FISHING STORIES: Epic Fishing at the Nyack Memorial Park Fishing Pier!(Oct. 30, 2015)

On Friday Oct 30, 2015, several club members (Diamond, Hector, Angel, and Dr. Park) ventured out to Nyack Memorial Park to fish its new fishing pier for the first time. What an amazing fishing spot! The pier is solid in construction, is educational (with its many informative plaques about the new bridge under construction), and has plenty of room to roam. To our pleasant surprise, it was also surrounded by plenty of fish!

We couldn't have asked for better conditions - partly sunny skies, mild air temperature, and high tide. How was the fishing? Phenomenal! Actually, this trip will surely go down as one of those  "remember that unbelievable day of fishing" memories!

At the start, our experienced members got right to work. It was a sight to see. Using everything they've learned over the last couple of months, they prepped, casted, and were catching fish in no time.

Before long, the action was non-stop, and everyone soon caught fish!

 

In sum, we estimated our catch total to be just over 50 fish (Yes, FIFTY PLUS!) in just a few hours, with each angler easily catching multiples! What a truly EPIC trip ==> White Perch, Striped Bass, and White Catfish made up the species roster.

Interesting facts about these fish:

The White Perch (Morone americana) is a fish abundant in the Hudson River. This fish is a feisty species, armed with sharp spines on the top fins (called dorsal fins) and on their gill plate, making them well-defended against predators. The sides of their body are decorated with shiny, silvery scales. These fish also have an amazing tolerance to salinity, being found in salt, brackish, and fresh waters. The White Perch has the distinction of being a first catch for many of our club anglers!

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a local species with an epic backstory. They are an "anadromous fish," meaning they live most of their lives in the ocean but breed in freshwater (yes, just like salmon).  Read more about the Striped Bass (which is featured on the back of our club t-shirt - yes!) here.

The White Catfish (Ameiurus catus) is a freshwater catfish that can tolerate brackish water, which is characteristic to this part of the Hudson River. These fish have eight barbels, a forked tail, and a paler complexion than other local catfish species (e.g., bullhead, channel catfish). Like other catfish, white catfish are scaleless with specialized "taste" receptors on their skin. These fish breed in the Spring, and females lay eggs encased in a gelatinous mass that is attached to burrows or crevices. Males guard and care for the eggs, by fanning them and removing debris.

By day's end, Diamond caught her first fish (and many more afterwards). Hector caught the most. And, Angel caught the biggest fish of the day - a 2lb White Catfish.

The fishing was so good that we were still catching fish even after we nearly ran out of bait.

Fishing Story of the Day:
The hook below, with left-over bait AS IS, caught over 5 fish (no re-baiting was needed!). That's just how amazing today's fishing was! True story!

Quotes of the Day
"I caught my first fish!" -Diamond

"Now, I want to catch a big fish!" -Angel

"We will remember this day." -Hector