Hudson River Striped Bass Charter Reel Memories NY

Morning Stripers on the Hudson River

When the sun's just breaking the horizon and the Hudson's still got that glassy morning calm, that's when the stripers are most active. This half-day charter with Reel Memories puts you right in the sweet spot - departing at 6 AM when these fish are hungry and looking for their first meal of the day. You'll be fishing from a spacious 40-foot Dorado that's built for comfort and stability, with room for up to six anglers. The Hudson River offers some of New York's most consistent striper action, and this morning window gives you the best shot at landing a keeper. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, our crew will have you dialed in and fishing effectively within minutes of leaving the dock.

What to Expect on the Water

The Hudson River between New York City and Albany holds some serious striped bass, and the morning bite is when they're most aggressive. You'll start early to beat the boat traffic and catch these fish when they're actively feeding in the shallows. The trip focuses on proven striper hotspots where the current breaks and baitfish congregate - exactly where these predators like to ambush their prey. Your captain knows every productive stretch of this historic waterway, from the deep channels to the rocky shorelines where big bass cruise looking for easy meals. The 40-foot Dorado gives you plenty of deck space to move around, and with a maximum of six guests, you're never fighting for fishing room. The first mate is there to help with everything from baiting hooks to landing fish, so you can focus on the fishing instead of fumbling with unfamiliar gear.

Techniques & Tackle

This charter runs a mixed approach that covers all the bases for Hudson River stripers. You'll be using live bait when the fish are finicky, switching to lures when they're actively feeding, and chunking cut bait to draw fish in from deeper water. The boat comes rigged with high-quality rods and reels that can handle everything from schoolie stripers to the 30-pound-plus fish that cruise these waters. Live herring and bunker are the go-to baits, especially in the early morning when stripers are hunting along the structure. When the fish are aggressive, you'll throw bucktails, spoons, and soft plastics that mimic the baitfish these stripers are chasing. The chunking technique involves cutting up fresh bait and creating a scent trail that pulls fish right to your hooks - it's deadly effective when done right. All tackle, bait, and gear are included, and the first mate handles the technical stuff like rigging lines and cleaning your catch at the end of the trip.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped bass are the main attraction on the Hudson, and for good reason - these fish put up a serious fight and taste fantastic on the dinner table. Hudson River stripers range from schoolies in the 18-24 inch range all the way up to trophy fish pushing 40 pounds or more. The best action typically runs from late spring through fall, with morning being prime time when these fish move shallow to feed. Stripers are aggressive predators that will slam lures and live bait with authority, making for exciting hookups that test your drag and fighting skills. What makes them special is their intelligence - they're not easy fish to fool, which makes landing a good one that much more satisfying. The Hudson's unique tidal flow creates perfect striper habitat, with deep channels, rocky structure, and abundant baitfish keeping these fish well-fed and growing fat. During the morning hours, they'll often feed near the surface, giving you explosive topwater strikes that'll get your heart racing. These fish are also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, and the first mate will clean and fillet your catch so it's ready for the kitchen.

Time to Book Your Spot

This morning striper charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for - productive fishing in a prime location with professional equipment and experienced crew. The early start time means you'll be fishing during peak activity hours, and you'll still have most of your day free when you return to the dock. The Hudson River consistently produces quality striped bass fishing, and morning trips regularly outfish afternoon charters when boat traffic picks up and fish move deeper. With only six spots available per trip, these charters fill up quickly, especially during prime striper season. The all-inclusive setup means you just show up ready to fish - no need to worry about tackle, bait, or cleaning your catch. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or chase a personal best striper, this half-day Hudson River charter puts you in the right place at the right time with the right gear to make it happen.