As of October 4, 2024, the fishing scene in the Hudson River around New York City is quite vibrant, despite the recent turbulent weather. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
**Weather and Tides:**
The weather is starting to calm down after the recent Nor'Easter, with winds dying down and seas settling. Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 65°F and a low of 50°F. Tides are crucial; the high tide is at 8:47 AM and the low tide at 2:53 PM, with moderate tidal currents.
**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 6:48 AM, and sunset will be at 6:24 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.
**Fish Activity:**
The Hudson River is currently hosting a variety of fish species. Striped bass are active, particularly in areas with herring runs, which remain hotspots for bass action well into October. Bluefish are also abundant, scouring the back bays for bait. Weakfish and porgies can be found in the bays and harbors, providing a steady catch.
**Catches:**
Yesterday saw some decent catches despite the challenging conditions. Anglers reported catching striped bass up to 30 inches, with some larger ones spotted but not landed. Bluefish were plentiful, and weakfish were caught in good numbers, especially in the sheltered areas of the bays.
**Best Lures and Bait:**
For striped bass, using topwater plugs or lures that mimic mullet and herring are highly effective. Live or chunk bait such as herring, mullet, or even eels can also produce good results. For bluefish, metal jigs or spoons work well, while weakfish and porgies can be caught using smaller jigs or bait like clams or squid.
**Hot Spots:**
- **Brooklyn Bridge Park:** This area has been seeing a lot of action, especially during the high tide when striped bass and bluefish move into the shallower waters.
- **Piermont Pier:** Located in Rockland County, this pier offers excellent access to the Hudson River and is known for its strong striped bass and bluefish fishing.
- **Croton Point Park:** In Westchester County, this park provides good spots for catching striped bass, weakfish, and porgies, especially around the Mother’s Lap Beach area.
Overall, the Hudson River is offering some great fishing opportunities right now, and with the right gear and knowledge of the tides, you can have a successful day on the water.