Hey there! Thanks for asking about getting your line to the bottom of the Hudson. It's actually a great question, and one that took me years of trial and error to figure out properly. The Hudson River is a fascinating body of water to fish, but it definitely comes with its own unique challenges.
The weight you'll need depends heavily on the current, which changes dramatically with the tides. What works perfectly at 7 AM might be completely inadequate by 10 AM as the tide shifts. That's why there's no single magic weight that works all the time or everywhere along the river's lengthy course.
When I first started fishing the Hudson years ago, I made the rookie mistake of using the same weights I'd use in lakes or smaller rivers. Let me tell you, watching your line and bait get swept away within seconds of hitting the water is pretty frustrating! I quickly learned that the Hudson demands respect and proper preparation.
During strong currents (like mid-tide when water is really moving), I typically need between 4-8 ounces. This is especially true around the full or new moon when tidal flows are at their strongest. Some spots near Manhattan or the Verrazano where the channel narrows can occasionally demand even heavier weights during peak current. I've had days where even 8 ounces felt like a paperclip in a hurricane!
When the current moderates as we approach high or low tide, I can usually get away with 2-5 ounces. This is often my favorite time to fish because you can still get your bait down without using weights that feel like you're casting a brick.
And during those sweet slack tide periods when the water barely moves? Sometimes just 1-3 ounces does the trick! These periods don't last long – maybe 30-45 minutes – but they can be incredibly productive fishing windows with the right presentation.
Your fishing line choice plays a big role too. I switched from monofilament to braided line a few years back and immediately noticed I could use slightly lighter weights. The thinner diameter of braid catches less current, meaning your sinker has less resistance to fight against. It's a small advantage, but when you're casting hundreds of times in a day, every little bit helps!
The depth where you're fishing matters as well. While the current is usually the deciding factor, deeper sections require a bit more weight just to get down quickly. If you're targeting deeper holes (like the 50+ foot channels near the George Washington Bridge), you might want to add an ounce or so to whatever you'd normally use, especially if you're drifting and don't want to waste precious time waiting for your bait to reach the strike zone.
Location along the river makes a huge difference too. The lower Hudson near Battery Park and the harbor has stronger tidal influence, while spots up near the Tappan Zee (now officially the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) or further north toward Albany see gradually diminishing tidal effects. I keep a fishing log noting what weights worked best at which locations and tide stages – it's saved me a lot of guesswork over the years.
Without knowing exactly where you're fishing or what the tide's doing right now, I'd suggest starting with a 3 or 4 ounce sinker. This is my general "middle of the road" starting point when I'm fishing a new spot or if I'm uncertain about the current strength.
You'll know if it's enough when you cast out and feel if your weight is holding position or getting dragged downstream. If it's moving too much, just add an ounce or two until it holds. The perfect weight gives you just enough stability to keep your bait in the strike zone without being unnecessarily heavy and difficult to cast repeatedly.
I've found that bank sinkers work better than egg sinkers in most Hudson River situations. The flat side of a bank sinker helps it grip the bottom better in current. If you're fishing really rocky areas, however, consider using sputnik/spider weights with wire legs that can grab onto the bottom more effectively, though they're more prone to snagging.
My best advice? Bring a variety of weights (2-6 ounces) so you can adjust as the tide changes during your trip. I always check a local tide chart before heading out so I know what to expect. There are great smartphone apps now that give you tide predictions specific to different sections of the Hudson – they're absolute game-changers for planning productive fishing trips.
Don't forget that the Hudson's bottom topography varies widely – from muddy flats to rocky structure to steep drop-offs. Each of these can affect how your weight behaves. Sometimes moving just 50 yards up or downstream can require a completely different weight due to changes in current flow or bottom composition.
