

Ventura is one of the more casual of those who use the 61-acre park for fishing. According to Bill Biles, the park's ranger the past 15 years, the fish just weren't biting that warm but breezy day. But come out there any spring or summer day, especially on the weekends, and things might be totally different.

"I had a guy here a couple of weeks ago," Biles said. "Comes all the time. He must have caught 50 fish. Sometimes, I see them heading out of here with buckets full of them."

Catfish and perch are the major catches, but a sly angler might also grab himself an occasional trout or bluefish, Biles said.

But for the less intense fisherman, the vista that spreads in front of him and the peacefulness of the surroundings offer as much enjoyment as the thrill of the short, and for the fish on the hook unfortunate, battle.

It is a beautiful view, too, taken from the widest part of the Hudson. Look right from the 1 1/2 -mile River Trail that runs along the rock-strewn bank and there's the Tappan Zee Bridge. Walk a quarter-mile up and look left and there's Sing Sing prison. The Rockefeller estate lay four miles dead ahead, halfway up the hill.

"I can come here and just daydream," Ventura said.

Nyack resident Mario Carreno, 35, had just as much luck, or lack thereof, as Ventura. But he wasn't complaining too much, either. The first-timer, fishing about a half-mile from Ventura, said he was taken with the view.

"It's very nice, very green," Carreno said. "No fish, though. Maybe I'll come back Saturday or Sunday."

Nyack Beach State Park is more than fishing. It is the only state park in Rockland County that allows dogs. The dog-walkers, many of whom have been coming for years, mingle happily among the casual strollers and joggers.

Hikers and bikers can head up numerous dirt trails to the Plateau, a picturesque field that sits under the 700-foot naked rock cliffs of Hook Mountain. Bird-watchers go there for the hawks and eagles that soar out of nests hidden in the crevices. A couple can throw themselves a nice wedding on the Plateau for the price of an outside caterer and a $150 rental fee.

That's about the most expensive aspect of the park, however. One can walk in for free any day of the week. A $6 weekend parking fee will be charged from April 18 to the end of June. After that, it's $6 per day for the summer, unless one has the $65 Empire Pass, which entitles visitors to free parking any time.

The fish, however, never come with a price tag, except for the cost of patience.

"It's so pretty here," Nyack's Sigwa Segundo, 45, said. "I'm not having much luck, though. I fish for catfish. I'll make soup out of it, or fry it. But I've been sitting here for a few hours and ... nothing."

Some days the fish bite. Some days they don't.

But the view is always pretty.