Tips for fishing the Hudson just north of GWB

[LightGearMike]

Hi everyone,

I just found this site on a random search and have gotten a lot of useful information before I even received my authorization to post. Here's where I am at though:

I have always been a freshwater trout guy and I want to bring/teach my son(8) how to fish and have fun while still respecting nature for all it has to offer. Obviously trout isn't exactly an easement into fishing. I was thinking about bringing him to do some catfishing(or any type of bottom fishing) and a coworker told me that the Hudson is fun for cats as well as stripers and other salt/brackish fish.

So here's my questions: (not looking for the best spots because exploring rivers and lakes is part of the fun)

1. Which rigs work best for fishing bottom? Seems to me that Fish-Finder rigs and High-Low Rigs seem to be the most used, but which is preferable to which fish?

2. Like my username implies, I really enjoy using the lightest tackle i can to fish. I have a sturdier setup for my son so he doesn't get frustrated with lost fish, but I like going as light as possible. What would be the lightest gear to use?

3. I spoke to guys at the Englewood and Alpine boat basins and they were really cool with sharing info(I had to share some trout info too but that's what we do) about what bait and what works in those spots. Question is, that I saw a sandy beach area about a 1/4 to 1/2 mile drive down the Henry Hudson Dr. entering from the Palisades Parkway Entrance 1 on the border of Englewood cliffs and Fort Lee, Does that beach get any good production?

4. Does the tide matter when fishing bottom?

5. And I promise LAST question... Does chumming the river work?

Thanks everyone!