Behold a Pale Horse

Missing, Presumed Dead

2011-06-09T16:38:00.000-04:00

Have you seen me lately?

The Unexpected Early Return of a Man Called Horse

2011-02-27T15:52:00.002-05:00

I have returned.

Yes, it's no doubt much earlier than the three of you and myself expected.

I went fishing on Friday, February 18. It seemed like a perfect day to go fishing. The forecast called for warm temperatures, in the mid-60s or so. An online solunar table I consulted reported that a full moon would be out on February, with the moon underfoot for a two-hour period starting at 12:28 PM. If you recall, many fishermen rely on solunar tables on when to fish. Apparently, the fishing is best when there is a full moon overhead or underfoot. During these times, fish go on a feeding frenzy.

Along with the weather and the phase of the moon, high tide in New Rochelle was around 11 AM. The day seemed to be too perfect to let pass me by. I even planned ahead.

The day before, I called Jack's Bait and Tackle, and they were out of both bloodworms and fresh bunker. I then checked with City Island Bait and Tackle. They had bloodworms and frozen bunker. I took a drive on City Island and bought my bait in advance. I stored it in a basement refrigerator. The bunker would be thawed out the next day. I made a checklist of stuff I should take. I don't I believe I ever tried fishing in mid-February.

I decided to pick Hudson Park in New Rochelle. I didn't want to go too far or walk a distance from my car, especially when I just wanted to shake off the rust from the winter and last season's disappointments. Despite the warmer than usual weather, there was still some snow on the ground. In Hudson Park, there was a gigantic mountain of shoveled snow in the parking lot. Since late December, the New York City has gotten clobbered with a number of heavy snowstorms and blizzards. (Thank God I was smart enough to buy a snowblower several years ago to spare my joints and high blood pressure.)

I got there around 11:30 or so. On this day, I brought a couple of slices of bread (the kind you slip into a toaster) to try as bait. I read that many fish will go for the bread especially when they're hungry.

Before noon, I had three lines in the water, one with bloodworms, one with a piece of thawed-out bunker, and one with a bread pellet I made.

Unfortunately, I didn't catch anything. In fact, I didn't have one single bite. There were other fisherman who came and went, and they didn't seem to have any luck either. So it's not just me.

I passed the time catching up with my reading of articles I ripped out of the Wall Street Journal. I listened to my iPod touch. I smoked a Butera Capo Grande cigar.

The bread bait didn't work as well. It just crumbled when it hit the water. I realize I should let it dry hours in advance so it won't fall apart. I threw the remaining bread in the garbage, which then attracted several Omen-like black crows.

By 3 PM, the tide was going down. The wind picked up considerably. The full moon's underfoot phase had passed. So I packed up and went home.

Maybe it was too early for this area despite the favorable conditions. Maybe I should have tried another part of the park or even somewhere else. Who knows?

If the weather is relatively warm in March, I will fish.

The 2011 season has begun.

Exit of a Man Called Horse

2010-11-01T00:20:00.003-04:00

Things didn't really work out this season. I'm sorry I disappointed the three of you who make up my loyal fanbase.

If all goes well, I hope to finally do some exploring over the winter.

So, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and we'll meet again in the Spring of 2011.

Sam the Lion Remembers

2010-08-08T02:16:00.006-04:00

I know I've been away. But I will return sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, the three of you visit this blog regularly--I mean the folks from Advance Publications in Manhattan, Westchester County government just north of the Bronx, and Sun Microsystems out in California--can enjoy this clip from Peter Bogdanovich's classic film, The Last Picture Show (1971). One of my favorite actors, the great cowboy Ben Johnson (whom I resemble a little), won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sam the Lion, the aging patriarch of a dying small town in Texas. Sam, who acts as a father figure to some of the local high school kids who frequent his diner, pool hall, and little movie theater, takes two of them fishing. Although there's no fish to be caught in the "stock tank" (a reservoir used to water animals) where they go, Sam still goes there to enjoy the scenery and rekindle pleasant memories of a romance he had 20 years earlier. This is where he brought the woman (who was much younger and unhappily married). Those memories--and sharing them from time to time--keep Sam going and allow him to reconnect to a time when he wasn't "a decrepit, old bag of bones."

Although I usually go fishing by myself, this scene also brilliantly illustrates what Joe Pedulla once described to me as the "social aspect of fishing," talking to your companion(s) as you wait for the line to show some sign of life. One of the teens, Sonny (Timothy Bottoms), listens intently as Sam reminisces.

But It Was Only Fantasy

2010-05-17T12:34:00.005-04:00

My losing streak continues. On Friday afternoon, I returned to Hudson Park. I wanted to try something. Many fishermen often rely on solunar calendars, which chart the phases of the moon. The In-Fisherman's solunar calendar (linked above) reported that the best day to fish was on Friday, when a new moon appeared. There's no astrology or voodoo involved, but the fish seem to be more active when there's a new or a full moon based on how it affects the Earth.

In my case, it didn't work out. I didn't even get a single bite. No one else I saw fishing caught anything either. So I guess it's not just me.

I picked up one dozen bloodworms from Jack's. They were out of fresh bunker. I decided to use all three lines to maximize coverage and increase my chances of catching something.

But nothing.

Is It Just a Waste of Time?

2010-05-08T14:08:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, I made my second trip to Riverdale. The parking attendant told me that someone or some people caught a few big fish the day before.

I went to the last area on the promenade, the same spot I used last time. It was sunny and hotter than I expected. The tide was low, and it was coming in. I started fishing around 2:30.

Early on, I had two bites, which (combined with the parking attendant's report) increased my hopes of having a great day fishing.

As it turned out, it didn't work out that way.

At first I used two poles. Since there was little or no wind, I then used three. I had a couple of more bites, but failed to catch anything. As usual, I kept losing the bait. I didn't use the treble hooks I bought last year. I didn't just didn't feel like using them. Maybe that was a mistake.

I passed the time reading old articles I had ripped put of the Wall Street Journal. I listened to my iPod. I talked with a Metro North maintenance worker about fishing.

In the evening, the temperature dropped noticeably. I wished I had brought my sweatshirt or jacket.

After the sun disappeared behind the New Jersey side, the clouds came out. I thought this might increase my chances of catching something, but it didn't.

I packed up around 7 PM. I took a second box of bloodworms home with me to use next time.

My failure to catch anything today gave me a bad feeling: that this might turn out to be a really disappointing fishing season.

Unheeded Warnings, I Thought I Thought of Everything

2010-05-04T00:05:00.005-04:00

Yesterday (Monday, May 3), the skies looked cloudy. I figured I would go fishing since I live for those type of overcast days.

I headed up to Hudson Park in New Rochelle. I went to Hudson Park Bait and Tackle to pick up bloodworms. The nice lady at the store told me they were out of bloodworms and fresh bunker. I was forced to settle for sandworms instead.

As I drove into the lot, I noticed the clouds getting darker and more ominous. A strong wind was moving the water. It started raining, and then the heavens opened up. I stayed in my car and didn't get wet. I figured I wait 15 minutes or so.

I got there a little after high tide around 4 PM. It eventually stopped raining, so I started fishing. As I set up, another fisherman, who also waited for the downpour to end, got out of his van. We exchanged nods.

I just used two lines. As the weather got better, the lot gradually filled up with more fishermen. I also saw a few fishermen across the water in Five Islands Park. They weren't fishing on the dock, where I usually fish, but on the nearby rocks. In fact, the nice lady told those rocks were the places to fish for stripers.

I had exactly two bites. Unfortunately, I didn't hook anything. I added fresh sandworms to the lines several times as the day went on. I reeled in the lines a little to attract the attention of any stripers or flounder who might be hungry.

In the evening, the sun even came out, and the water became perfectly still. I enjoyed it as I smoked another Butera Capo Grande cigar.

I wondered how things would have turned out if I took the long way and went to Jack's on City Island and picked up bloodworms and fresh bunker. I don't think it would have made much of a difference since I didn't see anyone else catch anything.

I gave up around 7 PM.

The Catches of the Day

2010-04-24T14:31:00.011-04:00

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

2010-04-24T14:01:00.007-04:00

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

2010-04-20T03:33:00.003-04:00

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.

And Now, An Ending....

2009-11-19T02:03:00.003-05:00

It's not quite cold yet. But the time has come for me to put away my fishing gear for the winter.

I spent my October and early November focused on the Yankees. I went to five postseason games, and they won all five. I was there when they clinched the pennant, and I was there when they won the World Series.

I certainly got off to a good start this fishing season, catching two big stripers in April. Then illness and circumstance derailed my season in June. I never had luck after that either in New Rochelle or Riverdale (my safe spot). The trout remain elusive as well.

So I'll see you in late March.

This Is Not How I Am

2009-10-01T01:35:00.003-04:00

My last fishing trip was on Monday, August 31. For whatever reason, I never got around to updating the blog. The details of the trip have faded slightly, but are still recalled.

I struck out for the fourth time in a row. Once again, I picked Riverdale, which was a very safe (i.e. reliable and successful) area for me in the spring, despite not catching anything there last time. Since it was the last day of the month, I was determined to catch an August fish. I never had much luck with fishing in August. I know I haven't caught one in August since starting this blog in May 2006. I can't remember the last August fish I caught, though I am certain that I did catch one. So I figured Riverdale would facilitate me catching an August fish. I guess I will have to wait until next year. It's also frustrating that I haven't caught anything since May.

The trip began with a bad omen. As I was driving on the Mosholu Parkway, I suddenly remembered that my tackle box was back home in the basement. This didn't present a problem since I've started keeping my hooks, snap swivels, sinkers, and fish finders in a small pipe tobacco can. Then I realized that I forgot to buy bait. So I turned around and bought a dozen blood worms at Jack's. I probably got to Riverdale at 3 PM or so.

I picked the last viewing area on the promenande. This turned out to be a mistake since part of the fence was overgrown with foliage, which attracted several bees and flies.

Like last time, I tried treble hooks and worm hooks. I don't remember if I ever got a bite. But I would like to keep experimenting with them (especially next spring).

The only eventful thing that happened was that a man came to see me. The man (who was in his mid-50s) said he currently lives in Alaska, but used to live in the Bronx and fish in Riverdale and City Island. We must have talked for maybe 10 minutes.

I remember it being warm, but in the evening it cooled down. I enjoyed a Butera Capo Grande cigar that I had managed to recharge in my home humidor. I also passed the time listening to my iPod and reading the newspaper. Since I had no luck (despite my usual tricks), I went home maybe 6 PM or 6:30.

When I got home, I watched the Yankee game and saw Andy Pettitte lose a perfect game in the 7th inning in Baltimore. He did get the win, and that lifted my spirits.

As to why I haven't fished in September, I can't really explain it. Once again, I let time pass me by.

Although it's now October, I am not quite ready to give up for the season.

God Says Hello

2009-07-22T14:56:00.000-04:00

And Did They Get You to Trade Your Heroes For Ghosts?

2009-07-22T14:23:00.007-04:00

I struck out for the third time in a row.

Last Friday (July 17), I returned to Riverdale. I admit I decided to fish there because it's been a safe and reliable spot for me this past season.

After picking up two dozen bloodworms from Jack's, I had my lines in the water at 4:30, about a half hour before high tide.

The weather was humid, and the sky was filled with omnious clouds. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were predicted, but they arrived long after I left. The water was calm.

On that day, I decided to experiment with some new hooks I bought via mail order from Cabelas. For two poles, I used treble hooks. One type I bought was snelled (which I attached on a snap swivel), while the other was not. The second type has a large-enough eye that my fish finder wouldn't slip through it. So I was able to tie it to the line. I wondered if hooking the worm on three hooks would reduce chances of the bait slipping off and also increase the chances of securely hooking a fish. For my third line, I used worm hooks, which I tied to the line.

I did have a few bites. One time I nearly hooked something, but the fish let go of the bait or managed to unhook itself. I did check the lines a few times and saw that the hooks were completely clean. I don't want to conclude my experiment was a failure until I try it a few more ones.

I passed the time reading the Wall Street Journal and the Bronx Times-Reporter. I listened to my iPod, and I exchanged emails, using my BlackBerry Pearl, with a friend.

In the evening, it got cooler, and the sun began to peek through the clouds. I enjoyed the cool weather and was treated to a beautiful sunset.

I left around 8:30 or so after it got dark.

Fishing always seems to slow down in the summer, so we'll see what the next couple of months bring.

With Your Nerves in Tatters

2009-07-09T20:55:00.004-04:00

After a month of silence, I have returned. "Where have you been?" the three of you who visit this blog regularly must be asking. About a day after the Croton disaster, I caught a bad cold--it seemed more like the flu--which incapacitated me the rest of the week. I then caught a minor ear infection, which nagged me for a couple of weeks. My bizarre sleep patterns and some bad weather also helped derail my fishing plans for June.

Today, I went fishing at Five Islands Park in New Rochelle. It's hard to believe that I haven't fished here since April 27. Time passes awful quickly.

I stocked up on supplies at Jack's and bought two dozen bloodworms and two fresh bunker. Once again, I bought more bait than I needed.

I got to the dock around 12 PM, about 90 minutes or so before high tide. The sun was out, and it wasn't too hot. There was a slight breeze. The dock often moved back and forth, perhaps due to the breeze and the water, which was unusually active.

I used three lines, two with bloodworms and one with bunker. Today, I also experimented with snelled Kahle hooks, which are shaped like this. Unfortunately, the ones I bought at Jack's had too much flourocarbon leader (at least three feet) attached to them. I was able to cast my lines with these hooks, but they're more suited for deeper water.

I had exactly one bite. When I reeled it in, the line snapped. I didn't have any other bites. I guess the fish were on vacation.

I packed up around 3:30, as the tide was going out.

I do have a few things to do before my next fishing trip: organize my tackle box, throw out stuff I don't need, clean and then respool one reel, and wash my fishing rags.

Can You Show Me Where It Hurts?

2009-06-02T00:15:00.004-04:00

Yesterday (Monday), I followed up on a pledge to try a new place to fish. (Complacency has always been a big problem with me.) I picked Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson in northern Westchester County. The park is adjacent to the Hudson River.

I tried scouting it late Saturday night, but I missed the exit and ended up in Putnam County. After checking a map, I found it Sunday afternoon. I drove up the Bronx River Parkway, switched to the Sprain Brook Parkway, and then the Taconic State Parkway. I got off at the exit for Route 9A, which took me to the park. I had to pay $8, as a non-resident, to access the park. Since it was a Sunday, the park was packed with visitors. I asked a man who fishing with his girlfriend what type of fish were in these waters. He said that someone recently caught a 40-pound striper. He also said there catfish in the water. I thanked him and wished him luck.

After picking up bait (two dozen bloodworms and two fresh bunker), I got to the park around 3:30 PM. Before fishing, I had some lunch at a picknic table. Since it was a weekday, the park was relatively deserted.

The day turned out to be a disappointment. After doing a little research on the Internet and checking the map, it seemed I didn't really fish in the Hudson River, but Croton Bay, which is in the southern part of the park. (You can see land across the water in the above photo.)

I started out by using bloodworms on two lines and a piece of fresh bunker on the third. The weather was sunny, and it was quite windy.

It seems the bottom of Croton Bay is quite rocky. I kept getting my lines caught on the bottom. When a fish hook gets snagged on a submerged rock, it's very difficult to get it loose, especially from shore. It's almost like hammering a mountain-climbing spike into rock. After fishing for about an hour and 45 minutes, I ran out of sinkers. (At one point, I did see one my lines moving, suggesting a fish was nibbling on it.) So I gave up.

I should rescout the park and find a more suitable place to fish, especially on the Hudson River.

The Catch(es) of the Day

2009-05-31T17:24:00.005-04:00

My first perch of the day:

I caught these two perches by hand, after losing them in the rocks below:

A striper:

Thank you, St. Jude and St. Peter.

I Do Believe It's Working, Good

2009-05-31T16:48:00.005-04:00

On Thursday (May 28), I went fishing in Riverdale. (I know it's been a few days, so my recollections may not be as fresh.)

After buying two dozen bloodworms, I got there around 2:15. I made a couple of changes. First, I fished in the first viewing area on the promenade instead of my usual last. Second, I brought three rods with me instead of two. The second time I fished in Riverdale, I got two lines tangled. This time, I figured that if I carefully cast them, I would avoid getting them tangled.

It was cool and extremely cloudy. There was also a lot of fog, which got thicker as the day went on. The one good thing about fishing on a weekday, especially when the weather is bad, is that there is no else around.

I had a couple of hits early on, but I didn't catch anything. I read a little more of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. (Did I ever mention that I'm a slow reader?) I listened to my iPod. I said my novenas and a rosary. (Yes, St. Jude and St. Peter delivered once again.)

After about two hours, I caught a perch. It was nine inches long. I threw it back.

Bringing a third pole turned out to be a smart move. I didn't get my lines tangled. A short time later, a second fish got itself hooked. I reeled it in and brought to some rocks below. The fish then got unhooked and disappeared into the rocks. To me, catching a fish means gaining power over it--keeping it or releasing it. I carefully climbed down on the rocks to see if I could get it, but I didn't see it.

I lost a second fish in those same rocks. My line just snapped, and the fish fell off. It wasn't that big. Determined to get it, I climbed back down. The seaweed on the some of the rocks, which are covered by the water when the tide comes in, makes them slippery.

I managed to fish the fish, a small perch. I also found the other fish, a tiny perch. I put them on the viewing area and climbed back up. Since they were small, I didn't bother measuring them. After taking their picture, I returned them to the river. With a little effort, I managed to double the number of fish I caught today.

Yes, I caught one more fish, a striper. This one measured 11 inches, but didn't weigh back. Unfortunately, it swallowed the hook, and I couldn't get it out. So I threw it back with the hook stuck down its throat.

I don't remember when exactly, but the fog moved on the river from both the north and south. On the south side, the George Washington Bridge disappeared behind the thick fog. I also brought my binoculars to see what was on the New Jersey side of the Hudson. The Jersey side looks like a big wall. You can see some rocky areas as well as trees. Perhaps 45 degrees on my right side, I saw what I thought was a dock with boats. I also spotted what looked like a path, but I didn't see any cars.

I left around 6:30 or so even though I still had plenty of bait. The tide got low, and I didn't expect any more fish.

As always, I'm glad I caught something, but I found myself asking, "Where were the big fish today?"

There Is No Pain, You Are Receding

2009-05-26T21:56:00.004-04:00

Today, I tried Kensico again. I returned to an area not far from the dam, where I fished several times before with some luck.

I wanted to do try something different today. Instead of sawbellies, I thought I'd try bloodworms instead with my larger poles with heavier test line. In the early days, meaning 1996, I did catch a couple of fish that way.

I picked up just a dozen bloodworms at Jack's. (Wade's doesn't carry bloodworms.) I got to the rock around 2:15 and had two lines in the water with bloodworms.

The weather was overcast and quite cool. There was little wind, and the water was still.

Going in, I honestly didn't expect to catch anything or even stay long.

I met my expectations. I didn't have a single bite. At one point, I tried to reel in one of the two bloodworms, but it got stuck. I pulled and pulled, but it wouldn't budge. I just didn't feel like cutting the line, especially after respooling it recently. So I just put my rod down with a hope that a fish might free the line for me.

I opted not to listen to my iPod. Instead, I read more of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I enjoyed the sounds such as the wind blowing through the leaves. At one point, I heard knocking. I could tell it came high up, off the ground. It must have been a woodpecker. I named him "Woody," after a childhood favorite.

I eventually tried the line that got stuck. I was able to reel it in. How did it get loose? Did a fish help me out, or was it something else?

With my third pole, I tried a lure, a spoon with green tails. I don't know the exact name, or how it got into my tackle box. Although I was able to cast it far, I had no luck with it. All too often, I buy things I never or rarely use or really need.

As I was standing on the rock and looking at the water, I asked myself, "Where are the fish?" I was hoping to see a fish jump out of the water, but I didn't see any. I also didn't see a single rowboat. I reminded myself that I keep trying Kensico because there is always a chance I might catch something.

I gave early, before 5 PM. We'll see what the rest of the week brings.

The Catch(es) of the Day

2009-05-18T12:08:00.002-04:00

A striper:

A perch:

Thank you, St. Peter and St. Jude.

That'll Keep You Going For the Show

2009-05-18T11:33:00.004-04:00

Yesterday (Sunday), I went to Riverdale, a spot that has been quite good to me.

I began the trip, as I usually do, by picking up bait at Jack's. Much to my horror, Big John told me they were out of bloodworms. I just bought a couple of fresh bunker. Before going fishing, I was determined to find some bloodworms. I stopped at Island Bait and Tackle, another shop on City Island. Fortunately, they had bloodworms. I also noticed that they sell "large" bloodworms. They didn't have any of those, so I just bought two dozen "regular" ones.

I got to Riverdale around 3:15, about 75 minutes before high tide. Someone left his open, unpaid Verizon DSL bill on the seat. (Today, I resealed the envelope with a note telling the man that he shouldn't leave important bills in public places and dropped it into a mailbox.)

I used two poles, the ones I respooled last time. I used a bloodworm on one and fresh bunker on the other.

When I got there, it was very overcast and windy. The water was raging. I didn't let that deter me since I remember catching a couple of big catfish in Dobbs Ferry when a strong wind stirred up the river. It also started to rain a little, but it eventually stopped and dried out. My problem was the cold. I left my jacket at home, which I regretted. It was in the 50s, but it felt more like the late 40s.

I didn't have any bites. I checked the bloodworm line and saw that I lost the bait a couple of times. Did a fish or crab slip it off or did the impact of hitting the water dislodge them? Who knows.

The first fish I caught was striper. It didn't weigh much and measured almost 11 inches. I threw it back.

I eventually switched my second line to a bloodworm. I had a number of bites, but the fish never managed to hook themselves. I often replaced the bait that was gnawed away or completely removed.

Later in the day, I was determined to keep a piece of fresh bunker on a line for an extended period. But I had no hits with it. After losing the bunker when I recast the line, I permanently switched to bloodworms. Since I usually get two dozen, they don't go fast.

As usual, I listened to my iPod. I also began reading Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1979, 1985 paperback edition), which I've had on my shelf since the mid-1980s.

I caught only one more fish. This one was a perch, heavier than the striper I caught earlier, but about 11 inches.

Although I was grateful, as always, at catching something, I still felt disappointed. Why didn't I catch more fish or something bigger? Maybe I should use different hooks and experiment with different baits.

I left around 8 PM.

Running Over the Same Old Ground

2009-05-15T21:48:00.003-04:00

Today, I made my return to Hudson Park in New Rochelle for the first time in over a year. If you recall, the last time I was here I lost a large striper.

I picked up two dozen bloodworms and one fresh bunker from Jack's. I got to Hudson Park around 4:30 at high tide. It was sunny and warm, but with no wind. I chose Hudson Park because of its convenience. I was feeling a little under the weather with a couple of pains, and I didn't feel like carrying my fishing gear over a distance.

I began the day by respooling two of my poles with 17-pound test. By 5 PM, I had my lines in the water, two with bloodworms and one with a piece of fresh bunker.

I didn't get a single bite all day. I said my prayer. I changed bait. I reeled in the lines a little to draw attention to the bait. I recast the lines. Nothing worked.

What's funny is that there were fish jumping out of the water. One fisherman, using a bunker sinker (a sinker with several hooks), caught a few bunker.

I passed the time by reading the Wall Street Journal and listening to my iPod. In the evening, I smoked a very good cigar.

I gave up around 7:10.

I hope to try Riverdale on Sunday and maybe a new location during the week.

One Slip

2009-05-13T01:06:00.004-04:00

This is the very spot where I slipped and broke my ankle nearly 13 years ago, laying me out for six weeks. Little did I know that, that slip (and another serious injury four years earlier) would have long-term consequences for my health.

The Price of a Few Hundred Ordinary Lives

2009-05-12T22:07:00.006-04:00

Yesterday (Monday), I finally made it to Kensico for the first time in two years. I brought my two smaller poles I use for trout and bucket with the aerator.

My first task was to find Wade's Bait and Tackle, which moved again. It went from North White Plains to Valhalla and now Hawthorne. I stopped at the Kensico Dam Plaza to study my roadmap. After driving for about 10 minutes (up Columbus Avenue and then left on West Stevens Avenue), I found Wade's, which is right next to the Gate of Heaven Cemetery and maybe a block or two from the Mt. Pleasant Metro North Station. (I also discovered that Wade's is right off the Taconic State Parkway.)

The man there said they were out of sawbellies, but had shiners. I bought a dozen of them. I also bought three new lures. The man said the trout were biting and advised me to fish one shiner with a bobber and one off the bottom.

I decided to return to a rock, off Rye Bridge, which I haven't tried in over ten years. That rock is very significant in my personal history. It's where I broke my ankle in August 1996. I did return to the rock maybe a couple of times afterward when I was healed up, but I don't think I've been back since the 1990s. I guess I got used to other spots at Kensico.

The only change I noticed is that a sunken tree on the right side of the rock was no longer there. Everything else looked the same.

I also brought along the long pole I usually use for New Rochelle and the Hudson River. I wanted to use it for lures.

I started fishing around 4:30. The sun was out, and the water was still. Using the small poles with egg sinkers, I could never get a good cast. With the bobber, I got the line only a few feet off shore. I also forgot that one of my poles has a defect. Whenever I cast the line out, it always got caught on a slight nick on my reel, which caused my line to drop. I should either replace the reel or find a way to fix the nick before using it next time. I lost a few shiners when casting the line. I didn't have a single bite.

With the long pole, I tried numerous casts with a Krocodile. But I didn't have any luck. In fact, I got my line tangled. Now I probably have to respool it.

I gave up at 6:30, earlier than I planned. I dumped the rest of the shiners in the water.

The day was frustrating. I never had much luck with trout. So why does Kensico keep luring me? It's a nice drive up, and the area is very beautiful. I also have hope that I'll catch something big here someday.

The Only Catch of the Day

2009-05-02T19:13:00.004-04:00

This is the only fish, a 10-inch striper, but, as always, I'm glad I caught something.

Thank you, St. Peter and St. Jude.

Outside the Rain Fell Dark and Slow

2009-05-02T02:03:00.009-04:00

Yesterday (Friday), I went to Riverdale for some late afternoon fishing. I bought two dozen bloodworms at Jack's. (I decided to skip the eels this time.)

I got to the Metro-North station around 4:20. I managed to find a parking spot near the entrance, which I interpreted as a good sign. I paid the weekday, $3.25 parking fee.

The promenade was deserted. Like I did the last few times, I set up shop in the last viewing area. By 4:30, I had my two lines in the water.

The weather was cool and occasionally breezy. Since I expected rain, I dressed for it. The skies were dark gray, but it rained only a little. At times, there was a layer of foggy mist on top of the water, which I thought was quite beautiful. I started fishing as the tide was going out.

Whenever I go fishing and a slight rain falls, I'm always reminded of that afternoon I spent in a boat on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. in May 1997. If you recall, I mentioned that experience in my very first post. Back then, I had just passed the comprehensive exam to earn my Master's Degree. Although I did the best academic work of my life, graduate school was often brutal, and I was relieved that I made it to the finish line. That day on the Potomac, I caught a few perch and a large catfish, which increased my already-celebratory mood.

With that Potomac memory in mind, I was in a great mood in Riverdale. Once again, I remembered to seek St. Peter's intercession. And once again, he didn't disappoint.

I admit that I expected to catch a lot of fish. Instead, I caught only one small striped bass, which measured 10 inches. I did have a number of bites on both poles, but only one fish managed to hook itself.

When I usually attach a bloodworm to the hook, it usually spurts a little blood. In turn, the blood attracts the fish. Most of the worms I used didn't shed any blood. I wonder if Jack's gave me some nightcrawlers by mistake.

I passed the time by smoking a cigar and listening to my iPod. I enjoyed Pink Floyd, Lita Ford, the Temptations, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, among others.

I gave up slightly after 8 PM. It got dark, and the tide was low. Although I caught only one fish, I felt really good today, and I'm glad I went.

I was planning to try Kensico and even got my gear ready. But the Web site for Wade's Bait and Tackle said that they would be out of sawbellies for a couple of days.

We'll see what the week brings.

The Catch of the Day

2009-04-27T23:55:00.002-04:00

My only catch today was not a fish. Still, thank you, St. Peter.

How Can I Escape This Irresistible Grasp?

2009-04-27T23:25:00.012-04:00

Today, I went up to Five Islands Park in New Rochelle. The weather and my unusual sleeping patterns prevented me from going fishing last week as I originally planned.

I bought two dozen bloodworms at Jack's and four eels.

I got to the dock around 1:30, at high tide. It was sunny, warm, and the water was perfectly still.

I had bloodworms on two lines. I used an eel on the third. I had trouble picking up an eel in the bucket. Even with a rag, I couldn't get a good grip on it. I dumped some of the water in the bucket to make it easier, but one of the eels slipped out into the water. After some more struggling, I managed to grab one and attach it to the hook.

Once again, I remembered to seek St. Peter's intercession. Although I didn't catch any fish, he didn't disappoint.

I didn't have a single bite all day. I reeled in the lines and attached new bloodworms a couple of times. Since the eel continued to live, I didn't dump it for a fresh one.

I don't remember the exact time, but I reeled in the line with the eel to check it. It felt heavier than usual. Did I snag some garbage? When I pulled it out, I saw that I caught a crab. It didn't seem hook itself, but it got tangled in the line. It laid on its back on the dock. Its span measured 12 inches. Using my foot, I gently pushed it back into the water. (These things bite, you know.)

I stayed until 5 PM. I dumped the bloodworms and the two eels in the bucket in the water. I released the eel on the hook in the water, very much alive.

I wonder where the fish were. Did they stay away because of the heat or was Holy Thursday's triumph a fluke?

Although I'm glad I caught something, I found today's fishing experience unpleasant. Eels are slippery, and they smell bad. But I know I'll probably experiment with them on the Hudson River.

The Catch of the Day

2009-04-20T13:53:00.006-04:00

The first catch of the day turned out to be the biggest, measuring 19 inches.

Thank you, once again, St. Peter and St. Jude.

Cold Comfort for Change

2009-04-20T13:03:00.004-04:00

Yesterday (Sunday), I went fishing on the Hudson River in Riverdale. I bought two dozen blood worms and one fresh bunker at Jack's.

High tide in Riverdale was about 5:50 PM. So I got there around 3 PM. It was sunny, breezy, and warm at first.

I used bloodworms on both lines. I had no action for the first 20 minutes or so. I remembered to ask St. Peter for his intercession, and he delivered once again.

Around 3:40, I caught my first fish. As I was reeling it in, I knew it was larger than any of the fish I caught here previously. I pulled out a striped bass. It measured 19 inches. When I picked it up to remove the hook, I saw that it left a sizable pool of blood on the ground. It completely swallowed the hook, which slashed its gills. Since there was no way of removing the hook, I just cut the line and threw the fish back.

I eventually tried fresh bunker on one line, but I didn't have any luck. Using a bloodworm, I caught another striper. This one measured about 14 inches. I returned it to the river.

As the evening set in, the temperature dropped significantly. I'm glad I brought a jacket. Throughout the day, I took notice of the barges that were sitting on the river. I counted ten of them. Why were they just sitting there?

I caught one more striper with a bloodworm. This one was small, about nine inches or so. He, too, was sent safely on his way.

In the evening, a very pleasant Jewish man brought his young son over. The man's accent suggested Israel or Russia. He was very curious about fishing and asked a few questions: What kind of bait do I use? Are the fish I catch safe to eat? How do I know if I caught something? When I attached a fresh bloodworm to my hook, he told his son to observe my technique. I showed them a picture from my digital camera of the big striper I caught, and they were both impressed. The man and his son soon left. The father was very nice and gracious, and I hope he takes up fishing.

I packed up and left at 7:45. Catching the big striper told me there are large fish to be caught in this area. So I shouldn't expect to catch small fish here.

We'll see what the week brings. I would like to try Kenisco and use eels for bait, both in New Rochelle and here in Riverdale.

The Catch of the Day (and a Self-Composed Fisherman's Prayer)

2009-04-09T22:31:00.005-04:00

And the Lord, in his mercy, did smile on the broken-down, washed-up writer and repentant sinner, delivering unto him, on this windy Holy Thursday, in New Rochelle (the adopted home of Henry Louis Gehrig), a large formidable, striped bass....

Thank you both, St. Peter and St. Jude.

Ice Is Forming on the Tips of My Wings

2009-04-09T21:33:00.004-04:00

Today, on this Holy Thursday, I went up to Five Islands Park in New Rochelle, where I failed to catch a single fish in four previous attempts. Although it's been a chilly Holy Week, it was a little warmer today. I left my jacket at home, which turned out to be a mistake. Why did go back to an area where I have had absolutely no luck? I was eager to try blood worms.

I got one frozen bunker and two dozen blood worms at Jack's. As I walked to area, I immediately picked up the strong wind. There were three teenagers on the dock, so I started fishing nearby in shallow water.

The sun was out. The tide was going out. It was quite windy. Certainly, these aren't the fishing conditions I look forward to.

The teens eventually left, and I moved to the dock. By 1:45 or so, I had three lines in the water, all with blood worms.

After one strong wind gust (which lead me to conclude that I wouldn't catch anything and going fishing today might have been a mistake), I asked St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, for help. He soon delivered.

I was sitting in my chair and catching up with my novenas for the day when I had action on one of my lines. I got up, reeled it in little, and noticed the line moving away from shore. I began to reel it in and felt something sizable on the line. I got it to the dock, reached down into the water, and carefully pulled out a big striped bass.

I was ecstatic! I finally caught something in Five Islands Park, and I caught something big today. The striper measured about 20 inches. I unhooked him, thanked St. Peter for his intercession, and released the fish back into the water.

Much later, I reeled in one line to check it. I noticed I had something, but it wasn't a fish. Was it garbage or perhaps a crab? It turned to be four or five mussel shells stuck together. A couple were empty, and the rest were closed. It took a little effort to pry my hook loose. I threw the shells back.

I eventually attached a piece of thawed-out bunker to one line and placed fresh bloodworms on the other two. Unfortunately, I didn't have anymore bites. The tide was going out. The wind got stronger. The temperature also dropped noticeably.

Thinking I had a great day fishing, I packed up my gear around 4:30. I dumped the bunker in the water. I don't know why, but I didn't dump the worms in the water, as I usually do. I was planning to throw them in the garbage. As I was leaving, I noticed two kids with fishing poles making theie way to the dock. I told them about the striper I caught. I also gave them the rest of my blood worms. They were grateful since they had only lures and no live bait.

Today's success established my faith that this area can be good for fishing. I had been losing hope in it. We'll see what happens in the next few months.

The Catches of the Day

2009-04-06T02:16:00.006-04:00

A perch. (I'm lucky it stood still for a second while I snapped the picture.)

An 11-inch striped bass.

Thank you, St. Jude.

Coming Through in Waves

2009-04-05T23:52:00.010-04:00

The forecast called for a pleasant Palm Sunday. So I decided to go fishing. During the late morning, I fell asleep watching Alien (1979). After waking up in mid-afternoon, I left the house. I didn't know whether to try Hudson Park in New Rochelle or the Hudson River in Riverdale.

I went to Jack's and bought one frozen bunker, two frozen herring, and two dozen blood worms. I decided to go to Hudson Park. When I got there, however, I saw how bone-dry the area was at low tide. Since I didn't think I would have any luck, I immediately headed to Riverdale. I got there around 4:20 or so. I intended to stay until dark or until someone with a badge kicked me out in order to lock up the area.

I brought two poles with me and went to the last viewing area on the promenade. There was a couple sitting on one of the two park benches. I politely said hello and began to bait my lines. The bunker needed more time to thaw out. So I used one blood worm and one herring. I carefully cast my lines, making sure to avoid snagging my line on the nearby bush or hitting the couple on the bench. I took out my camera, and I noticed it wasn't charged. So I had to use my Blackberry Pearl to take pictures.

Conditions were near perfect. It was a bright, sunny day with a slight breeze. (By contrast, we practically got a wind storm yesterday.) I didn't need my jacket.

As I waited for a bite, I listened to my iPod. The couple eventually left. I then prayed my novenas for the day (including for a friend who is seriously ill). Not too long ago, I prayed a novena to St. Jude, asking to catch a lot of fish this season. He delivered.

I got a couple of bites in the first hour with the blood worm, which raised my hopes that I would not leave here disappointed. A man showed up, said hello, sat down on the bench, and began reading.

After about an hour, I had another bite. I reeled it in and lifted a striped bass out of the water. It didn't weigh much but measured nine inches. I threw it back. This turned out to be the first of seven fish I caught today. I haven't caught this many in one day since starting this blog.

I then caught a fat, little perch, which measured eight inches. I returned him to the water. After the bunker thawed, I attached a piece on my second line. I kept using blood worms on the first, which caught the striper and the perch. I didn't have any luck (meaning bites) with the bunker or herring. But with blood worms, I kept getting hits, so I soon switched my second line to them. Since I bought two dozen of them, it seemed like the smart thing to do.

As the evening set in, I kept getting hits, occasionally on both lines at once. I caught one more perch and then four more stripers. The the second striper I caught (and the fourth fish of the day) measured 11 inches. It was the longest fish I caught today. (There others were about the same size.) I threw them all back.

I gave up around 8 PM. I dumped the rest of the bait and went home.

What puzzles me is why I never had much luck with blood worms when I fished the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry. But the two of three times I've fished here in Riverdale, the fish (and not just the perch) went for the blood worms. (Time will tell if I catch a catfish here.)

I know I'll be back here frequently, but I'll try not to get too complacent.

This is what a broken-down, washed-up loser like me needed... a good day.

Return of a Man Called Horse

2009-03-15T21:20:00.009-04:00

I have returned.

Although it's still technically winter, it was warmer than normal today. So I decided to go fishing. I went to Jack's and stocked up on supplies. I was told they won't have any fresh bunker for at least two weeks. They were also sold out of blood worms. I bought a dozen sandworms and a dozen nightcrawlers.

I went up to Five Islands Park in New Rochelle. The clouds were out. There was no wind. It was pleasantly cool. The water was still. The tide was coming in. If you may recall, I live for fishing conditions such as these.

Once again, however, I struck out.

In fact, I didn't have a single bite. I had three lines in the water. I did my usual tricks. I reeled in the lines to draw attention to the bait. I recast the lines. I also changed the bait several times. But nothing.

I passed the time listening to my iPod and pacing back and forth on the dock like an expectant father. When fishing across the water in Hudson Park, I've caught a number of fish out of these same waters. So why do the fish seem to avoid the waters near Five Islands Park? I plan on consulting with the owner of Hudson Park Bait and Tackle for guidance.

Another idea is to fish elsewhere. As I've written before, I tend to get too complacent at times and keep trying the same areas over and over again rather than exploring new waters.

Around 3 PM, I gave up. I dumped the worms in the water and packed up.

Still, it was worth shaking off the winter rust.

Sleep

2008-11-30T15:28:00.011-05:00

"I shall return."--General Douglas MacArthur (March 11, 1942)

It's that time of year. With winter fast approaching, it's too cold to fish, and local bait stores won't be carrying any fresh bunker or bloodworms until the spring. It's time for me to give up fishing and head into hibernation.

I'm glad I was able to salvage a little something from my annus horribilis and catch a few fish.

I am grateful for my religious faith. Among many things, it gives me hope: the belief (perhaps an assurance) in the possibility that no matter how bad things get or how bleak they appear to be, they can get better, obviously with prayer and effort, sooner or later. (Notice I didn't write will. I consider myself a realist and believe very strongly in Original Sin.) Indeed, hope is one of the things that has kept me going for the last several decades and keeps me going.

Anyway, Merry Christmas and see you next spring.

The Catch(es) of the Day

2008-11-14T19:44:00.006-05:00

A striped bass:

A carp:

A perch:

Thank you, St. Peter.

I Knew the Moment Had Arrived

2008-11-14T18:11:00.009-05:00

Today, I followed through on a pledge I recently made to try the Hudson River in Riverdale before shutting down for the winter. I picked up some bait at Jack's. Unlike the last few times, I made a choice that greatly affected the outcome of today's trip. In addition to clams, I also got a box of bloodworms.

I got to Riverdale around noon. I fished here only once before back in May with no luck. There were a lot of cars in the Metro-North parking lot, but I managed to find a spot. It cost me $3.25 to park for the day. (On weekends, parking is free.)

There were no people on the promenade. With the exception of a few commuters taking the train, the area was practically deserted. I used three poles (more on this later). I believe I started out using clams on two lines, and a blood worm on the third.

The weather was around 60 degrees. It was very overcast and foggy. It previously rained, and the area was still wet. The tide was going out.

Not too long ago, I prayed a novena to St. Peter, the patron saint of fisherman, asking to catch at least one fish before I closed down for the winter. Today and three fishing trips later, my prayer was answered.

Deciding to buy some bloodworms turned out to be the smartest thing I've done in a long time. I caught three fish--each a different species--and all with bloodworms. I did have a couple of bites with clams, but I seemed to have nonstop action with bloodworms.

The first fish I caught was a striped bass. It measured nine inches. I was so elated that I finally caught something this season and after so much personal disappointment. I thanked St. Peter for his intervention, and I threw it back.

The second fish came a short time time later. Judging by its barbels, the "whisker" near the mouth, I thought it was a catfish. But it wasn't. Instead, the fish belonged to the carp family. Although it was a foot long, it didn't weigh much. I threw it back.

My third fish was a perch. It was only seven inches. I also returned him to the river.

I came close to catching two other fish. One was either a carp or a catfish. But my line got tangled with another one of my lines, and it managed to get unhooked. The strength of the current created a problem, causing my lines to overlap. The next time I try this spot, I'll just bring two poles. I lost the second fish when my line snapped.

I ran out of bloodworms and had to rely on clams. The fish then seemed to lose interest. In the last few weeks, I no doubt overestimated the appeal of clams and underestimated the appeal of bloodworms. In recent years, I have shied away from bloodworms since they seemed to attract only perch and crabs, which successfully stripped them from the hook.

My success with bloodworms has tempted me to try them at least once at Five Islands Park in New Rochelle before closing down for the winter. Maybe the fish there would find the bloodworms more appetizing than clams.

Today, I also learned an important lesson: Never fish with only one type of bait.

Today's success (and the joy that came with it) was exactly what I needed. I haven't felt this good in a long time. I hope and pray that I can build on it and mark the beginning of a major turnaround in my professional, personal, and fishing life.

Can You See Your Days Blighted By Darkness?

2008-11-03T20:51:00.006-05:00

Today, I returned to Five Islands Park in New Rochelle. I was eager to try the area for the third straight time since conditions seemed perfect. It was a beautiful overcast day. The temperature was mild. There was no wind, and the water was still.

Unfortunately, I didn't catch anything.

I bought some clam bait at Jack's. I started fishing at 12:30, about an hour before high tide. I did manage one bite. Since the park closes at dusk, I stopped fishing at 4:45 PM.

Another fisherman, who was using a lure and fished in different spots, came over to talk to me. He said he didn't have any luck either. I guess there's no point coming back here until spring.

I would like to try the Hudson River in Riverdale a couple of times before shutting down for the winter.

And Everything Under the Sun

2008-10-31T21:19:00.010-04:00

Today, I made my second trip to Five Islands Park in New Rochelle. Jack's didn't have any fresh bunker. Instead, I bought two cups of unfrozen clams.

I got to the dock around 10:45 AM, about 90 minutes or so before hide tide. It was a bright, sunny day with a slight breeze. The temperature was perfect. I used three poles.

Like last time, I didn't catch anything. But unlike last time, I did have a few bites.

I tried my usual tricks: reeling in the lines to draw attention to the bait, checking the bait and recasting the lines, and replacing the bait. I guess the fish weren't really hungry or already in hibernation.

I stayed until 5:15 or so. I passed the time listening to my pocket radio and smoking a cigar.

Still, it was a nice day, and the experience was quite pleasant.

I'm glad I went.

Me and My Shadow Fishing on a Friday Afternoon

2008-10-31T21:17:00.005-04:00

Lost in Thought and Lost in Time

2008-10-24T22:24:00.008-04:00

After nearly three months of silence, I have returned. I wish I had more to report, but I don't. I've been getting my rest and slowly climbing out of the abyss. (But I still have a long way to go.)

Two days ago, I washed my fishing poles for the time in years. I also respooled them. Today, I decided to try Five Islands Park in New Rochelle for the first time. I purchased a parking sticker last August for 2008 from the City of New Rochelle Department of Parks and Recreation at City Hall. Five Islands Park is right across the sound from Hudson Park, where I fished several times and lost a big one back in April.

I explored the park yesterday and found a floating dock that stretches out over the water. A metal footbridge connects the dock to the land (one of the five islands). A great advantage is that since it's a floating dock, it rises and falls with the tide.

I missed high tide, which was about 8:45 AM. I took a drive to Jack's to pick up some bait. Whenever I went fishing this late in the past, the bait shops usually didn't have any fresh bunker. I got to Jack's at 11:15 or so. Big John, the owner of Jack's, told me they were expecting a shipment by noon. Since I preferred to use fresh bunker, I decided to wait. I just read the Wall Street Journal in my car. When the bait was finally delivered, I bought two fresh bunker.

I got to the dock and started fishing at 12:45. The tide was going out. The sun was out. It was cool and pleasant. There was a slight breeze. When I explored the area yesterday, the wind was blowing really hard. Today, I just brought two poles with me instead of my customary three.

I didn't get a single bite. I recast the lines several times. I replaced the bait perhaps twice. Nothing was biting. I saw some fishermen over in the parking lot at Hudson Park. They gave up and left around 1 PM.

I passed the time walking on the dock and listening to my radio. Around 2:30 or so, the wind started to pick up. I gave up at 3 PM.

Despite not catching anything, the experience was pleasant. I'm glad I went and got a chance to shake off some of the rust.

I really would like to catch one fish before shutting down for the winter. If the weather doesn't get too cold, I'm sure I'll come back a few times over the next few weeks, especially at high tide. In 1996 or 1997, I went fishing on a chilly November day at Mamaroneck Harbor and caught a decent-sized striper. So there's still hope that I might catch something this late into the fishing season.

And the Worms Ate Into His Brain

2008-08-03T01:27:00.010-04:00

The jury brought in a guilty verdict
And the judge he sentenced me to death
Midnight in a prison storeroom
With leather straps across my chest
Sheriff, when the man pulls that switch, sir
And snaps my poor head back
You make sure my pretty baby is sittin' right there on my lap

They declared me unfit to live
Said into that great void my soul'd be hurled
They wanted to know why I did what I did
Well, sir, I guess there's just a meanness in this world

--Bruce Springsteen, "Nebraska"

It's official. I've hit rock bottom.

My gradual, downward spiral began about 12 months ago: 1) My girlfriend dumps me via email; 2) My health takes a nosedive; and 3) My writing career goes on life support. Last week, I lost my day job. (For months, I often listened to Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska" on my iPod during my morning commute, a reflection of the nihilistic despair I've been feeling.)

Last Wednesday, the management (which didn't give me a real chance to heal) just took me out back like an old mule and put a slug in the back of my head. I would have preferred to go out like this:

I plan on spending the time off healing my broken-down body, getting some real rest, going to a few Yankee games, doing some writing, and catching a few fish.

Disabled List

2008-07-01T17:58:00.002-04:00

No doubt the three of you who follow my fishing adventures on a regular basis must be wondering where I've been in the month of June.

Obviously, this fishing season is not what I had hoped for. Indeed, I still haven't caught a single fish. I've been occupied with work and a number of medical issues. Yes, I am one ailing fisherman. Through the pain and everything that comes with it (i.e. fatigue, depression, and a fear of what else could go wrong in my increasingly chaotic life), a glimmer of hope has emerged. Yesterday, I started a new treatment for a chronic illness that has dogged me for 10 years now. I thought it was under control, but I began to suffer a serious relapse last year. Along with the treatment, I'm trying to take better care of myself. So keep praying.

I do have some time off in July, and if I'm up to it, I may do some fishing.

Now Matter How He Tried, He Could Not Break Free

2008-05-26T00:43:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, I made my return to the Hudson River after two years. Instead of Dobbs Ferry, I went to Riverdale, here in the Bronx. I went to the Riverdale Riverfront Promendade, accessible through the Riverdale Metro-North train station. I scouted the area a few weeks ago, and it seemed like a nice place to fish. The promenade is just a small strip of land, with three viewing areas with park benches and one platform with a small concrete wall.

I picked up two fresh bunker and three frozen herring at Jack's. I got there around 12:45, about one hour before high tide. Since it was the weekend, there was free parking in the Metro North lot and plenty of spaces.

It was sunny and warm. There was little wind, and the river was calm. I didn't intend to stay for an extended period since this was my first time fishing in this spot, and I wanted to try it out.

Using only two rods today, I didn't have a single bite. I reeled in the lines to draw attention to the bait. I recast the lines a couple of times. I changed the bait once. No luck.

There were people fishing in the next area. They were quite noisy. I heard them a catch a couple of fish, including a striped bass. I believe I heard them say they were using blood worms and nightcrawlers. So there are fish in this area.

I packed in at 3 PM. I drove home and listened to the rest of the Yankee game.

When I got to White Plains Road, I looked for my glasses on the passenger seat and couldn't find them. I then realized that I probably left them on the bench where had I put them.

So I drove back to retrive them. Luckily, they were still there.

Today, I came close to not going fishing. I'm glad I went, despite not catching anything.

Although I'm off tommorrow for Memorial Day, I won't be going fishing. I have a few things to take care of.

We'll see what the next weekend brings. (I still haven't caught my first fish of the season.)

Is It True You Beat Your Fists on the Floor?

2008-05-01T17:52:00.004-04:00

Eight days ago (Wednesday, April 23), I returned to Hudson Park in New Rochelle in search of striped bass and flounder. I was on vacation. That was a fishing trip I will no doubt remember for the rest of my life.

I started fishing around 11:30 or so, about two hours before high tide. I had three lines in the water, using fresh bunker and herring for bait. For the first couple of hours, I didn't even have a single bite. To draw attention to the bait, I reeled in the lines a little and soon recast them. A few times, I even replaced the bait.

I don't remember the exact the time, but I finally got a hit. When I started to reel the line in, I realized I had something sizable. I caught a glimpse of the fish as it neared the surface of the water, firmly hooked. It looked like it was at least 20 inches. As it got closer to the shore, I realized it was a striped bass.

My effort attracted the attention of the older gentleman fishing next to me. He came over to watch. Another man who was sitting in his car also took notice. As I have written before, it's about 10 feet from the parking lot, where I fish, down to the water. I managed to get the fish right below me at the water's edge. It looked like it might have been perhaps two feet long, maybe an inch or two longer. If you recall, the biggest fish I ever caught was a 22-inch striped bass in the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry four years ago.

As you can guess, when I tried to pull it up, the line snapped. The striper disappeared below the water. I was disappointed, but not emotionally wrecked. My mistake was not pulling it up on some nearby rocks, which slide into the water. If I managed to get the fish up on the rocks, which are smooth, I might have been able to pull it up, measure it properly, and photograph it.

The older gentleman, who had no luck fishing, consoled me. At least my effort provided some thrill to an otherwise disappointing fishing experience. I told him, "I'll remember this for the rest of my life." (Of course, should I ever catch something as big, I doubt the experience of last Wednesday will be as significant as it now is.)

I stayed until 3:30. I didn't have another bite. I was also a little tired.

However, I did profit a little by acquiring more knowledge about the area. The gentleman told me I could also fish across the water at Five Islands Park, which was a small, metallic fishing dock. The city of New Rochelle owns the park, and I already have my fishing license and New Rochelle fishing permit. It's something to try next time.

Get You on Your Feet Again

2008-04-14T16:57:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, I went up to Hudson Park in New Rochelle. I checked the tide charts, and high tide would be in the early evening. I went to Jack's. They didn't have any fresh bunker, only frozen. I bought two frozen bunker and three frozen herring. It actually worked out. I got to Jack's relatively early, maybe 3 PM. I drove back home to pick up my folding chair, which I had left behind. I also got something to eat.

I got to Hudson Park a little past 4 PM. By 4:15, I started fishing. The weather was overcast. It was also extremely windy and colder than normal. The wind knocked over my chair and fishing poles several times. I didn't see anyone else fishing.

As it turned out, I didn't have a single bite. I spent my time walking back and forth, listening to my iPod, and even cleaning the inside of my car.

The highlight of the day was being asked numerous times by passing motorists and some kids across the water if I had any luck. It seems that many people find fishermen interesting.

I reeled in the lines to draw attention to the bait several times. I recast the lines a couple of times. I also replaced the bait on all three rods. Yet the fish (and the crabs that often trick me into thinking I have a bite) stayed away. Was it the wind, the cold, or both?

I had planned to stay past 8 PM. Instead, I threw out the remaining bait at 6:30 and packed up. I wanted to go home, so I could watch the Yankee game.

Although I didn't catch anything, I'm glad I went. It was important for me to start fishing this year and get back into the habit.

We'll see what the next weekend and the next week (when I will be on vacation) will bring.

Return (Once Again) of a Man Called Horse

2008-04-03T11:24:00.004-04:00

I have returned.

I renewed my fishing license last Saturday. I hope to start fishing this weekend. I was actually ready to do some fishing last Sunday, but it was too cold.

In case you're wondering, I'm doing a little better, but I still have a way to go before I pronounce myself physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. (I have no doubt that some fishing and catching a few fish will help with the healing process.) Anyway, thank you for your prayers.

In the off-season, I did a little exploring. I discovered Huguenot Lake in New Rochelle. I also learned of a spot in Riverdale (in the western Bronx), the Riverdale Riverfront Promenade & Fishing Access Site, where you can fish the Hudson River.

I hope to have a good season.

There's Someone in My Head, But It's Not Me

2007-11-11T22:40:00.000-05:00

The three of you who regularly read my blog have been probably wondering where I've been the last five months. No, I didn't drown accidentally. I didn't take up golf.

I did go fishing three more times since the June 11 post. I just posted the account of my July 2 trip. A few days after that, I tried the Esopus Creek in Ulster County. I went fishing for only 30 minutes. I kept losing the lures on the rocks in the shallow water. I just gave up in frustration.

In August, I went on a party boat for the first time since 1981 or so. I went with my two cousins and several other people. The trip was organized as part of my cousin's bachelor party. We went out on Jamaica Bay, off Howard Beach in Queens. We were out for four hours. The fishing all around wasn't that great. I didn't catch anything. Still, I had fun.

So why didn't I post anything since mid-June? If you recall, I didn't even start fishing until mid-May, missing the early, and for me, the best part of the season.

For me, it's been a very tough year. I've been distracted, emotionally drained, frequently tired, burned out, and hurting physically. I've also had a few long bouts of depression. My job performance and freelance work have both suffered notably. I guess 2007 is a year I would prefer to forget. My life has become a series of Pink Floyd songs.

So now, in mid-November, it's too cold to go fishing. I put my gear away last month. I plan on spending the next few months addressing these personal issues and trying to improve my physical and mental health. I will also scout new areas where I can fish. I hope to bounce back and start fishing again in mid or late March. So keep me in your prayers. I can use them.

So see you next spring.

The (Only) Catch of the Day

2007-11-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

This is the first sea robin I ever caught. It was less than a foot long. Despite its ugliness, I'm glad I caught something. I threw it back.

I'll See You on the Dark Side of the Moon

2007-11-11T22:17:00.001-05:00

On Monday, July 2, I decided to finally experiment with a little night fishing. I got three fresh bunker and three frozen herring from Jack’s, and I went back to Hudson Park.

I started fishing at 7 PM when the sun was still out. I didn’t check the tide charts, and I got there at low tide. Sections of the marina were practically dry, and you could see the mud.

I had a few bites but no luck at first. I was thinking that the crabs were toying with me again.

It eventually got dark. I wasn’t really worried about safety. The New Rochelle Police Department’s Harbor Unit is stationed right near the parking lot, and the police often make their rounds. There were also other fishermen and the usual park visitors.

Last time I fished here, I noticed a lot of fish jumping out of the water like they were in a frenzy as the sun was going down. I didn’t see that this time. Maybe it was the tide.

I looked for the moon in the night sky, but it wasn’t there. The moon, a full one, finally creeped over the horizon.

I often reeled in my lines to check the bait. Often, the hooks were clean. Other times, the bait was partially eaten. Since I had plenty of bait, I often replaced it on the hooks. (The ice in the bucket preserved the bunker and the herring for hours.)

As the night dragged on, I got frustrated. I asked God to let me catch just one fish.

God answered my prayer. At one point, I decided to check one line. As I was reeling it in, I realized I had hooked something. I didn’t feel like a fish. Maybe it was a crab, an eel, or garbage. When I pulled it out, I saw that I did a catch a fish. It was probably the ugliest one I ever caught. It had these black eyes and large fins that seemed like wings. It took me a few days to learn that I caught a sea robin. I threw him back.

I had more bites but no more luck. One fisherman got lucky and caught a 22-inch striped bass, which he returned to the water.

Around 11:30 PM, I decided to call it a night.

I’ll definitely try night fishing in Hudson Park again soon, but at high tide.

Fisherman's Note: I wrote this perhaps a few days later when my recollections were still fresh. I saved it on my laptop, but I never posted it until now.

The Catch(es) of the Day

2007-06-11T01:00:00.001-04:00

I've caught a couple of crabs before, but this is certainly the biggest one I ever caught. I didn't get a chance to measure it, but its span seemed to be about a foot wide. I returned this monster to the deep.

This is the second striped bass I caught this year. I caught him when it was practically dark. This one measured 18 inches. I eventually sent him on his way.

Now I Got That Feeling Once Again

2007-06-11T00:26:00.001-04:00

In the afternoon (on Sunday), I headed up to Hudson Park. I went to City Island to pick up some bait at Jack's Bait and Tackle. I spent about 20 minutes looking for a parking place. I finally parked illegally and left my car's blinkers on, indicating to any police or traffic enforcement officers that I would return. I got two fresh bunker. They didn't have any herring.

The area in the parking lot where I usually fish was crowded with fishermen. So I went to a different side.

I started fishing around 5 PM. The tide was coming in. It was overcast and pleasant. There was no wind. I invoked St. Peter's intercession to help me catch a big fish.

I didn't have a single bite the first couple of hours. I checked and replaced the bait periodically. I put the bunker in ice water to preserve them.

At one point, I checked one of my poles. I hooked something but it wasn't fish. It turned out to be a black bag. There was a mussel attached to it.

A short time later, I hooked something else. I thought it was more garbage. But it turned out to be a large crab. It had a head as large as my fist. Its span was about a foot wide, give or take a couple of inches. It got tangled up in my line. I held my pole over the guard rail and cut the line to set it free.

For years, crabs have been stripping off my bait and deluding me into thinking I had a bite. Today, I evened the score by catching their king.

If you like to fish alone and in peace, Hudson Park is not the place to go. A number of people showed up by sundown. One of them blasted his car radio. Despite the distraction, they were very nice and quite curious about fishing.

Around 8 PM or so, I got a big bite. I scrambled to my pole. But whatever it was let go or managed to unhook itself.

As it gradually got dark, I noticed a lot of fish jumping in the water. I decided to try an experiment. I retrived one line and removed the sinker. I attached a bobber to keep the bait off the bottom. No fish went for it.

As my day was winding down, I had one last big bite. I reeled it in. I pulled it up into the parking lot. It was a striped bass. I quickly put it in the bucket. "Thank you, Lord!" I said loudly, drawing the amusement of a nearby couple. This one measured 18 inches. The locals were impressed. I removed the hook and threw it back.

I stowed my gear away and went home. I had a great day, to which I am thankful to God and St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen.

My late-in-the-evening success reinforced the idea that, next time, I should try fishing in Hudson Park from 8 PM to 11 PM.

Wade's Bait and Tackle (Valhalla)

2007-05-27T22:10:00.004-04:00

This is Wade's Bait and Tackle new location in Valhalla. It is on 36 Broadway, not too far from the Kensico Dam.

UPDATE: Wade's Bait and Tackle is now located at 7 W. Stevens Avenue in Hawthorne, New York. The new phone number is (914)-747-0762.

No Navigator To Find My Way Home

2007-05-27T21:45:00.001-04:00

This afternoon, I went up to Kensico. I haven't been there since last July. I left my home around 3 PM. The challenge was to find Wade's Bait and Tackle at its now not-so-new location in Valhalla. Wade's closes at 4 PM on Sundays.

I managed to find it easily, near the Kensico Dam, and got there at 3:50. I bought a dozen sawbellies. The lady at the shop gave me a receipt for the sawbellies and told me to keep it to show any DEP personnel. Apparently, there has been some health problem with some types of sawbellies.

Before going to my usual spot, I saw in my car, listening to the end of the Yankee game. I couldn't believe they got swept and are now 12 1/2 games behind the first place Boston Red Sox.

I got to the rock at 4:30. At first, I couldn't my little bait net. So I had to reach into the bucket and get the sawbelly by hand. I had two poles in the water.

The sun was shining bright. It was warm. There was little or no wind. The water was still. I lost about four or five sawbellies while casting. They just flew off the hook.

I later developed a problem with one my poles. When I tried to cast my line, it just dropped after about 10 feet like it got stuck or tangled. The line in the reel didn't seem tangled. I tried several times, but the same thing kept happening. I then put the pole aside. I just didn't feel like respooling the whole thing.

I stuck with live bait, and I never used Krocodiles or other lures. I just laid back on the rock, resting my head on my tackle box.

I had a couple of bites, but I didn't catch anything.

By 8:15 PM, I was winding down. I actually had one more bite. I held my fishing rod in anticipation, but nothing. I dumped the sawbellies that were left in the water.

It was disappointing that I didn't catch anything. Still, the experience relaxed me.

I Knew the Waiting Had Begun

2007-05-19T22:46:00.000-04:00

After last week's success, I decided to try Hudson Park again. It was overcast, and the temperature was in the low 50s.

The bait shop didn't have any fresh bunker. I got two frozen bunker instead. The nice lady told me that they would thaw quicky if I put them in salt water while they were still in the bags. I also got a dozen worms.

I started fishing around 12:45, about 90 minutes or so before high tide. It started to drizzle. It was cold. I wished I brought my jacket. At times, the wind blew hard, knocking over my poles several times.

I tried the worms first but had no luck. At 1:15, I was able to switch to bunker.

When the rain got worse, I took refuge in the car.

I had three bites but nothing hooked. I recast the lines several times and changed the bait once, but I didn't catch anything.

I asked an old fisherman who was on the other side of the lot if he had any luck. He said no.

I guess it wasn't our day. Around 4 PM, I gave up.

The (Only) Catch of the Day

2007-05-13T22:34:00.000-04:00

This was the only fish I managed to catch today. This striper measured 17 inches. I threw him back into the Long Island Sound.

(Thank you St. Peter.)

Low Tide/High Tide

2007-05-13T22:20:00.000-04:00

I took this shot around 3:30 PM. You can see how low the tide was.

By 8 PM, it was almost high tide.

Coming Back to Life

2007-05-13T21:34:00.001-04:00

Today, I went fishing for the first time in 2007. The weather, personal issues, work, and a family emergency (that was favorably resolved) delayed the start of my fishing season.

I went up to Hudson Park in New Rochelle. Around 2 PM, I was napping, and I came close to canceling the trip. But I really needed to start fishing. I got a large coffee at the gas station to wake me up.

I picked up two bunker at Hudson Park Bait & Tackle. The gentleman told me they didn't have "fresh" bunker. I forget the exact term he used. I was grateful it wasn't frozen.

I started fishing around 3:15 PM, not too long after low tide. It was sunny and a little windy. A couple of times, the wind blew my fishing rods over.

I had no action the first couple of hours. I attributed it to low tide and the wind. As the tide came in, I start getting a couple of bites. The gentleman at the bait shop told me that "evening fishing" was excellent.

At one point, I prayed to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, to allow me to catch at least one fish. He delivered. Perhaps around 5:30 PM, I finally had a big bite. It nearly pulled my rod in the water. As I was reeling it in, it was clear that it was a big fish. I managed to pull it up into the parking lot. I'm lucky my line didn't snap.

I caught a striped bass. It measured 17 inches. It's the largest one I've caught since 2004, when I caught a 22-inch one out of the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry. I threw it back.

I had a few more bites, but didn't catch anything else. I left at 8:15 PM.

For me, just catching one relatively big fish always makes a fishing trip a success.

Return of a Man Called Horse

2007-04-24T13:31:00.000-04:00

I had hoped to start fishing again in late March. Although it's almost May, I still haven't been to the water.

Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been cooperating. I took vacation last week, and we got clobbered with a Nor'easter and some colder-than-usual weather.

I've also been a little tired and distracted by work and personal issues.

I hope my mood and fortunes improve by this weekend.

On the Turning Away

2007-04-24T12:02:00.000-04:00

This is a vehicle bridge that leads to some waterfront area, on the Hudson River, in Dobbs Ferry. (The address of the property may be 145 Palisade Street.) I fished there for 14 years from 1992 to 2006. Now the area is closed, which means no more fishing.

Perhaps the owner, whoever he is, got tired of all the garbage people left in the area and carried out his threat to seal off access. Last year, however, I heard a rumor that the owner was looking to sell the property. It seems that this is what happened. There were other businesses and people who also used the area for years. I guess they got evicted.

Over the years, I have enjoyed some great fishing at the dock. I will certainly miss it. Maybe the situation is temporary, and fishermen will be welcome back there one day.

Then again, nothing lasts forever.

Why Can't I Meet Women Like This?

2007-04-24T10:57:00.000-04:00

The visually stunning young lady with the beautiful smile is Miss Erin Ehlers, who graced the cover of the Long Island Metro edition of The Fisherman (November 30, 2006).

She is certainly every young, single fisherman's dream.

All That's To Come

2006-10-15T13:49:00.000-04:00

As the weather gets noticeably colder, many fishermen have to decide when to put their gear away for the winter.

For me, the time is now.

I didn't get do everything I wanted, but it's a been a good fishing season. I enjoyed success fishing the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry, Long Island Sound in New Rochelle, and the Kensico Reservoir.

Obviously, I won't be posting anything until late March or early April.

So I'll see you then.

All That Is Now

2006-09-17T20:16:00.000-04:00

The three of you who regulary read my blog are probably wondering where I've been in the last five weeks. No, I haven't stowed away my fishing gear for the winter. I've been a little tired, distracted, and occupied with personal matters. Since I don't want to bore you, I won't go into details.

Yesterday (Saturday), I woke up early, and I headed up to Hudson Park in New Rochelle. I stopped into Hudson Park Bait & Tackle. Unfortunately, the shop owner had no fresh bunker. So I bought two frozen bunker. It would be a while before they thawed out, so I had breakfast at the International House of Pancakes in Mamaroneck.

I was expecting a cloudy day, but the sun was out. It was pleasant and mild.

I started fishing around 11 AM. A few seconds after putting my first line in the water, I got some action. Although it didn't hook, I became hopeful. I was thinking I might have as a great a day fishing as I had back in July when I caught five fish up here.

As it turned out, I didn't catch anything.

I had lots of bites but nothing got hooked. I kept losing the bait. It must have been the crabs. I thought they just went after worms.

For most of the day, I was using Eagle Claw hooks. I switched to Mustad hooks, but I still had no luck.

I was also annoyed by a couple of bees that took an interest in the bait and my fishing rods.

By 1 PM, I ran out of bait. So I went home.

A Weekend of Rest

2006-08-13T20:25:00.000-04:00

No fishing this weekend. It was bright and sunny both days although less hot. I had some personal business to attend to, and I also needed some rest.

We'll see what next weekend brings.

"I Don't Know If It Was Divine Intervention or the Kinship of all Living Things, But I Tell You, Jerry, At That Moment, I Was a Marine Biologist"

2006-08-09T23:22:00.000-04:00

A manatee, a large aquatic mammal, has been spotted several times in the Hudson River. It was seen off the coast of lower Manhattan and as far north as Westchester.

Manatees, which are classified as an endangered species, usually eat plants, so they pose no threats to swimmers, boaters, or fishermen.

Still, given the manatee's enormous size, I wonder if it's spooking the fish in the Hudson River.

Something Else I Never Thought I'd See While Fishing

2006-08-06T21:46:00.000-04:00

At one point, I turned my head left and noticed a seaplane on the river. I never saw it land.

It headed to shore and disappeared from view.

Maybe a half an hour later, it came back out and took off. (My fishing line is clearly visible in both photos.)

Condition Grounded But Determined to Try

2006-08-06T20:43:00.000-04:00

Today, I returned to Dobbs Ferry for the first time in over a month.

I picked up three fresh bunker at Jack's. I got to the dock around 1:30 or so. I was shocked to see how dirty the area has become. Beer boxes, plastic bottles, and other garbage were strewn nearly everywhere. A few months ago, the individual who owns the property nailed a metal sign to a tree warning visitors not to litter or access to the area would be closed. (Some dumbass wrote, "You're Bluffing," on the sign with a magic marker.) I don't think it's too much to ask to make an effort to keep the area clean. Also, garbage attracts rats and other animals that can disrupt the joy of fishing.

It was past low tide. It was a little hot but not unbearable. There were a few clouds in the sky, but the sun was shining bright. There was no wind, and the water was calm.

A few seconds after I put my first line in the water and set the rod down in place, I noticed it tipping back and forth, indicating that a fish was attacking the bait. I thought this was going to be a very good day for fishing.

It wasn't.

Early on, I had a lot of bites, but nothing got hooked. I kept losing the bait. I got my line caught several times. Unlike yesterday, I went through the bunker fast. I also noticed that the bunker gradually deteriorated in the heat. My last one got mushy, and it was difficult to attach to the hook. Next time, I should keep it in water to keep it fresh longer.

A short time after I started, a couple of other fishermen showed up. One of them caught about four small perch using bloodworms. (The other guy just sat down and watched his friend.) They left after about an hour.

The only exciting thing that happened was that a seaplane landed in the water downriver and went to shore. It later came back out and took off.

By 4 PM, the bites stopped. I was nearly out of bait.

I finished very early around 5 PM. I guess this just wasn't my day or my weekend. (Maybe I am deservedly punished for many recent sins.)

I packed up and drove home, reeking of bunker.

Unladened, Empty, and Turned to Stone

2006-08-05T21:58:00.001-04:00

After a two week layoff, I went fishing today. I went up to Hudson Park in New Rochelle, where I caught five fish two weeks ago.

I picked up three fresh bunker at Jack's. I had some personal business to take care on City Island, so I went to Jack's top pick up bait. Unfortunately, they were out of frozen herring.

I started fishing around 5:20. The tide was coming in. The sun was out. Temperature-wise, it was quite pleasant. The heatwave passed. A slight breeze made it feel cooler.

I had three lines in the water, all with fresh bunker. I waited for a bite. And waited.

I didn't get a single bite all day. I passed the time perusing Toby Young's memoir, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (2002).

I was fishing in the same spot I was when I first tried Hudson Park one month ago and had only one bite. Two weeks ago, when I caught five fish, I was fishing no more than 30-40 feet away. Today, that spot was occupied when I got there.

I didn't notice anyone else catching anything.

What went wrong today but right two weeks ago? Was it the rain and clouds? Is there some sort of structure under the water where I cast my lines two weeks ago and where fish congregate? Was it cooler? Was it because I fished in the late morning? Did the fish happen to be very hungry?

I recast my lines several times. I changed the bait on each line once. I didn't even get through one bunker.

I gave up at 8:20 PM. I packed up and went back to City Island, where I had some dinner.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Middle of a Heatwave

2006-07-30T19:59:00.000-04:00

No fishing this weekend.

Another heatwave is baking the New York area. I just didn't feel like fishing in the searing heat in the bright sunshine. Anyway, on both days, I had a few things to do.

The heatwave is expected to pass by the end of the week, so I will definitely go fishing next weekend.

Visitors

2006-07-23T23:03:00.000-04:00

These swans stopped by to take a bath. (I guess the two white swans adopted the seven gray ones.)

Yesterday's Catch

2006-07-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

This was the first thing I caught, a striped bass. It looked like it was about a foot long. (A note outside of Hudson Park Bait and Tackle reports that striped bass fishing is "excellent.")

The black thing in the lower left-hand corner is my foot.

There's No Sensation to Compare With This

2006-07-23T21:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I went up to Hudson Park in New Rochelle. I fished there for the first time less than three weeks ago and didn't catch anything.

I bought two fresh bunker and a dozen sandworms from Hudson Park Bait and Tackle. I asked the nice lady there for some advice. She said that fishing worms off the bottom would attract crabs.

I started fishing around High Noon. It was cool and very overcast. The forecast called for rain. The tide was going out. At first, I used only two rods because there were some people fishing near me. I used bunker on one line and a sandworm on the other.

In my first hour, I didn't get any bites. It soon began to rain really hard. I retreated into the car and waited for the downpour to pass. (The same thing happened last time as well.) Eventually it stopped, and I got out. The rain came back a short time later, so I went back into the car.

I seriously thought about cutting the day short and going home. But I decided to stay. It stopped raining, and I could finally fish.

At one point, in frustration and despair, I asked God to let me catch at least one fish.

He answered.

Around 2 PM or so, the fish started biting. The first thing I caught was a striped bass with a piece of bunker. It was about a foot long. I didn't get a chance to measure it. I impressed a couple of kids fishing near me with lures. I threw it back.

I kept losing the worms. I would check the line, and the bait was gone completely. It must have been the crabs just like the lady said. So I switched to bunker. The people next to me eventually left, so I got to use my third rod.

I caught four more fish. They were each about a foot long. I don't know exactly what they were. They were green with a yellow band around their eyes. I didn't get a chance to photograph them. They might have been perch, but they were longer than the ones I've usually caught in the Hudson River and the Potomac.

All five fish put up a fight. When I was reeling them in, I thought they were much larger. At one point, I lost a fish when the hook broke off the line.

I fished in the parking lot. There's about a 10-foot drop to the water. I had to pull all five fish up into the air to get them out of the water. I'm concerned that if I hook something really big, the line could snap.

I used 17-pound test. A few weeks ago, I wondered whether it was too heavy. I guess not.

Around 3:30 or so, I called it a day. I just ran out of bait.

I made a couple of mistakes. I couldn't measure my catch because I left the tape measure in my car. I also should have photographed the four mystery fish. But I was in a rush to get the hooks out of the fish's mouths and get them back into the water quickly.

It was a great afternoon for which I am thankful to God. I'll definitely try Hudson Park more often now that I know there are lots of fish waiting to be caught.

Tired of Lying in the Sunshine

2006-07-16T20:42:00.000-04:00

Today, I had planned to explore Wampus Pond in Armonk. It offers boat rentals at hourly and daily rates. But the thought of spending hours roasting in an aluminium boat in the hot sun in 90+ degrees didn't appeal to me.

So I decided to go to Kensico. The trees would provide some shade. I picked up a dozen sawbellies at Wade's. I also bought a new fishing rod there. This morning, I found one of my trout rods broken. I have to get it fixed.

I got up at the rock around 11 AM. It was hot, and the sun was shining bright in the sky.

In almost four hours of fishing, the only thing I managed to catch was seaweed. I didn't have a single bite. I should have remembered the advice of the fishermen I got last time and try Kenisco only at daybreak.

In mid-afternoon, the wind picked up. So I gave up.

I took a quick drive to Wampus Pond to check it out. I found it easily. Earlier the gentleman at Wade's told me sawbellies wouldn't work because of the weeds. He advised nightcrawlers, shiners (minnows), rubber worms, and frogs. I noticed a lot of lilly pads near the shore.

The disadvantage is that boats have to be returned by 5 PM, and boats are only available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I know I'll try Wampus Pond at least once before Labor Day.

While driving back, I noticed my glasses were missing. I couldn't find them in the car. So I returned to Kenisco, where I found them on the rock.

At Golden Kensico

2006-07-07T03:54:00.000-04:00

Catching one decent-sized fish and also seeing this beautiful sight in the late evening made this truly a great day.

Thank you again, God.

The Only Catch of the Day

2006-07-07T03:48:00.000-04:00

This is the only fish I managed to catch during my six hours at Kensico. This trout (I think) measures 14 inches. It's the biggest trout I've caught at Kensico in 10 years. I nearly lost it when the line snapped, but I managed to retrive it before it fell into the water. It was a welcome change from all seaweed I hauled in and scattered all over the rock.

All Alone in the Dream of the Proud

2006-07-07T01:34:00.001-04:00

After Wednesday's misadventure, I decided to try Kensico again.

I stopped at Wade's to pick up the bait. The young gentleman there said he finally got some "monsters," large sawbellies which should attract bigger fish. He suggested using egg sinkers exclusively and not bother with a bobber.

I made my way to the rock. I had two lines in the water by 2:30.

Then the wait began. I wasn't getting any bites.

A few times, I reeled in the lines to check the bait and recast. In about six hours of fishing, I caught enough seaweed and grass to create salads for an entire wedding party.

In the last couple of times I fished Kensico, my sawbellies died quickly. The gentleman at Wade's told me they need constant oxygen. To keep them alive and able to swim in the reservoir, I minimized the amount of time I took in getting them out of the bucket, attaching them to the hook, and casting them in the water. A couple of times, I even put them back in the bucket while they were still hooked to my line as I made some adjustments. Today, they seemed to last longer. I don't know if it was due to their larger size or my caution (or both).

The weather was cooperative. It was mostly cloudy with a slight breeze. The temperature was a little cooler, and that made it more pleasant.

Later in the day, I tried a Krocodile lure. I must have cast it at least 15 times before it got snagged on the bottom.

As I waited for a bite, I passed the time by reading the Wall Street Journal, which is delivered every morning on my doorstep, and the New York Post. I also laid back on the rock, looked up at the sky, and did some thinking.

The day got really frustrating. The gentleman at Wade's had told me that the best place to fish from shore is by the bridge. I was thinking that, next time, I should switch and try the bridge.

I saw at least three rowboats. In one boat, three fishermen made their way near the dam. Sound seems to carry well in the reservoir. Judging from their glee, which carried hundreds of feet to where I was, I could tell they had a better day fishing than I did.

At one point, I asked God, the Virgin Mary, and St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, to catch just one fish before I went home. I even said one Our Father and one Hail Mary.

By evening, it got very beautiful. The passed behind some clouds, and the sky and water were bathed in a golden light.

As the day came to a close, I put one of the largest sawbellies I had on one line.

A short time later, I saw the line move. I cautiously picked up the rod. The line didn't go any further. I gently put the rod down. A minute or two later, I saw the line move again. I picked up the rod. I held onto the line, then gave it more slack. I saw it move away from shore. I reeled it in. I could tell I had something besides seaweed.

God answered my prayer to which I am thankful once again.

I caught a decent-sized fish. As I pulled it up, the line snapped. But it fell into a rocky plateau below. I climbed down and was able to retrive it. In the dusk, I thought it was a smallmouth bass, but it turned out to be a trout (I think, but I'm not exactly sure what kind). It measured 14 inches. This is the first trout I caught at Kensico in seven years. (I hope it's not another seven years until I catch another one.)

I guess I've caught too many catfish and think all fish will strike in the same way. Catfish violently attack the bait and nearly pull the rod into the water. Typically, the tip of the pole bends indicating a strike. This fish (and the two others I caught at Kensico back in May) were more passive and subtle. In all three cases, I wasn't sure that I hooked anything until I was reeling them in and saw them in the water.

I left the reservoir before darkness at 8:30. On the road, I ran into other fishermen who were on their way home. One man said he and his friends caught "a couple of small fish." I asked when was the best time to fish at Kensico in the morning or evening. They all agreed it's at dawn when I'm dead asleep. In 1996, during my summer of fishing, I made it to Kensico at daybreak a couple of times.

It's something I should try again.

Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand

2006-07-06T00:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday (Wednesday), I went up to Kensico. It was a beautiful cloudy day. I was hoping to finally catch one trout.

When I got to Wade's in the early afternoon, it was closed. I forgot that Wade's is closed on Wednesdays.

So I went back home. I thought about going to Hudson Park or even Dobbs Ferry, but I decided against it. I had a few things to take care of.

As a rule, plan ahead and make sure you know when bait and tackle shops are open.

We'll see what the rest of my vacation brings.

Steps Taken Forward

2006-07-04T02:32:00.001-04:00

Yesterday afternoon (Monday), I went up to Hudson Park in New Rochelle to fish the waters of Long Island Sound. (Yankee great Lou Gehrig lived in New Rochelle at 9 Meadow Lane.)

In researching Hudson Park on the Internet, I learned that all non-residents have to purchase a fishing permit. After parking my car, I went to an office in the nearby marina. I got there just in time. They were about close early for the Fourth of July holiday. The permit costs $25.00, and the gentleman told me there's "no expiration date."

I got my bait at Hudson Park Bait & Tackle, on 94 Hudson Park Road. It's easy to spot. I bought two fresh bunker and a dozen nightcrawlers. (There's also a bar right next to it.)

I had to spend $3 to buy a parking permit.

I drove into park and looked for a place to fish. I parked my car in lot right by the water. I saw some other people fishing there.

This was my first time fishing in Hudson Park. It's a nice area. What's ironic is that I've been driving past Hudson Park for nearly 16 years. For some strange reason, it never occured to me to take a right and explore it. I can see that I've been missing out.

I got started. Since there's no current, I used one-ounce sinkers rather than two-ounce. Judging from a red buoy I saw, the water was 10-feet deep. I saw lots of boats coming and going.

I tried worms and bunker. I fished two lines off the bottom and one at the top with that double-bobber I used Sunday but with no sinker.

A gentleman fishing about 20 feet away from me caught a big flounder using some bunker.

I wasn't so lucky. I didn't catch anything. I did have one small bite, but whatever it was didn't get hooked.

At one point, it started raining. It got really bad, so I retreated into my car. The radio said it was a passing storm. It stopped after 20 minutes, and I got back out. By the time I left, the sun came back out.

I should have explored area more thoroughly before fishing to see if I could find a better spot.

Hudson Park has its advantages. I can fish from the parking lot and be near my car. (I left my tackle box in the trunk and would go back there to get what I needed.) There are plenty trash baskets around, so you can get rid of garbage easily. Ice cream trucks make frequent visits. It's also a quicker commute for me than Dobbs Ferry. There's also a bait and tackle shop nearby, so I don't have to make the long detour to Jack's on City Island.

I talked to a guy fishing near me. He told me that once he spent an entire day here fishing and didn't catch anything.

Next time, I ask the man in the bait shop for some advice. Fishermen may brag about the size of the fish they catch and the ones that got away, but they are always humble enough to ask for advice.

I left at 7:30.

But in the words of General Douglas MacArthur, "I shall return."

Sunday's Catch

2006-07-04T02:17:00.000-04:00

This is the first thing I caught on Sunday, an eel. They are quite messy and unpleasant to handle. (Next time, I'll bring some rubber gloves.)

I removed the hook from its mouth using my new pliers, and I released it back into the river.

Down This Road We've Been So Many Times

2006-07-03T23:18:00.002-04:00

I'm officially on vacation this week. I have lots of free time to go fishing.

On Sunday, I went up to Dobbs Ferry with my new tackle box filled with the new stuff I bought recently. I was hoping to try a few different techniques for the purporse of catching different fish besides the usual catfish.

I got there around 1:30 PM or so, a couple of hours before high tide on the Hudson. It was windy and sunny but tolerable.

I picked up three fresh bunker, three frozen herring, and one dozen bloodworms from Jack's.

I upgraded to 17-pound test.

For one line, I used something (I forget the exact name) I bought at the Sports Authority. It has two bobbers with hooks and a swivel to attach a sinker. The advantage, when using a sinker, is that it keeps the hooks off the bottom and getting snagged. I used bunker, herring, and a bloodworm at different times. I didn't catch anything with this.

A couple of times, I tried a bobber on another line with a bloodworm and some herring, but I couldn't cast it far enough.

Early on, I caught an eel. It was about a foot long. Eels secrete some type of residue that makes them slipperly. The stuff, which I understand is a type of mucous, got on my hands and clothes. When it dries on the skin, it becomes flaky. It was tough to wash off. I threw the eel back.

In the late afternoon, the wind died down, and the water calmed.

Later in the day, I caught another eel. This one was well over two feet and looked exactly like the one I caught in late May.

I didn't catch any fish. I had only a few bites.

Was my line too heavy? Or was it just an unlucky day? A woman fishing a few rocks away from caught a couple of perch.

The only other eventful thing that happened was that I was visited by a beaver. I saw him earlier crawling on some rocks. Later, I caught a glimpse of him in the corner of my eye and was startled out of my chair. He disappeared into a hole in the dock. I then saw him in the lot standing a few feet away from me. He was about a foot long. He disappeared before I got a chance to photograph him.

Around 7:30, some thick, black colds rolled in. The wind returned, and it started to drizzle. Since the tide was going out, I gave up and went home so I could catch the Yankee game.

Taking a Break

2006-06-25T15:03:00.000-04:00

No fishing today.

The weather forecast calls for heavy downpours with the possibility of thunder storms. High tide in Dobbs Ferry was in the morning.

I also have a slight sore throat, and my back acted up in the past few days.

Anyway, I have major freelance writing opportunity, which I have to submit to an interested Texas newspaper tomorrow morning.

On Friday and Saturday, I went to two different Sports Authority stores, one in Yonkers and one in White Plains, and stocked up on fishing supplies. (The one in Yonkers didn't seem to have much.)

I bought a big, new Plano gray tackle box. My old tackle box, also a Plano, needed to be retired. It also couldn't hold everything I use these days. I also bought different types of hooks (snelled and unsnelled), some new test line, three packs of two-ounce sinkers, a pair of pliers, and a few lures and jigs.

The Sports Authority didn't carry the fish finders and snap swivels I usually use, so I have to pick those up at Jack's.

I need to experiment with different techniques if I want to catch more (and different types) of fish.

I have the first week in July off, so I hope to get in lots of fishing in a few different places.

Reflection

2006-06-19T21:49:00.000-04:00

Although I haven't had my car washed in a long time, the front bumper provides a very clear reflection.

The figure in the middle is me taking the picture.

(Another clue: I drive a black car.)

The Only Thing I Managed to Catch

2006-06-19T21:43:00.000-04:00

This catfish is about 15 inches. I caught it with a piece of thawed-out herring rather than fresh bunker.

I threw it back.

I believe that the rickety picnic table was left by local teens who saw me fish several weeks ago.

Something I Never Thought I'd See While Fishing

2006-06-19T21:37:00.000-04:00

In the early evening, I saw a deer. My first effort to photograph it failed, but I later spotted it on a nearby beach.

I hope it avoided the Metro North tracks.

There's a Hunger Still Unsatisfied

2006-06-19T18:37:00.001-04:00

With my back healed, I took myself off the disabled list to fish this weekend. (I already gave dad his present for Father’s Day, and he prefers to relax rather than go out or have a big celebration.)

Yesterday, at Jack’s, I stocked up on supplies such as two-ounce sinkers, fish finders, snap swivels, and bait-holding hooks. I also picked up three fresh bunker and six frozen herring. Once again, I ventured up to Dobbs Ferry.

The dock was deserted.

I had three lines in the water by 1:50 PM, about two-and-a-half hours before high tide. It was hot, sunny, and windy. But conditions weren’t unbearable as they were almost a month ago.
The day was often frustrating. I caught only one catfish, which measured about 15 inches.

I had a few other bites, but the fish managed to avoid getting hooked. Once again, the bait kept slipping off the hooks. What was I doing wrong? I was using the bait-holding hooks. Maybe I should use slightly larger ones next time. My line got caught frequently, and I lost a lot of supplies.

The only eventful part of the day was seeing a deer. There are deer in the area. I spotted him near the garage in the unpaved parking lot. I followed him, bringing my digital camera. But he got away. Later, I managed to spot him on a nearby beach, and I took his picture from a distance.

Around 7:30, with the tide going out, I gradually packed it in. But I managed to hook something, probably another catfish. As I was reeling it in, the line broke.

Catfish are typically bottom-feeders. I’ve been keeping all three lines on the bottom with two-ounce sinkers. Since I’m using three lines, I should experiment with keeping at least one line near the surface, maybe with a bobber, and see what happens. Maybe I could try a lure next time as well. There are other types of fish in the Hudson besides catfish, perch, and striped bass.

Of course, a major disadvantage is that I don’t have a boat and can’t troll for fish or cast into deeper areas of the river.

Still, I learned a couple of things this weekend. I’ll do some research during the week and see what else I can learn about fishing the Hudson River from shore.

There are eight million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them.

Disabled List

2006-06-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

No fishing this weekend.

A couple of days ago or so, I pulled a muscle in my back. If I move the wrong way, it sends a sharp pain through my left side.

So I think it's wise to get some rest and allow my back to heal before attempting to spend a few hours casting, reaching in my tackle box, reaching down to cut bait, and depending on the area, making my way through some rough terrain and carrying my gear.

Anyway, high tide on the Hudson River on Sunday is around 10:18 AM, when I would probably still be asleep.

But I hope to be healed in time for next weekend.

A Soul in Tension That's Learning to Fly

2006-06-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

I got to Dobbs Ferry around 3:20 PM.

Conditions were ideal to perfect. The skies were cloudy. There was little or wind. The water was calm. I got there about two hours before high tide.

I expected a productive day. Unfortunately, I came up short.

At Jack's Bait and Tackle, I got three fresh bunker, five live eels, and six frozen herring.

I had difficulty hooking an eel to my line. They're so slippery that they're difficult to hold on to even with gloves. I finally got him hooked. I didn't get a single bite with the eel line. About two hours later, it was still alive. I figured I wouldn't get anything with eels. Maybe it was too late for striped bass. So I released the eel and the other four waiting in the bucket.

I got a bite or two with the herring (after it thawed out).

I had the best results with the fresh bunker. I managed to get two catfish, which were both 16 inches. I did hook a third, but the line snapped as I was about to pull it out of the water. I watched it swim away. It looked no bigger than the other two.

I actually had a lot of bites today. Either the fish let go of the bait or managed to remove it from the hook. At this time, I don't know if I was using "baitholding" hooks with an extra jag to keep the bait in place.

I also noticed that I was low on supplies. Next time, I have to stock up on two-ounce sinkers and some bait-holding hooks.

As I was fishing, this kid in a red Honda pulled up in front of the river. He didn't get out of his car. I saw his head sink on the steering wheel. He looked really distressed. What could have been troubling him? Work? School? Parents? Girlfiend? It crossed my mind that he might drive his car into the river. I thought about approaching him, knocking on the glass, and asking if he was all right. Maybe he needed someone to talk to. But I never did. That might be too intrusive. Sometimes to clear your head, you need to be alone. Had he got out and come over, I might have asked. I said a brief prayer for him, asking God to help him.

Lord knows I've done things I'm ashamed of and regret. I've gone through my share of pain and disappointments. But I survived, learned a thing or two, and managed to move on.

I later saw him talking on his cell phone. He eventually left. I hope he's all right.

As for me, I left at 8:30. I also took a garbage bag full of litter I picked up in the area. Too many visitors often use the area as a dumping ground. I cleaned what I could.

Fishing-wise, this weekend has been a bit of a letdown.

But there's always next time.

The Catch of the Day

2006-06-04T21:52:00.000-04:00

This is one of two 16-inch catfish I caught today. (They were both sent on their way.)

You Will Cut Down the Mightiest Tree in the Forest With . . .

2006-06-04T21:48:00.000-04:00

a Herring!

The Lucky Bait

2006-06-04T21:44:00.000-04:00

I got five live eels at Jack's Bait and Tackle. They were all released into the river very much alive.

And if the Cloud Bursts

2006-06-03T23:01:00.000-04:00

Hoping to build on last week's success, I decided to try my luck again at Kensico.

In six hours of fishing, I didn't get a single bite.

I thought about canceling because of the heavy rain, but the weather forecast said it would stop raining by afternoon.

I bought a dozen sawbellies and a spool of four-pound test line from Wade's. I drove to where I fished last week. I got there around 2 PM. There were no cars parked along side of the road. So I figured my spot would be vacant.

But it was raining hard. Even though I've fished in heavy rain before, I decided to wait a while to see if it got better. Given my accident-prone history, I was worried about slipping on a wet rock or wet leaves and breaking something. The last thing I need is another injury. Around 2:20, the rain became a bearable drizzle. I made my way to the rock through some uneven terrain. Carrying two fishing poles, my tackle box, an empty bucket, and the water-filled bucket with the sawbellies, I had to be extra careful that the weight didn't cause me to fall when walking up and down inclines.

The fishing trip was nearly cut short before it began. When I got to the rock, I set the bucket with the sawbellies down. But it tipped over, and the water and sawbellies spilled out. I grabbed the bucket and steadied it on the rock. Fortunately, only one or two of the sawbellies fell into the water. I managed to retrieve the rest and refill the bucket.

I hooked up sawbellies to both my lines and them in the water. Since I was a little tired after my walk and frantic effort to pick up the sawbellies, I thought I would sit down and catch my breath.

Within an hour or two, it stopped raining. I didn't get a single bite.

I later tried a Krocodile with one line, but I had no luck.

I also tried attaching a bobber to one line, but I didn't get any hits.

A couple of times when I reeled in my line, the sawbellies were gone. Did they slip off, or did fish get them?

In the early evening, I saw a couple of fishermen out in their rowboats. No idea if they caught anything.

At least I got the chance to respool both lines.

What went wrong? It had just rained, and thick, gray clouds covered the sky. There was little wind. I was using sawbellies and a Krocodile. Not even one bite. Like last week, was it the time of day? Would I have had better luck if I showed up earlier, perhaps in the morning? That might be something to consider.

I gave up at 8:25.

My Back Pages, Part I

2006-06-01T22:03:00.000-04:00

As I wrote in my first post, I started fishing on the Potomac River by Fletcher's Boathouse in Washington, D.C. 10 years ago.

One day, in May 1996, I was fishing from shore. It was relatively peaceful and quiet. Suddenly, this crew team rowed into view and stopped right in the middle of the river. I don't know what college they were from.

From shore, they looked like men. But when I heard their high-pitched and giggling voices, I realized they were women. They stayed there for a few minutes, talking and laughing.

I was tempted to yell, "SHUT UP, YOU HARPIES! YOU'RE SCARING ALL THE FISH!" But I decided against it because I didn't want a bunch of Amazons with battle axes storming the shore after me.

Finally, they heard the call of the wild and went back downriver.

Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun

2006-05-28T23:21:00.001-04:00

After last week's washout, I made my return to Dobbs Ferry today. Unfortunately, I woke up late, and I didn't make it up there for high tide, which was around 11:18 AM.

I got three bunker and six frozen herring from Jack's. Unfortunately, they were out of live eels.

By 1:30 PM, I had my lines in the water. The water was calm, and there was no wind. The sun was bright in the sky, and it was hot. Since the tide was going out, I didn't expect much action today.

I got lucky pretty early. I caught a 16-inch catfish and showed it off to a few young people who showed up for a barbeque. One of them was really impressed with the fish's size. I advised him to use fresh bunker rather than worms for bait. Worms usually attract perch.

A rather large barbeque party formed behind me. They were all young people, probably college-age or beyond. They were very pleasant. They asked if I wanted a beer or a hamburger, but I politely declined since I wasn't hungry.

I didn't have any luck with the herring. As they melted in the plastic shopping bag, the herring deterioriated.

I didn't catch anything else for hours. I finally had action on my middle rod. It wasn't behaving like a fish. I caught a rather long eel. I pulled in on shore. I held it up and asked the kids if they wanted to grill it up. They all jumped out of their seats and rushed it to see it. One kid took a picture with his camera phone. I put on my gloves to pick it up off the ground. I gave one of the kids my tape measure. He estimated that it was 27 inches. But it wasn't possible to get an exact measurement since it wouldn't stay still. I threw it back.

When I fish, I usually like my privacy. But today, it was fun to succeed in front of an audience.

I stayed until 7:30. I wanted to stay later, but my regular glasses broke. The screw came out of the temple, and the right lense popped out. It didn't present an immediate problem since I had my prescription sunglasses. However, I had to get to a store and buy one of those eyeglass repair kits or at least drive back home while it was still daylight.

It was another decent day of fishing for which I thank God.

I'm off tomorrow for Memorial Day. I don't think I'll go fishing. I have a few things to do before I go back to work on Tuesday.

The Catch of the Day

2006-05-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

This is definitely the longest thing I ever caught. This eel, which is lying on its back in this shot, is well over two feet, maybe 27 inches. An exact measurement wasn't possible because it refused to stay still. After unhooking it, I threw the eel back.

Fleet Week Isn't Over Yet

2006-05-28T23:09:00.000-04:00

There was a lot of boat traffic on the river today. There are at least five boats of varying sizes in this shot. (How they keep from crashing into each other is beyond me.)

"Drop Your Reel and Let the Fish Go!"

2006-05-28T22:47:00.000-04:00

This police boat went upriver at high speed.

Since their siren wasn't on, I guess they were trying to make it to the doughnut shop before it closed.

A Bridge Too Far

2006-05-28T22:40:00.000-04:00

This is the Tappan Zee Bridge, as seen from Dobbs Ferry. I've crossed the bridge a few times on my way to the Esopus Creek in upstate New York.

A Visitor

2006-05-27T20:36:00.000-04:00

As I was fishing, I saw something swimming in the water on the surface. It looked more like a snake than an eel. (That white thing in the lower lefthand corner is my fishing line.)

Stretched to the Point of No Turning Back

2006-05-27T19:53:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I had Friday off, so I decided to spend the day at Kensico.

My first task was to find Wade's Bait & Tackle in North White Plains. It's on North Broadway in North White Plains, a little south of the reservoir on Route 22. I found it easily. I bought a dozen sawbellies, which are widely considered an effective live bait for trout. I also picked up two Krocodile lures. The young gentleman at Wade's was very helpful. He advised that I use a very small hook and hook the sawbelly through the lips.

I chose a spot I had visited 10 years ago, about a mile or so north of the dam. I caught my very first bass there. It's a bit of a climb from the side of the road and then maybe a five-minute walk. It's a big flat rock area and more open. In some spots, trees on or near the shore often interfere with proper casting.

I started fishing around 1:30. I had one line with a sawbelly. I also tried a Krocodile with the other. It was cloudy. The forecast called for a storm, but I was told by the gentleman at Wade's that it moved north. I did get a slight drizzle. By 5 PM, it cleared up, and the sun came out.

On Thursday, I went to church for the Feast of the Ascension. I asked God to help me to catch some fish up at Kensico. I also lit a votive candle to Christ and sought the intercession of St. Peter, one of the patron saint of fishermen. Yesterday, they answered my prayers.

In the first few hours, I had a few bites on the line with the live bait. I caught two perch (which I incorrectly thought were smallmouth bass), which were both 11 inches. I think they are the first fish I caught at Kensico since 1999. So thank you, God, Jesus, and St. Peter.

I didn't catch any trout. I had no luck with the Krocodile. But I'm grateful I caught something.

By the late afternoon, I stopped getting hits. Was because of the time of day or the fact that the sun came out? I had one hit in the late evening, but nothing else.

By late evening, I still had lots of sawbellies left. So I was replacing the bait more frequently. Sawbellies are quite fragile, and they seem to die faster than minnows, which are tougher.

In the water, which is clear, I could see very small fish swimming. I guess the trout and bass feed on them.

As I waited, I took a few pictures, glanced at a couple of newspapers, and smoked my pipe.

I learned one of life's joys is lying back on a big, flat rock, resting my head on my tackle box, and looking up at the sky. I listened to the sounds of the area such as a distant siren, a car, an airplane, birds, small fish jumping out of the water, and wind blowing through leaves.

I packed it in around 8:30 when daylight was nearly exhausted.

Now that I know where to shop for bait and have a favorite spot, I think I will visit Kensico more often in search of the elusive trout.