The Catches of the Day

A small perch.

A small striper.

The fish I caught were so small, they could have been used as bait. Still, it's better than nothing.

Thank you, St. Peter.

A Flight of Fancy on a Wind-Swept Field

Yesterday, I went to the Hudson River in Riverdale.

I bought two fresh bunker, two dozen bloodworms, and some supplies at Jack's.

After parking my car in the Metro North lot, I picked the last spot on the promenade area. Conditions were sunny and quite windy. Because of the wind, I used only two poles. I made my usual intercession to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, and he responded.

I had my lines in the water by around 3 PM, a couple of hours before high tide. I didn't have bites the first couple of hours. I passed the time listening to my iPod and smoking a Butera Capo Grande cigar.

In the end, I caught three fish, one small perch and two small stripers. The perch measured about seven inches. The first striper was only six inches. The second was about seven-and-a-half inches. I caught all three with blood worms and returned all three to the water.

To date, I have suffered one major injury while fishing. Yesterday, a bloodworm bit my right index finger. It happened as I was removing it from the box in order to bait my rod. Yes, bloodworms have teeth. I've been bitten a few times before. This time, my index finger hurt. The pain seemed to go all the way to the bone. When I got home, I applied some Neosporin ointment and wrapped my finger in a bandage. The pain gradually went away. It's fine today. Even with bait, always be careful.

As the evening set in, the wind calmed down. Although it got colder, it was quite pleasant.

I left around 8 PM as darkness set in. I dumped the two fresh bunker, but the took the second box of bloodworms home with me. We have a refrigerator in the basement and can store them there for next time. Next time I come to Riverdale, I would like to try eels as well.

As always, I'm glad I caught something.

Author's Note: Sooner rather than later, I will start reusing Pink Floyd lyrics for my posts' titles.

Return of a Man Called Horse

I have returned. My fishing blog now begins its fifth year. I know I got started a little late this year.

I cleaned and respooled my three fishing poles. To shake off the winter rust, I took a quick fishing trip on Sunday afternoon. I was determined to avoid either Riverdale or New Rochelle for my first fishing trip on the season. I will certainly return to both places and perhaps even this week, but I feel I became too dependent on them last year.

I decided to try Mamaroneck Harbor (specifically Harbor Island Park) for the first time in many years. I remember catching a nice stripper (maybe 15 inches) here back in November 1996. I left my car on the street. I fished directly behind the Mamaroneck Volunteer Firemen's Memorial (probably not its exact name).

I got there before noon. There were a few clouds in the sky. There was a little wind, but not much. The water was shallow, and the tide was coming in.

I just used two poles, and used bloodworms for bait. I didn't intend to stay long. When I got there, I realized I picked a poor spot to fish.

One time, I thought I had a bite. I reeled it in, but it was nothing. I changed the bait a few times, but I didn't have any luck. I gave up around 2 PM. I wouldn't call it a wasted experience since I was determined to get started for the season.

If I want to avoid complacency, I know I have to explore more areas, not only in Westchester, but elsewhere.