Hudson River Charter Fishing

Captain Preston G. Lightsey
Home Phone 518-756-8866 or Cell Phone 518-269-2809

The Captain

 Captain Preston Lightsey is a US Coast Guard Master Licensed Captain who has been fishing the waters of the Hudson River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Great Lakes for over 30 years.

 When fishing with Captain Lightsey you will have a hands on learning experience. He will show you how to rig for striped bass, catch live bait on herring rigs, and live line bait for trophy stripers.

Captain Preston G. Lightsey is a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain who has been fishing the waters of the Hudson River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Great Lakes for over 30 years


The Vessel

 The vessel is a 20 foot center console outfitted specifically for striper fishing. All tackle is supplied but if you have a favorite rod and reel you are welcome to bring it along. A standard trip is about 6 hours in length. The boat leaves the dock at 7 AM and returns around 1 PM. However hours are flexible upon request (additional time is $75.00 per hour).
A New York State fishing license is NOT required to fish the Hudson River for striped bass, BUT a new marine recreational fishing license is required and can be purchased where you would normally get any other license. It is not available at the marina and it is your responsibility to have this license when you arrive


The Fishing

 Some of the methods used to catch trophy stripers include trolling, drifting, chunking, or still fishing with live bait. The freshwater limit on striped bass is one fish of 18 inches or more in length so catch and release is recommended until a monster striper is boated. At this time we can't guarantee fish, but we will make every effort to show you a fantastic and memorable trip on the mighty Hudson River.

 A New York State fishing license is NOT required to fish the Hudson River for striped bass, BUT a new "free marine recreational fishing license" is required and can be aquired where you would normally get any other license. It is not available at the marina and it is your responsibility to have this license when you arrive. If you are from out of state call me for details. Before May 1st it is a coast guard law to wear a PFD while underway. These vest are supplied on the boat.
Some of the methods used to catch trophy stripers include trolling, drifting, chunking, or still fishing with live bait.


The season starts in early April and ends in June

 The first week of May is usually when the prime fishing takes place. The season starts in early April and ends in June. The main factors that control the upstream migration of the striped bass are the water temperature and water clarity. The portion of the Hudson River that we fish is about 10 miles south of Albany.

Trips can be customized to meet special requirements. A non-refundable deposit of $150.00 is required. If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather your deposit will be refunded or your trip can be rescheduled for another day.

 Special trips are available for families, couples and seniors, many charters are for women. Be assured you will be safe and comfortable with frequent rest stops. Many charters are purchased as a gift for a special occassion.

Special trips are available for families, couples and seniors, many charters are for women. Be assured you will be safe and comfortable with frequent rest stops
Many charters are purchased as a gift for a special occassion


A new free marine recreational fishing license is required and can be aquired where you would normally get any other license. It is not available at the marina and it is your responsibility to have this license when you arrive
Some of the methods used to catch trophy stripers include trolling, drifting, chunking, or still fishing with live bait



The main factors that control the upstream migration of the striped bass are the water temperature and water clarity
The first week of May is usually when the prime fishing takes place. The season starts in early April and ends in June


Current Rates For The 2012 Fishing Season.


Charter Information
Half Day 5 Hours

1 Angler
$ 300.00

2 Anglers
$ 300.00

3 Anglers
$ 450.00

1 person $300.00
2 people $150.00 each
3 people $150.00 each

To ensure your comfort and safety we can only accommodate a trip of 3 anglers max.

Trip Check List

  Soft Soled Rubber Shoes
  Rain Gear
  Hat and Gloves
  Sunglasses
  Motion Sickness Medication
  Proper Fishing License 		  Sunscreen
  Camera
  Jacket or Sweatshirt
  Lunch and Beverages
  Large Cooler for your Catch

  April and May can be very cold. Bring a very warm Coat, Hat, and Gloves.


We're Easy To Get To

From the South:  Get off Thruway (I-87) at exit 21B, Coxsackie, turn right onto Rt. 9-W north. Go 2.3 miles, turn right onto Rt. 144 for 2- 1/2 miles, turn at sign for Shady Harbor Marina and Restaurant.

From the North:  Get off Thruway (I-87) at exit 22, Selkirk, turn right on Rt. 144 south, Go 6 miles and turn at the Shady Harbor Marina and Restaurant sign

From the East:  I-90 west towards Thruway. DO NOT exit at B-1. Go straight until you cross the bridge, bear right heading north towards Albany/ Buffalo. then go 1 mile to exit 22 at Selkirk and follow above directions

The first week of May is usually when the prime fishing takes place

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