Join the Salty Fly Challenge: Annual Saltwater Derby

Posted on May 2, 2025 by iamasurfcaster

It’s that time of the year, the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association is having their Annual Saltwater Fly Fishing derby, “The Salty Fly Challenge.”

Registration Link
https://tinyurl.com/stripersonthefly

Event details:

Online Registration Only
$25.00 for HRFA Members
& $35 for non members

The Rules / Boundaries
Fish anywhere in Monmouth
County.
Shore only – No boats.

Fishing starts at 530am – and
ends at 12:PM

A 3-digit derby code will be
emailed at midnight May 10th

A photograph of your catch is
to be submitted via text –
201-232-5988

HRFA members will meet at Sandy Hook, Parking Lot C. 5:30AM — Feel free to fish with us

Prize Drawing for all entrants who attend the award Ceremony
Lunch / Awards 12:45 pm @
D’Alessio’s Bagel Express 949 NJ-36, Leonardo, NJ 07737

Any questions, reach out to Michael – Vicepresident@TheHRFA.org

Posted in 2025 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

HRFA 4th Annual Bass & Blues Surfcasting Derby

Posted on October 24, 2024 by iamasurfcaster

It’s that time of the year! Bass and Blues, oh yeah! Derby Registration is now open (link below)

https://tinyurl.com/BASSBLUES

Posted in 2024 | Leave a comment

Fishing Plugs

Posted on May 13, 2023 by iamasurfcaster

Below are a few pictures of some interesting plugs that were part of my lure collection. Hope you enjoy

Did you know that before “Super Strike” lures it was called “Sure Strike”? This plug is no longer part of my collection but I know it is in good hands.

Sure Strike

Bass Wood lures – NJ builder – Amazing work.

Tom D – Weasels —  Long Island builder. Great work, I really enjoy these Weasels lures. For more info about TomD lures Click Here

Come back soon might have some more stuff to show you. -Tight Lines.

Posted in 2023 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2022 by iamasurfcaster

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. I have so much to be thankful for; Thank you God in the name of Jesus.🙏

Seems like 🎅 knows exactly what I need.

Two bone red fins, chicken scratch bomber, super strike lures, swim Shad’s, vmc hooks, suffix 832 braid, and a tactical angler pouch. for the wading belt. (Love it all)

I am officially done fishing for 2022. Will be back at it in March. And if you are out there grinding for those winter bass, I hope you catch a slob -Tight Lines

Posted in 2022 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

2022 Fall Run

Posted on December 8, 2022 by iamasurfcaster

Amazing fall run this year, we should be grateful. I have a trip or two left then I am calling it quits.

Most productive lures for me this season? The 7” red fin, white pencil poppers, and the little neck super strike.

Red fin lure

Its a good idea to always carry a popper or two and have a red fin handy.

Tight lines!

Posted in 2022 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Better Luck Next Time

Posted on October 18, 2022 by iamasurfcaster

The bait was everywhere! Predators had their way, running through the bait pods most of the day. The only problem was all the action stayed out of casting range.

The next day I heard the reports, the same area I was fishing lit up with fish. 

Ha ha, and that’s how it goes sometimes.

Tight lines

Posted in 2022 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s Time!

Posted on September 29, 2022 by iamasurfcaster

Time to dust off the rods and get my gear ready. Tell you the truth the gear been ready, just no time to get to the waters edge to wet a line. Keeping up with my kids activities is another full time job (not complaining, love the kids) plus all my other responsibilities, makes it challenging at times.

But I see light at the end of the tunnel, and I have a free weekend coming up. Oh yea! The goal to hookup with some albies and bluefish.

I can target both fish with a small pencil or metal lure. Let’s see what happens

Wish me luck. -Tight lines

Posted in 2022 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Bass and Blues Surfcasting Derby

Posted on September 11, 2022 by iamasurfcaster

The HRFA’s 2nd Annual Bass & Blues Surfcasting Derby, November 5, 2022 – Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook, NJ

All members & their guests are invited to join the HRFA’s, Surfcasting Derby.

Entry Fee: $25.00 donation -• Pay with cash or check in person at the beach or online click here

Meet up: 6:00 AM in Parking Lot B == Awards: 11:15 AM in Parking Lot B

Striped Bass Prizes 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place

Bluefish Prizes 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place

If you have any questions or need help with selecting the right gear for the derby, contact Michael Sardinas: Email: Masardinas@yahoo.com Phone: +1 (201) 232-5988

Hudson River Fishermen’s Association www.TheHRFA.org

Posted in 2022 | Leave a comment

Don’t Stop Casting

Posted on June 6, 2022 by iamasurfcaster

Four hours of casting and after way too many “last casts” I finally got ONE then TWO and a few more.

Moral of the story? Keep on plugging until you catch.

Catch photo release

Have a great day!

Posted in 2022 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HRFA 2nd Annual Fly Fishing Derby May 14th

Posted on May 12, 2022 by iamasurfcaster

7 AM – 11:30 AM Sandy Hook, NJ

All members & their guests are invited to join the HRFA’s Fly Fishing Derby. The Derby intends to inspire the interest and growth of saltwater fly fishing within the HRFA.

Entry Fee $25.00

Payment option: in person at the beach or online at Thehrfa.org; online registration opens on April

Meet up: Sandy Hook NJ – Lot C – 6:30 AM for a quick rundown of rules and answers to questions if you have any.

Awards: 12 PM – Lot C

The Prizes

  • Striped Bass: Cash Prize for largest fish in length
  • Bluefish: Mystery prize for largest fish in length
  • Weakfish: Mystery prize for largest fish in length
  • Sea robin: Mystery prize for largest fish in length

The Rules

  • A photograph of your catch is to be submitted by text to   201-232-5988 / The photo of your catch must have the ruler below the fish with no portion of the ruler covered by the fish or anything else.
  • Please include your first and last name in the text
  • Time of entry will break any ties.
  • Shore/wade fly fishing only. No boats.
  • The boundaries are anywhere on Sandy Hook

For more information, contact Michael Sardinas at

201 232 5988 or Masardinas@yahoo.com

Posted in 2022 | Leave a comment