History of the

Hudson River Fishermen's Association

In 1966 a writer for Sports Illustrated, Robert Boyle, got together with a few fishermen in Garrison New York and decided they had had enough of the industrial abuse of the Hudson River.  The pollutants of the industrial revolution had brought the majestic Hudson River to her knees.  The small group of men formed an association which would use the laws of the land to bring the Hudson River back to life.   They called themselves the Hudson River Fishermen's Association.
    The laws had been on the books against polluting the waters of this country for years, but just not enforced.  Bob Boyle forced the government to enforce those laws.
    Other chapters of the HRFA started to spring up.  There was a Yonkers chapter, a Manhattan chapter and in the fall of 1969, a New Jersey Chapter.  The New Jersey chapter was started by a young man named Pete Barrett who with a couple of friends, Vic Alesio, Don Eckert and Larry Danziger, started meeting in Doc Heldens office in Hackensack.   They had about eight members.  The earliest records of the NJ HRFA is an early copy of their newsletter dated 1971.  They talked about the different fishing seasons and a problem with the town of Edgewater dumping sewage into the River.  Today is not so different.  We still talk about the fishing seasons and the pollution of the river still by the town of Edgewater (and others).

Vic Alasio and Pete Barrett at the May 2004 General meeting of the HRFA NJ.  Pete was the first president of the club and Vic was the first Vice President. This was the first time these two had been together in 30 years!  Vic heard that Pete was giving a talk at one of our meetings and just had to come and see his old friend.

Vic also told us some great stories about them forming the HRFA early in 1969!   Claims that his uncle, Matt Starapoli had written the club newsletter before Pete took it over.  The meetings were held in Pete's dining room with about 5 guys.   Soon after they moved the meetings to Doc Helden's office.

Pete Barrett has written an article on the Early days of the HRFA. Click Here.

1974 US FDA sets safety threshold at 5 parts per million PCBs in fish for human consumption. An EPA study finds high levels of PCBs in Hudson River fish.

10/30/74   Don Eckert" presided over the nomination and election of officers.  Pres. Larry Danziger... 1st VP George Chapman... and     2nd VP George Graf.    Pete Barrett was also given the title of President Emeritus.

11/14/74 "COD Fish trip will cost $16 and will cover the cost of the boat and the Bus. The bus will leave from the GARCIA parking lot in Teaneck."

3/18/75 "Newsletter adds were discussed. The price will be $25 per year. Writing the newsletter was discussed, Bob Terhune volunteered."

2/25/76   NY DEC makes it illegal to fish in the upper Hudson from the Ft Edward dam to the federal dam at Albany, closes Hudson River commercial fisheries, and warns people about the dangers of eating Hudson River fish.

2/76    Administrative hearing finds that the PCB pollution was from the General Electric Corporation.

1/77   Upcoming Banquet tickets are $8.50 per person or $15 per couple.

1/77   Elections...Paul Gamba president.

1/77 to  11/2/82 No minutes are available.
It would appear that no records were kept during the presidency of Paul Gamba, Jack Lipton, Larry Van Dyke, or Jack Denny.

1979/80 Somewhere in this time span, the name of HRFA was changed to the East Coast Anglers Assn. This name remained until 11/82. 80-81-82.

1981 Jack Denny President...A vote was taken to disband the club and split up the treasury.

11/82 A vote was taken to change the name back to the HRFA NJ, and give the club new life. Serge Radossi became president and decided to treat the association more like a business with more of a "regimentation". New rules and by-laws were drawn up.

1982-1991 HRFA Newsletter River Views - Editor Sergio Radossi

11/82 It is decided to raise the club dues to $12.

11/2/82 New address for the HRFA to P.O. Box 421, in Cresskill.

12/14/82 Design change on club logo from two fish to one with much less wording.

1983 - 1984 HRFA President Sergio Radossi

3/8/83 A letter stating "I am very interested in the H.R.F.A. activities. Will you please send me some brochures and also date of your next meeting. Thank You. Ray Marione, Guttenberg."

3/10/83 Serge responds to Rays request for info.

10/26/83 George Graf suggests giving an award to the member who works the most for the club. He suggests calling it the "Pete Barrett/Shimano Award."

11/83 73 members with $467 in Treasury.

12/25/83 Talk about reviving the Hudson River Fishing Guide. "Do we want to revise it?"

1983 Talk of incorporation at several E-Board meetings. George will look into it. It is brought up again and again until Ed Domkofski incorporates the club on April 15, 1988.

1984 First Pete Barrett Award given to Sergio Radossi

6/29/84 A letter from HRFA member Bob Mallory to the Army Corps of Engineers urging them to stop Westway.
8/20/84   US FDA revises safety threshold for PCBs to 2 parts per million for human consumption in wake of new risk data.

9/84    First mention of the name Joe Curvino.

10/84 "It was decided to " have a banner made up with the HRFA logo on it."    It won’t happen until 1996!

3/11/85 An Auction is suggested in the E-board minutes, "Perhaps and Auction. In May."

7/85 First club jackets arrive at the general meeting. 40 jackets are handed out that evening.

10/85 Howard Leehmann Jr. and Sr., along with Bob Jones are announced as new members at the general meeting.

10/85 Rick Englesbe becomes HRFA president.

12/3/85 First Annual HRFA Fishing Auction.

4/20/86 The HRFA Hudson River Seminar at the Fort Lee Historic Park becomes the first of the "Hooked on Hudson" Series of events. Guest Speaker, Tom Lake.  Sunday 12:30 till 3:00 pm. The Original name of the event is "Fishing the Hudson." Sergio Radossi Chairperson

1/6/87 HRFA Secretary Sergio Radossi writes letter suggesting a bill be introduced making the Striped Bass a Game Fish. The letter goes to several congressmen and legislators as well as sports magazines, newspapers, the J.C.A.A. and ASMFS.

3/87  New members Tony Evangelista & Pete Orenzo are announced at the General meeting.

10/87 Don Anderson becomes new HRFA President.

4/12/88  Club banner still not made yet. "Kirk Bradley will look into it"

4/15/88 Incorporation of HRFA with Ed Domkofski as officer.

6/88   Don Anderson resigns as HRFA president due to health reasons.

7/88      Fred Edwing announced as new President.

11/15/88  E-Board meets in Ridgefield Park VFW to check out new meeting hall.

12/88 General meeting is held in the Ridgefield Park VFW for the first time.

1/89  Fred Edwing resigns as HRFA president. VP Bob Mallory becomes new President.

9/12/89      First mention of Charles Stamm on the E-Board.

10/10/89   The name Pete Orenzo first appears as a board member.

10/17/89  ESPN TV Show The Fishing Hole with Jerry McKinnis films episode of show with HRFA Director Charles Stamm. "Manhattan Stripers.

12/12/89 Pete Orenzo volunteers to help Jim Carney at the door for future general meetings.

1/25/90  HRFA members Ray Marione, Dan Bontemps, Wally Haase and Tony Evangelista represented the HRFA, attended and spoke up at the NJ senate committee on making the striped bass a game fish in New Jersey.

8/14/90 Charles Stamm organizes HRFA Raffle. Chooses two nights in Atlantic City as first prize.

2/12/91 President Bob Mallory announces to general membership that "Gov. Florio has signed the Bill making Striped Bass a Game Fish in N.J."

2/12/91 Kevin Morgan resigns from E-Board.

4/91   HRFA Atlantic City raffle won by Marge Finacarro who was present at the dinner.

6/9/91     Curvino Resigns from the Board.

11/12/91     Propose making Carl Bruger a member of the E-Board.

11/91 Carl Bruger Volunteers to write the newsletter.

2/11/92  George Costa Jr. will attempt to get banner made up. He is authorized to spend up to $200.

6/14/92 Charles Stamm informs board of certain grants available.

4/93 First calendar appears in "River Views" newsletter.

6/6/93 Constant absenteeism by George Costa Jr., Charles Stamm takes over duties of Recording Secretary.

7/13/93 HRFA members Tony Evangelista and Ray Marione escort Mr. Bill Neyenhouse of the NJ DEPE along the shoreline of the Hudson discussing his Walkway Project.

7/17/93 Infamous Fluke trip with the ELCO Club, ends all relations between the two clubs.

11/93 Tony Evangelista becomes new HRFA President.

11/24/93 Charles Stamm announces he has obtained a grant from the Norcross Foundation for $2000.00 to be used to by two TV’s and some video equipment.

1/94      A new updated club logo is suggested by Charles Stamm in the "River Views". One that puts more emphasis on a Striped bass than the old logo which featured a Tree.

1/94 NJ DEP Bill Neyenhouse asks HRFA for input on improving Hazards Ramp. Charles Stamm puts together a package and along with Tony Evangelista and Ray Marione, present it to the DEP.

4/11/95 A new updated layout and design for the Club Constitution was presented by Charles Stamm.

8/9/95 HRFA participates in Clearwater Festival at Sandy Hook.

10/95 Charles Stamm elected new HRFA president.

10/3/95 Alliance to Save Fisheries is introduced to the HRFA though the J.C.A.A.

11/95 Meeting in Toms River to Stop netting of Striped Bass was well attended by HRFA members.

2/12/96 Charles Stamm designs new banner, Bill Sheehan orders new club banner. First displayed at E-Board meeting. 2/12/96.

2/14/96 HRFA participates in the Meadowlands Sportsman Show in Secaucus.

2/20/96  HRFA through the DEP obtains $150,000 in funds for improvements to Hazards Ramp in P.I.P. Nothing is done by P.I.P. Funds will be lost if not used.

3/20/96  Hudson River Park Conservancy contacts HRFA for advice on their Park Project.

8/96    P.I.P. design changes for Hazards Improvement are questioned by HRFA. Question if design will hold up to forces of Hudson River. Chas responds with alternatives.

9/15/96 1st Annual Hudson River Maritime Heritage Festival is held at Liberty State Park. HRFA Sponsors fishing contest. Bicycles and VHF radios are used to weigh in the fish along the length of the walkway.

1/97      HRFA Web Site http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/HRFANJ     instituted & maintained by HRFA NJ president Charles Stamm.

3/97      First six orders for Official HRFA NJ Embroidered Jackets are taken by Gerry Hujber.

3/19/97 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Guest speaker at Hooked on Hudson Part One.

3/17/97 Sign up first member through the internet web page Gary Scocco, Andover, NJ.

3/27/97 Hooked on Hudson Part Three moves to Sunday at Alpine Boat Basin.

4/26/97 First "up-river" Striper Trip on the MV. Waiverly. Trip produces very few fish.

4/97   US Fish and Wildlife Service releases study showing tree swallows breeding near GE Hudson Falls plant have high concentrations of PCBs in their body and eggs.  Levels up to 55ppm were documented qualifying them as hazardous waste.

5/6/97 Purchase wood carving of striped bass, for displaying at club events, from HRFA member Bill Alstete.

6/3/97 Boat lettering kits "HRFA NJ" become available to members.

6/3/97 Free rental of Sports Videos available to members from HRFA video library.

6/10/97 Chas. Stamm suggests at E-Board meeting sponsoring an offshore wreck in NJ artificial reef program. "The HRFA NJ Wreck."

8/12/97 P.I.P. signs agreement with State for $240,000 improvements to Hazards Ramp. Construction to begin fall of 1997 and completed in spring of 1999.

8/17/97 First "One Day Contest" set up to get non-boat owners out on the River for a one day fishing contest. Main requirement...Must fish from a boat & must have an HRFA non boat owner with you.

9/1/97 Ocean dumping to end. Talk of an HRFA award to Cindy Zipf for her efforts.

9/27/97   US Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbit holds a press conference along the Hudson Demanding that GE stop trying to delay the clean up of PCB contaminated sediment.

11/4/97 G.E. sends Hudson River Site Engineer John Haggard as guest speaker to general meeting about their participation of the PCB problem in the Hudson River.

12/97 E-mail network set up with HRFA members for immediate response actions to political issues.

3/98 John Cronin the "RiverKeeper" guest speaker for H.O.H. Part One.

2/98   Roger Ridenour Premier rod builder joins HRFA.

3/98   Move HOH Part One to Saturday to encourage more kids. Creates new HRFA event...Friday night fishing at the Englewood Boat Basin.

4/98   HOH III sponsored by Active Life Fishing show. Gives HRFA $1500 to put name on poster. Chas Accepts.

6/98     HRFA purchases button making machine to create and sell HRFA Buttons

9/98      Work begins on improvements to Hazzards Ramp at the GW Bridge.

11/98 Mt Sinai asks HRFA President Chas Stamm to have HRFA Members participate in tests for PCBs in humans. Testing to begin at January 1999 meeting.

12/98 HRFA gets it’s own domain name on the internet www.hrfanj.org Chas Stamm webmaster along with HRFA member Fred Rung. Site will be hosted for free by Net Access.

History of HRFA Web Site ...click here!*

1/99  George Graf new president of the HRFA NJ.

2/99      E-board moves meeting place to River Edge Knights of Columbus

7/99      HRFA members Chas Stamm, Norm Andreasen, Fred Rung set up a mass e-mail project protesting the delays in cleanup of the Hudson by the General Electric company of the PCBs it dumped. New format enabled the same editable message to be sent to 12 individual legislators.

8/99    NY State considering re-opening of commercial striped bass fishing in Hudson River. New PCB tests which test only the fillets of striped bass has PCB level results lower than two parts per million.  Eggs and skin of fish were not tested which originally closed down the fishery in 1976.

10/99 NY State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer files suit to force G.E. to finance the cost of cleanup toxic dredging of the Upper Hudson. Extra cleanup costs because of the toxic PCBs in the sediments dumped there by the General Electric Company of the dredging cost.

10/99 HRFA E-mail Campaign against the re-opening of the Commercial striped bass fishery in the Hudson River by New York State. The letter was set up on the HRFA Web Site for people to sign on to. 1400 letters are sent to 25 legislators in the first two days. Over 17,000 letters are sent in the first two months of project. Letter was sent to Governors Pataki, and Whitman along with 23 other elected and appointed officials in order to get our opinions heard.

12/99      Five Manhattan fish wholesalers are arrested for selling contaminated PCB laden striped bass to prominent NYC restaurants. Fish were caught by shad fisherman Ron Ingold under the George Washington Bridge and sold to the Fulton Fish Market.

1/2000    E-Mail campaign begins sending electronic messages to 25 legislators protesting the attempted sandmining operation off the Jersey Shore by the Amboy Aggregate Corporation.  This permit, if granted would allow a private company to strip mine the ocean floor in an attempt to gather and sell the gravel taken from the ocean floor.  The disruption of the sediments would have been catastrophic on the ocean life in the area which may take decades to recover.  As a result of this issue being placed on the HRFA Web Site, Thousands of letters protesting this issue were sent in the first two months.

6/22/00  HRFA NJ Newly appointed Youth Angler Committee takes kids on first fishing trip aboard the Elsie K Princess.

7/2000       The US secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt, siting the enormous amount of e-mails and letters sent in protest of this sand mining issue, refuses to grant the permits to the Amboy Aggregates corporation.  Mr. Babbit sited strong opposition from environmental groups, sport and commercial fishermen, residents, public officials and recreational user groups.

8/15/00    Award presented by the HRFA to the CRABHOUSE Restaurant in Edgewater.  The award recognizes the restaurant for providing a welcome to all who visit their portion of the Hudson River Walkway.  The management of the CRABHOUSE makes every effort to make not just fishermen, but all visitors feel welcome on their pier.  The walkway has benches provided an a fish cleaning station.  visitors have access completely around the restaurant. HRFA Access Committee members Chas Stamm, Tony Evangelista and Ray Marione make the presentation to manager of the restaurant Victor Rezabala.