FISHING STORIES: Our First Student Boat Fishing Trip! Thank You Sound Bound Charters! (April 15, 2016)

Friday April 15, 2016 was our first-ever club boat fishing excursion! We chartered a trip with Sound Bound Fishing Charters. Thank you to Capt. Brendan, Capt. Dave and mate Taylor for helping us organize and bring to life this memorable trip.

From lessons on fish biology to fishing rigs and tips, the Hudson River crew - Dave and Taylor - kept everyone engaged! We had lots of bites - we landed keeper bass and plenty of smaller bass.

We also caught a lot of White Perch and the biggest White Catfish we've ever seen! There was lots of catch-and-release throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the morning was definitely that GIGANTIC White Catfish (Ameiurus catus) caught by Pamila. Way to go!

Fish Fact: 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.



Another highlight was watching Sung catch his first-ever Striped Bass.

Then, Angel and Russel caught their first-ever "keeper" Striped Bass (north of George Washington Bridge)

Fish Fact: 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.


Overall, it was an awesome outing! Our members were in awe of the fantastic fishing and the beautiful scenery along the river. Our Hudson River is truly an amazing body of water.

Video summary of our trip:

Thank you Sound Bound Fishing Charters for supporting our club! We're looking forward to scheduling another club trip with you very soon!