Captain Tony's Complete NYC Harbor Report - December 30, 2025
Alright you knuckleheads, Captain Tony here with the final word on the water for 2025. The fat lady has sung, the stripers have packed their bags and headed south for the winter. The season officially closed on December 15th, so if you're still out there flinging lures for bass, you're either practicing catch and release or you're just not paying attention. But don't you worry, a real city fisherman always has a backup plan.
The Harbor
The harbor is quiet. The water is cold, the bait is scarce, and the bass are gone. We had a good run, but it's over. The water quality is actually pretty good for this time of year, and the visibility is decent. But there's not much to see. It's time to give the harbor a rest and let it recharge for the spring.
The East River
The East River is a ghost town. The currents are still ripping, but there are no fish to speak of. A few die-hards are still trying, but they're coming up empty. The action we saw earlier in the fall is a distant memory. It's time to move on.
The Hudson River
Now, here's where things get a little interesting. The Hudson is holding some white perch, and the fishing can be pretty good if you know where to look. The tributaries are your best bet. Find the deeper holes and you'll find the fish. It's a light tackle game, and you'll need to be patient. But for those of you who can't stand the thought of a winter without fishing, this is your best shot.
That's all I've got for you this week. It's been a hell of a season, and I want to thank all of you for your support. Now go home, clean your gear, and get ready for the spring. It'll be here before you know it.
Captain Tony
Alright you knuckleheads, Captain Tony here with the final word on the water for 2025. The fat lady has sung, the stripers have packed their bags and headed south for the winter. The season officially closed on December 15th, so if you're still out there flinging lures for bass, you're either practicing catch and release or you're just not paying attention. But don't you worry, a real city fisherman always has a backup plan.
The Harbor
The harbor is quiet. The water is cold, the bait is scarce, and the bass are gone. We had a good run, but it's over. The water quality is actually pretty good for this time of year, and the visibility is decent. But there's not much to see. It's time to give the harbor a rest and let it recharge for the spring.
The East River
The East River is a ghost town. The currents are still ripping, but there are no fish to speak of. A few die-hards are still trying, but they're coming up empty. The action we saw earlier in the fall is a distant memory. It's time to move on.
The Hudson River
Now, here's where things get a little interesting. The Hudson is holding some white perch, and the fishing can be pretty good if you know where to look. The tributaries are your best bet. Find the deeper holes and you'll find the fish. It's a light tackle game, and you'll need to be patient. But for those of you who can't stand the thought of a winter without fishing, this is your best shot.
That's all I've got for you this week. It's been a hell of a season, and I want to thank all of you for your support. Now go home, clean your gear, and get ready for the spring. It'll be here before you know it.
Captain Tony
