Hudson River Fishing Charter with Captain Stu
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 4hour charter targets striped bass and white perchSeasonal trips run April through October with 6:30 AM departureAccommodates up to 4 experienced anglers with gear provided
Captain Stu's 4-hour private fishing charter on the Hudson River is built for serious anglers who want results. Running from April 15 through October 15, this early-morning trip kicks off at 6:30 AM when the fish are most active and the river's at its best. You'll be targeting some of the Hudson's most sought-after species with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. At $700 for up to 4 anglers (veterans get $100 off), you're getting access to proven fishing grounds, quality gear, and the kind of local knowledge that makes the difference between a decent day and a memorable one. This isn't a beginner's hand-holding session – it's designed for anglers who already know their way around a rod and want to put their skills to work on some of the Northeast's most productive waters.
The Hudson River offers some of the most consistent fishing in the region, and Captain Stu knows exactly where to find the action. Your 4-hour window starts early for good reason – dawn and early morning are prime feeding times when striped bass and other species are actively hunting. The river's tidal influence creates perfect conditions for targeting multiple species in a single trip, from the rocky structure areas where stripers lurk to the deeper channels where catfish patrol. Captain Stu provides all the tackle and gear you'll need, but he's not there to babysit – he's there to put you on fish and offer guidance when you need it. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work without crowding. Weather plays a big role on the river, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions. One important note: this operation runs on fishing time, not vacation time. Show up late and you risk forfeiting your deposit after a 1-hour grace period. Captain Stu's got other groups lined up, and the fish don't wait around.
The Hudson's diverse structure and tidal flow mean you'll be using a variety of techniques depending on what's biting. Live bait fishing with bloodworms and nightcrawlers is deadly effective for striped bass, especially around structure and drop-offs where these fish ambush prey. Captain Stu's got the electronics to locate schools and the local knowledge to read the water conditions. You'll likely be drift fishing over productive bottom, using circle hooks and enough weight to stay connected to the bottom in the current. For catfish, cut bait works exceptionally well in the deeper holes, while eels can be targeted using smaller hooks and lighter tackle in the shallows. The tidal movement is crucial – incoming tide often triggers feeding activity, while slack tide can be prime time for bottom fishing. Captain Stu adjusts techniques based on current conditions, season, and what species are most active. The gear is all provided, from rods and reels suited to the Hudson's conditions to a full selection of terminal tackle. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with proper fish-holding capabilities and all safety equipment required.
The Hudson River system supports an impressive variety of fish species, each offering its own challenge and reward. Striped bass are the crown jewel of Hudson River fishing, and these powerful fighters are what most anglers come here to target. These fish run the river seasonally, with spring and fall migrations offering the best action. Mature stripers in the 20-30 inch range are common, with larger specimens always a possibility. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder, using the current to their advantage. Black bullhead might not sound glamorous, but these native catfish are surprisingly fun to catch and excellent table fare when cleaned properly. They're most active in warmer months and can be found in shallow, muddy areas where they root around for food. Freshwater drum, also called sheepshead, are hard-fighting fish that many anglers underestimate. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, and they'll give you a real workout on medium tackle. Channel catfish are another favorite, especially for anglers who appreciate good eating. These fish can reach impressive sizes in the Hudson and are most active during dawn and dusk periods. American eel rounds out the target species list – these snake-like fish are surprisingly strong and can be found throughout the river system, often in rocky areas and around structure.
What sets this charter apart is the combination of productive waters and a no-nonsense approach to fishing. Captain Stu's not running a sightseeing tour – he's putting you on fish using techniques that work consistently on the Hudson. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for serious fishing without the fatigue that comes with longer trips, and the early start means you're fishing during prime feeding periods. The river's tidal nature means conditions change throughout the day, keeping things interesting and productive. Many repeat customers appreciate the veteran discount and the fact that this operation caters to experienced anglers who don't need basic instruction. The private charter format means no crowded boats or waiting for other anglers – just your group and focused fishing time. Captain Stu's knowledge of seasonal patterns, productive structure, and effective techniques comes from years of fishing these waters professionally. The Hudson's proximity to major population centers makes it accessible, but the fishing quality rivals more remote destinations. Plus, there's something special about catching quality fish within sight of the Manhattan skyline – it's a unique fishing experience you won't find anywhere else.
The Hudson River fishing season from April 15 through October 15 offers consistent action for anglers who know what they're doing. At $700 for up to 4 experienced anglers ($600 for veterans), Captain Stu's charter delivers serious fishing on proven waters with professional guidance. The early 6:30 AM start puts you on the water when fish are most active, and the 4-hour duration maximizes your time in productive areas. This isn't a trip
Your fishing platform for Hudson River adventures is a well-equipped 23' Chaparral Fisherman 224 that's built for serious angling. This motorboat handles the river's varying conditions with ease while giving you and up to 3 other anglers plenty of room to work the water for striped bass and white perch. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on productive spots and radar helps when visibility drops. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those early morning starts. The VHF radio maintains contact with other vessels and shore, plus there's an onboard head for convenience during longer fishing sessions. Everything's designed to keep you focused on what matters most—working the lines and landing fish. The boat's layout gives everyone space to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up, making it perfect for experienced anglers who know how to make the most of Hudson River fishing opportunities.
Anguilla RostrataAmerican eels are our most unique species - snake-like fish running 1-4 feet long that burrow in muddy bottoms during the day. They're covered in slime and tiny scales, making them slippery customers to handle. You'll find them in deeper, softer bottoms where they tunnel into the mud and ambush prey. They're most active at night and in warmer months before going dormant when water temps drop below 40 degrees. What's fascinating is they migrate to the ocean to spawn, making them special catches. They're strong fighters that twist and turn, testing your gear. The meat is considered a delicacy in many places. Since they're bottom dwellers and opportunistic feeders, they'll hit worms, small fish, or cut bait. Key tip: fish at night near muddy areas with plenty of bottom structure, and be ready for a wrestling match when you hook one.
Ameiurus MelasBlack bullheads are smaller catfish that run 8-14 inches and typically weigh 1-2 pounds here in the Hudson. They're night feeders that hide under docks and shaded areas during the day, then come out to hunt after dark. You'll find them in muddy bottoms where they use those whiskers to locate food. They're tough fighters for their size and will put up a serious battle once hooked. What makes them unique is that squared-off tail - different from other catfish. They hibernate in winter, so your best shot is late spring through early fall. These guys aren't picky eaters, but here's a tip: use really sharp hooks since they have hard skulls, and keep your bait well-covered on the hook or they'll steal it and run.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are solid fighters that can reach impressive sizes - we see them from 10-20 pounds regularly, with some bruisers hitting 40+ pounds. They have forked tails and sharp pectoral fins, so handle them carefully. These fish live in deeper holes and around structure like fallen trees or rock piles. They feed both on bottom and mid-water, using their whiskers and taste buds covering their entire body to locate food. Warm weather brings the best action since they're more active in higher temps. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. They're tough fish that fight hard and can be tricky to land. My go-to method is using stinkbait or cut bait on the bottom with a 7-foot rod that has backbone - those hard mouths need sharp hooks and strong pressure to set properly.
Aplodinotus GrunniensFreshwater drum are one of our most abundant species, averaging 10-14 inches and 1-8 pounds. They're bottom feeders that spend their time in deeper holes and channels, using those molar-like teeth to crush clams and snails. Summer is peak season, but you can catch them year-round since they stay active. They're called "drum" because males make a grunting sound during spawning that you can actually hear underwater. While they don't fight as hard as some species, they're easy to catch and great for building confidence. The big females can surprise you with their size. They prefer clear water with some vegetation nearby. Here's the trick: use crayfish tails or nightcrawlers on the bottom with medium tackle, and you'll often catch multiple fish in one spot once you find them.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the main attraction here on the Hudson, running anywhere from 20-40 pounds with some real monsters pushing 50+. They love structure - you'll find them around drop-offs, bridge pilings, and rocky areas where baitfish gather. Spring and fall are prime time when they're moving through on their migration routes. These fish are strong swimmers and will test your drag when hooked. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. They prefer cooler water temps, so dawn and dusk fishing usually produces the best action. During our season, they're actively feeding to fuel their travels. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the baitfish are stacked up, and that's where you'll find feeding stripers underneath.
Hudson River