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 2009

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Fishing is the activity of catching fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping.

The term fishing may be applied to catching other aquatic animals such as shellfish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and echinoderms. The term is not usually applied to catching aquatic mammals, such as whales, where the term whaling is more appropriate, or to farmed fish. In addition to providing food, modern fishing is also a recreational sport.

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FISHING TIPS            FISHING PHOTOS         FISHING KNOTS

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Recreational fishing:

Recreational and sport fishing describe fishing for pleasure or competition. Recreational fishing has conventions, rules, licensing restrictions and laws that limit the way in which fish may be caught; typically, these prohibit the use of nets and the catching of fish with hooks not in the mouth. The most common form of recreational fishing is done with a rod, reel, line, hooks and any one of a wide range of baits or artificial lures such as spinners or 'dry flies'. The practice of catching or attempting to catch fish with a hook is generally known as angling. In angling, it is sometimes expected or required that fish be returned to the water (catch and release). Recreational or sport fishermen may log their catches or participate in fishing competitions.

Big-game fishing describes fishing from boats to catch large open-water species such as tuna, sharks and marlin. Sport fishing (sometimes game fishing) describes recreational fishing where the primary reward is the challenge of finding and catching the fish rather than the culinary or financial value of the fish's flesh. Fish sought after include marlin, tuna, tarpon, sailfish, shark and mackerel although the list is endless.

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Fishing techniques:

There are many fishing techniques or methods for catching fish. The term can also be applied to methods for catching other aquatic animals such as mollusks (shellfish, squid, octopus) and edible marine invertebrates.

Fishing techniques include hand gathering, spearfishing, netting, angling and trapping. Recreational, commercial and artisanal fishers use different techniques, and also, sometimes, the same techniques. Recreational fishers fish for pleasure or sport, while commercial fishers fish for profit. Artisanal fishers use traditional, low-tech methods, for survival in third-world countries, and as a cultural heritage in other countries. Mostly, recreational fishers use angling methods and commercial fishers use netting methods.

There is an intricate link between various fishing techniques and knowledge about the fish and their behavior including migration, foraging and habitat. The effective use of fishing techniques often depends on this additional knowledge.

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Fishing tackle:

Fishing tackle is a general term that refers to the equipment used by fishermen when fishing.

Almost any equipment or gear used for fishing can be called fishing tackle. Some examples are hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, rods, reels, baits, lures, spears, nets, gaffs, traps, waders and tackle boxes.

Tackle that is attached to the end of a fishing line is called terminal tackle. This includes hooks, sinkers, floats, leaders, swivels, split rings and wire, snaps, beads, spoons, blades, spinners and clevises to attach spinner blades to fishing lures.

Fishing tackle can be contrasted with fishing techniques. Fishing tackle refers to the physical equipment that is used when fishing, whereas fishing techniques refers to the ways the tackle is used when fishing.

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 BASS FISHING

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Fishing vessels:

Crab boat from the North Frisian Islands working in the North Sea

A fishing vessel is a boat or ship used to catch fish in the sea, or on a lake or river. Many different kinds of vessels are used in commercial, artisanal and recreational fishing.

According to the FAO, there are currently (2004) four million commercial fishing vessels. About 1.3 million of these are decked vessels with enclosed areas. Nearly all of these decked vessels are mechanized, and 40,000 of them are over 100 tons. At the other extreme, two-thirds (1.8 million) of the undocked boats are traditional craft of various types, powered only by sail and oars. These boats are used by artisan fishers.

It is difficult to estimate how many recreational fishing boats there are, although the number is high. The term is fluid, since most recreational boats are also used for fishing from time to time. Unlike most commercial fishing vessels, recreational fishing boats are often not dedicated just to fishing. Just about anything that will stay afloat can be called a recreational fishing boat, so long as a fisher periodically climbs aboard with the intent to catch a fish. Fish are caught for recreational purposes from boats which range from dugout canoes, kayaks, rafts, pontoon boats and small dingiest to runabouts, cabin cruisers and cruising yachts to large, hi-tech and luxurious big game rigs. Larger boats, purpose-built with recreational fishing in mind, usually have large, open cockpits at the stern, designed for convenient fishing.

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What is fishing lures? A fishing lures is an object that is attached to the end of a fishing line. Fishing lures are widely used with fishing tackle. The lure is attached to the fishing line with a knot.

Fishing lures can be dated back to ancient civilizations, where fish hooks carved out of bone and molded out of bronze have been discovered.

Fishing lures are available in a myriad variety of sizes, colors, and types. Materials used for fishing lures fishing lures can be made of metal, wood, cork, and plastic, depending on the type of lure. Lure-makers seldom make an entire lure; they specialize in a particular part of the lure.

There are more than a hundred unique types of fishing lures, with thousands of variations within them. The ingenuity of anglers knows no bounds when stalking that elusive trout or bass or pike. Fishing lures are designed to work with the water, or in some cases against it.

The basic idea is the same no matter the design and it’s captured nicely by the very name: lure. Fish aren’t famous for being eager to jump onto the hook. They have to be lured. Most try to resemble something the fish will find tasty, which naturally varies from species to species and place to place.

Choosing the Right Fishing Lure

Certain kinds of lures displace water as they are cast along the water; others, move freely in the water. The right kind of fishing lure, thus, will depend on your chosen kind of fishing. If you’re looking to catch aggressive fish, spinner baits are considered extremely effective.

Selecting a lure depends not only on skill but also on the kind of fish you intend to catch. Conversely, bluefish prefer spoons; mirror lures or those colored silver are also effective.

The color of a fishing lure is extremely important when fishing; this is because certain fish are attracted only to certain colors. Also, water and weather will often determine the color of your lure.

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Fishing Lures Use!

Perhaps the most thrilling manner of catching fish is by using fishing lures.
Here are a few tips and tricks that can help when using fishing lures.

Ideally, it’s advisable to not stay in one position for too long. When you a buy a lure, ensure that you pay attention to its every detail. Most fish have extremely sharp vision. Things to look out for are the eyes, scale pattern, and color.

Even if it appears that the line is only being cast and retrieved, there is method to using fishing lures. The only way you’re going to be able to catch fish while using a lure is if you can successfully make your lure resemble a fish or an insect.

Almost any fish is attracted to a fishing lure that resembles a minnow or crayfish. When it’s time to catch some big fish, use plastic worms or jigs. If you’re having trouble catching fish, or there appears to be few fish in the water, opt for a smaller fishing lure. For instance, you could use a small plastic worm.

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New Jersey fishing for bass, trout, walleye and fly fishing plus equipment, boats, gear and vacation trip ideas for fishing in NJ.

There are almost 400 fresh water lakes and ponds to fish in the state of New Jersey plus many streams and rivers. Bass and trout lead the list of most wanted species but NJ offers some excellent walleye, catfish, perch, sunfish and striped bass waters as well. We concentrate here on the major fishinh lakes and impoundments in New Jersey.
 

		Listed are the primary species to be found in these local fisheries.
		Greenwood Lake
		Lake Hopatcong
		Manasquan Reservoir
		Merrill Creek Reservoir
		Monksville Reservoir
		Oak Ridge Reservoir
		Round Valley Reservoir
		Spruce Run Reservoir
		Swartswood Lake
		Union Lake
		Wanaque Reservoir

New Jersey Fishing Lake Locations

Greenwood Lake is a 1,900-acre lake on the northern border of the state, at West Milford, NJ.

Lake Hopatcong is a 2,700-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, at Hopatcong, NJ.

Manasquan Reservoir is a 700-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, at Howell, NJ.

Merrill Creek Reservoir is a 650-acre lake in the south-west part of the state, at Greenwich, NJ.

Monksville Reservoir is a 500-acre lake in the north-east part of the state, at Hewitt, NJ.

Oak Ridge Reservoir is a 480-acre lake in the north-east part of the state, at Oak Ridge, NJ.

Round Valley Reservoir is a 2,300-acre lake in the north-west part of the state, at Lebanon, NJ.

Spruce Run Reservoir is a 1,300-acre lake in the north-west part of the state, at Clinton, NJ.

Swartswood Lake is a 500-acre lake in the north-central part of the state at Swartswood, NJ.

Union Lake is a 900-acre lake in the south-central part of the state, at Millville, NJ.

Wanaque Reservoir is a 2,300-acre lake in the north-east part of the state, at Wanaque, NJ.

Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife website for fishing regulations and additional information about fishing in New Jersey.

Acquire a New Jersey fishing license.

We are continually gathering information on New Jersey fishing waters. If you have information on fishing in your area and would like to contribute articles and information we would like to hear from you. We will be happy to give you credit for your contribution. If you have a fishing related business and would like to mention it within the context of the article, we will happily consider your request. For significant contributions we may offer complimentary display ads, contact us ( WEBMASTER@FISHINGSHORE.COM ) if you are interested.

NJ Fishing Guides
We are also looking for information on local guides who offer services within New Jersey. You can find a listing of NJ fishing guides here. If you are a fishing guide in New Jersey or know of a good resource, please send us information for consideration.

There is a section dedicated to fishing activities for kids in NJ. It will include fishing stories, fish photos and tips for where and how to take a kid fishing in New Jersey. Please send us your recommendations and we will be happy to consider them for publication.

All About Fishing wishes you the very best with your fishing endeavors in the great state of New Jersey. Please visit again soon as we will be continually updating the site with the best fishing information we can acquire.

Best Fishing Bass Lakes in New Jersey

The 2009 fishing season in the Garden State proved to be an interesting one, to say the least. After one of the best bass fishing seasons in many years during the prior season, the bass fishing did an about face last year. A warmer than normal winter, followed by a rainy spring and super-dry summer combined to create roller coaster conditions that really sidetracked bass fishermen.

One of the main effects the erratic weather patterns have had on the bass fishing was to cause low-water conditions in most lakes and reservoirs during the warmest part of the year. This meant some tough conditions for bass and fishermen.

Vegetation in most waters was way above average, especially in the lower part of the state, where many shallow lakes and ponds became weed choked. Likewise, the lower water conditions also changed a lot of the structure in lakes and reservoirs. In some bodies of water this hurt the fishing, while in others it enhanced it.

This led to some interesting changes in many of the state's top bass-fishing spots. Traditional hotspots like Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake were harder to fish than in the past. On the opposite side of the coin, places like Round Valley and Manasquan reservoirs produced some of the best bass fishing that fishermen had seen in several years.

ROUND VALLEY RESERVOIR
One of the top spots for bass fishermen in New Jersey is Round Valley Reservoir. Round Valley is better noted for its trout fishing. Producing the state record for lake trout and brown trout, Round Valley is considered to be the best trophy trout-fishing hole in the state; hence, bass fishermen who look to more traditional bass producers, such as Lake Hopatcong and Lake Musconetcong, largely overlook it.

Round Valley is a unique body of water in that it has its water pumped into it rather than being filled by a feeder stream. This means that the reservoir's water color and clarity are very stable; however, it also means that the structure changes during dry periods, such as the summer of 2002. The lower water changed the shorelines and brought a lot of structure closer to the surface, making bass easier to get at and giving anglers easier fishing. Even with the lower water levels, Round Valley still possesses plenty of deep-water structure and bass are often found suspended around it during the spring.

Topwater anglers enjoyed good fishing last year; however, how good the surface fishing will be this season will have a lot to do with the water levels in the reservoir. Under normal conditions, jigs, deep-diving crankbaits and plastic worms, worked in and around the submerged treetops and vegetation, are your main tools to catch bass. As with all the other top bass spots detailed here, Round Valley has good largemouth and smallmouth populations. In fact, Carol Marciniak caught the state-record smallmouth from Round Valley in 1990. Her big smallie weighed in at a whopping 7 pounds, 2 ounces!

With 2,350 acres of surface water, Round Valley is one of the state's biggest bass-fishing holes. There is an excellent paved boat launch, along with plenty of shoreline access and ample parking, as well as a 10-horsepower rule on the reservoir. The horsepower limit keeps fishing pressure down a bit, too, as anglers with high-powered bass boats can't use them on Round Valley.

SWARTSWOOD LAKE
Swartswood Lake, at 494 surface acres, is one of the largest natural lakes found in the state. Swartswood Lake provides anglers with a chance to test their deep-water fishing skills. Eighty percent of the lake is deeper than 10 feet, and although there are several areas that give the angler some shallow-water fishing, jig combinations, deep-running crankbaits and spinnerbaits will unlock the secrets to the lake's best bass fishing.

Swartswood Lake has been a sleeper for many years when it comes to being one of the state's best bass waters. Last year changed that status for lots of fishermen. As many of the state's top waters produce poor bassing due to the up-and-down weather patterns, a lot of anglers tried waters they had not fished before. As a result, Swartswood Lake emerged as one of the state's most consistent largemouth bass producers.

The big lake does have its limitations, and one of those is the "electric-only" rule. The lake is often windswept and it's wise to keep a spare battery on board if you intend to fish this large lake for any length of time. Shoreline fishing is adequate and boat launch facilities are good.

MANASQUAN RESERVOIR
Manasquan Reservoir really came into its own this past season as one of the state's top bass-producing waters. The reservoir's 770 acres of surface water have a maximum depth of 40 feet and average depths range between 10 and 20 feet. Parking is available, and there is excellent shoreline and boat access.

The reservoir not only has a first-rate largemouth population, it also possesses one of the better smallmouth populations of any reservoir found in the state. Smallies to 6 pounds have been taken from the reservoir and weighed on the scales of local tackle shops this past season. Not only that, but some hefty largemouths were taken from the lake as well. Manasquan Reservoir also has an excellent hybrid striped bass population that also keeps rods bent.

Plenty of consideration was given to the lake's fish populations when it was constructed. Stumps and riprap were left in the lake when it was filled. Additionally, brushpiles and fish-holding structures were placed in the reservoir after it was filled. Several good dropoffs exist in the lake, and the old creekbed is also a top fish-holding structure. Vegetation is still sparse in the lake. Recent catches of largemouth and smallmouth bass have been excellent and both fish populations are still vying for dominance.

Swimming plugs and crankbaits, both shallow-running and deep-diving versions, are some of the top lures used on the lake, especially in the spring when bass will suspend in 10 to 20 feet of water. Jigging is also a good method, especially when used around brushpiles and other debris located along the medium-depth dropoffs that are found in the lake. A good many of the bigger largemouths taken from the lake were pulled out of the treetops by anglers using plastic baits.

Originally the reservoir was supposed to have a 10-horsepower rule; however, the water company that runs the reservoir decided on electric motors only. Because of its size and nearness to the Jersey Shore (which often means it is windswept), make sure you have plenty of battery power when fishing the Manasquan Reservoir from a boat.

LAKE ASSUNPINK
One of the top perennial bass-producing waters in the central part of New Jersey is Lake Assunpink. This lake annually produces some of the best catches of good-sized bass in the state. Despite drought conditions, anglers enjoyed good bassing last season and should this year, too. Bass in the 6- and 7-pound class were weighed in at several local tackle shops. Bass tournaments on the lake produced good results for anglers.

Ask anyone who fishes Lake Assunpink on a regular basis as to why it was productive when most of its better known counterparts were not and you'll likely to get 10 different answers. There were, however, a few factors that Lake Assunpink has in its favor. Lake Assunpink's waters come from a drainage system of the same name. Unlike most other drainages that were severely affected by the drought, water levels, while lower, remained relatively stable at Assunpink.

The large number of springs that seep into the lake also helps keep its water a few degrees cooler than most other lakes. Assunpink is often wind- swept even under the slightest breeze. This produces good oxygen levels, which allows bass to cope with the higher water temperatures.

The lake's 225 acres of surface water are largely shallow and the lake has silted in considerably since it was built. The lake's backwaters contain heavy vegetation during the summer and this produces excellent surface plugging action. Even though its waters are much shallower than the other lakes we discussed, Lake Assunpink still has plenty of open water and 10-foot-plus water where plastic baits will provide you with good bass-fishing action. In particular, the old streambed that is still visible on a depthfinder produces some excellent numbers of bass on jig-and-pig and jig-and-plastic worm combinations.

Unlike the other lakes detailed here, Assunpink does not have a smallmouth population. The lake's maximum depth is about 15 feet, with an electric motor-only rule. One of the drawbacks the lake has is its boat launch, which is a dirt ramp. Anglers with larger boats can have a problem launching, especially under low-water conditions. Shoreline access is ample, as is the parking.

UNION LAKE
Another lake that saw a real resurgence last season is Union Lake. Located in Cumberland County, the lake's 898 surface acres have become one of south Jersey's top bass-producing waters. The lake has always been a top favorite of local bass anglers; however, it got a lot more attention from anglers throughout the state this past season.

After an extensive face-lift to the dam, plus alleviating some of the lake's pollution problems and a restocking by the state, Union Lake has rebounded into one of the best fishing holes in New Jersey. Union Lake offers bass fishermen a variety of structure to fish and is a year-round producer.

The lake's shallow nature makes it a surface fisherman's paradise during the warm-water season, especially for anglers who like to fish by the light of the moon. As with some of our other top bass fishing choices, Union Lake has a bass population made up of largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as hybrid striped bass.

Crankbaits and swimming plugs are effective offerings for fishermen who seek bass. As with most south Jersey lakes, plastic worms are one of the top choices during the summer months. Black and purple worms seem to fool more than their fair share of bass at Union Lake.

The lake has a 10-horsepower rule, but it is one of the few lakes where gas motors are allowed. Excellent shoreline access is available at Union Lake, and there is also an excellent boat launch with ample parking.

SOME OTHER GOOD CHOICES
In addition to the five lakes we have mentioned, there are also several other bodies of water that produced excellent fishing last season and have a bright outlook for the coming season. In particular, the Salem Canal in south Jersey, was red-hot during the summer and early fall. A shallow body of water, spinnerbaits and swimming plugs were the top producers, with some good numbers of bass being plucked from its tree-lined shores.

Another good bet is the twin sisters of Lake Assunpink: Rising Sun (38 acres) and Stone Tavern (52 acres) lakes. Both lakes are located on the same drainage system, and are actually smaller versions of Lake Assunpink. While both are considerably smaller in size, they are also deeper with maximum depths of 20 feet. Both lakes are great places to cast deep-running crankbaits and plastic worms.

In the northwestern portion of the state, Merrill Creek Reservoir (650 acres) received high marks from bass fishermen. This is another body of water that benefited from the drought. The reservoir's main purpose is for water supply, with water being pumped up into it from the Delaware River at high water and then released during dry periods.

The reservoir has always had healthy largemouth and smallmouth populations, with most of the better fishing taking place in the submerged treetops, which were left in the lake when it was flooded. This past year saw a sizeable drop in water levels and this created a whole new shoreline, which super-charged the bass fishing. Largemouths in the 8-pound class are being pulled from the reservoir, and there are plenty of fish in the 1- to 3-pound class. Topwater plugs and plastic worms are the ticket here.

One last spot we would like to mention is the 376-acre Budd Lake. Located in the northern portion of the state off U.S. Route 46, the lake forms the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River. While it is not a deep body of water (with a maximum depth of 12 feet), Budd Lake has healthy smallmouth and largemouth bass populations.

During the 2009 season, the spring-fed waters of the lake produced some very good catches of smallies, along with a decent number of largemouths over 5 pounds. The shallow nature of the lake makes it one of the better topwater lakes, and early-morning and evening fishing often produces the biggest bass. Outboards are allowed on the lake, so the summer months see a lot of boating traffic. This is the reason some of the better fishing is during the off hours.

There you have it, a look at some of the better bass holes in the Garden State. Last year was a very unusual one that changed the way a good many Garden State bass fishermen approached their sport. As many of the best bass lakes did not produce good fishing, anglers had their eyes opened to other waters in the state. You can bet the house that many of those same anglers who found success in the lesser-known bass waters of the state will take a crack at these waters this season.

Greenwood Lake, NJ 2009

Greenwood Lake is located in both New Jersey and New York. There are several launching ramps throughout the lake located in both states. The ramps are well maintained, and can accommodate both large and small boats. In the southern end of the lake, at South Shore Marina, there are a couple ramps, and there are others, all the way to the upper end at Olde Point Marina in New York. Many of the marinas are full service, with restroom facilities, gas, picnic areas, and lodging. When you get about half way up the lake, at Happy Landing Marina, that is where the New York portion starts, in the Sterling Forest area. This is one of New Jersey's larger lakes at 1,920 acres, and it has a maximum depth of 57 feet at full pool.

Greenwood Lake is a natural lake, located mostly in the state of New York. Belcher Creek is the main tributary.

IIn the winter, drawdowns lower the water in Greenwood about 2 to 5 feet. The water is Eutropic, with frequent algae blooms in the summer. Visibility is from about 3-6 feet, but sometimes it becomes cloudy after it rains, especially near the shore. In the summer there is a thermocline at about 20 feet. Most of the original lakebed, and the South flat, have muck and silt, but the rest of the lake has a hard bottom, that is mostly boulders and rocks, and the rest is sand and gravel. There are a lot of submerged points and humps throughout the lake. The lake has steep hills, and small wetlands are in the South and north ends. Most of the shoreline is privately owned, and has a lot of houses and marinas.

The main species are largemouth bass, Muskies, and smallmouth bass. There are other species also, such as Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Bluegills, and Walleye. There are also good populations of catfish. There is a lot of pressure at Greenwood, but catch and release fishing allows Greenwood to maintain a good population of Largemouth bass. It is rated among New Jersey's top 3 Largemouth bass waters.

Most of the bass average around 15 inches, but we have caught seven pounders on occasion. Smallmouth fishing is getting better, but the largemouth bass still outnumber them. Sometimes smallmouths in the 4 to 5 pound range are caught, and some nice Chain Pickerel are caught also. We generally use suspending jerk-baits, such as a Rapala, or a Rogue, in shad patterns, for the largemouth and Chain Pickerel early in the year. Muskies have been stocked also, and in early 1991, the state started stocking Tiger Muskies also. I don't generally fish for them myself, but friends and other anglers tell me that they are doing well. Greenwood is loaded with panfish, especially white perch, and they catch a lot in the 1-2 pound range. The main forage base is alewife, and panfish, along with Golden Shiners, and various minnows.

Best Times and Locations The best times for Largemouth bass is in the spring, starting in April, or when the water reaches about 50 degrees. As soon as the water reaches about 53-55 degrees, the bass move to the shallows. The bays and coves are loaded with stumps and weeds, and they turn on first. We have had good luck in the past fishing the two channels at Greenwood Lake Village, and west of Fox Island. We start working the cover in these areas with lipless crankbaits, usually in shad patterns. The bass usually start spawning in early May, and it lasts until the middle of June. Floating Rapalas, soft Jerk-baits, and Senkos work the best. Although we have taken them on lizards and tubes also.

The bass in Greenwood like weed beds, but avoid the ones that have been treated, as they don't produce well. We stay on the outside edges in about 10-12 feet of water, and the areas around Storms Island and north of Fox Island, are the best. Another good location is the shallow beds west of Fox Island, and north of Chapel Island. We use a lot of topwater baits here in the summer, and have had the best results with Zara Spooks, Nip-A-Dee-Dees, and Terminator buzzbaits, at dawn and dusk. During the day, we like to use Senkos, or 4" worms, and cast them to the edges of the grass, and in pockets. Docks and piers hold bass all day long. Try skipping a Senko or worm as far back under the docks into the shaded areas as possible. The farther back the better.

If you are after smallmouth bass, concentrate on the deeper, rockier, New York portions of the lake. Smallmouth bass seem to like the combinations of weeds and rocks, especially on points. The 10-12 foot depths, on the drop-offs, where there is a gravel bottom work the best. We have caught some nice smallmouths at night also, by casting small topwater baits, such as Pop-R's. Early in the mornings, you will do well with a 1/2 ounce Rat-L-Trap in about 2-6 feet of water, where there is a gravel bottom.

You can get a lot of good information about Greenwood from the local tackle stores, and some have maps with GPS locations. Remember to practice Catch, Photo, and Release, and there will be great fishing in Greenwood for many years to come

1. Big Flatbrook River
New Jersey's most famous trout stream, the Big Flatbrook combines pristine beauty with
excellent catches. The river rivals many of the premier trout streams in the northeastern United
States, and up to 30,000 trout are stocked during the season. The middle portion of the river,
between Route 206 and Little Flatbrook River, produces the best results. A designated fly-fishing
area runs from Route 206 about 4 miles downstream to Mountain Road and receives
well-deserved praise from anglers. Drive 1.1 miles north of the Stokes State Forest office on
Route 206 and turn left on Route 560 (Dingmans Road). Proceed .6 mile to the parking area on
the corner of Brook Road, a thin dirt road paralleling the river. The section of the river along
Brook Road is prime trout territory, but parking is a creative endeavor if you travel any farther
west.
New Jersey's Top Five Inland Fishing Destinations

2. Lake Hopatcong
At 9 miles long and covering 2,685 acres, Lake Hopatcong is New Jersey’s largest lake, and one
of the most heavily stocked bodies of water in the state. During a recent typical stocking
season, the lake received more than 10,000 trout, 144,000 walleye, 25,000 hybrid striped bass,
1,400 tiger muskellunge, and 1,300 muskellunge. The Division of Fish and Wildlife added almost
900,000 walleye fry the same year. Massive fish are caught at Lake Hopatcong every day, some
approaching the state record 33.2 pound channel catfish landed here in 1978, and a 13 pound
rainbow trout caught in 1988. The lake would already be one of New Jersey’s finest fishing
destinations if the list ended there, but you will also find excellent populations of pickerel, yellow
perch, and catfish, along with a good number of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie,
carp, and sunfish. This is one of the few lakes that allows unrestricted outboard motors, in
addition to Jet Skis, sailboats, and kayaks. There’s a boat ramp at the north end of the lake, and
private marinas rent almost anything that floats, from canoes to catamarans. The best access is
from Hopatcong State Park, located on the east side of Lakeside Boulevard about one mile south
of the Borough of Hopatcong.
 

3. Ken Lockwood Gorge
A popular fly-fishing destination, this is another area that combines beauty, serenity, and
productive fishing. Receiving 60,000 trout annually, the Raritan River as a whole is the most
heavily stocked trout stream in New Jersey, and the section running through Ken Lockwood
gets its share at about 30,000 trout. Environmentalist Ken Lockwood spent countless hours
away from his desk at the Newark Evening News fly-fishing The Elbow, a trout hot spot just
downstream from the railroad bridge. Follow Route 513 south from the Voorhees State Park
office for 1.4 miles and turn left on Cregar Road (the road is not
marked at the turn). Follow Cregar Road, which turns into
Cokesbury Road, for 1 mile to the Raritan River. Cross over the river
and turn left at the end of the bridge onto Raritan River Road (the
road is not marked at the turn). Drive north on Raritan River Road
for .1 mile to enter Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management
Area. Proceed along the potholed access road with care. Follow the
river north for another 1.4 miles to the railroad bridge and a small
parking area.
The Raritan River at Ken Lockwood Gorge
 

4. Round Valley Reservoir
Round Valley has produced more state records than any body of
water in New Jersey save the Delaware River. Deep water and
secluded coves produce the best fishing in the entire state if you’re
looking for huge trout. A 32 pound, 8 once lake trout was caught
here in 2002, along with record brown trout (21.4 pounds),
smallmouth bass (7.1 pounds), and an American eel weighing in at
6.8 pounds caught in 2005. Rainbow, brook, and brown trout are stocked at a rate of 9,000 per
year, and another 16 species inhabit the reservoir, including catfish, yellow perch, pickerel, and
sunfish. Round Valley is also one of New Jersey’s premier spots for largemouth bass, which
are sought after second only to the trout and weigh in at up to 10 pounds. A boat launch .8 mile
north of the park entrance has concrete ramps, but fishing from the shore anywhere along the
Water Trail is almost as productive. The reservoir is a trophy trout lake subject to special
restrictions, so check the latest regulations before venturing out. Round Valley Recreation Area
is located in Hunterdon County, 1.5 miles south of Lebanon Borough on the east side of Route
629.
 

5. Delaware River
The Delaware appears last on this list only because it is so popular that it almost needs no
mention. The river is responsible for more records than any other body of water in the state,
including a 29 pound tiger muskellunge, a 13.6 pound walleye, and a 42 pound, 1 ounce carp
landed in 1987. The Delaware does not encounter one dam in its 330-mile journey past the
borders of four states, making it the longest free-flowing river in the eastern United States. This
unbroken flow is essential for fish species that depend on migration and spawning runs, such as
American shad, striped bass, and river herring. Huge American shad run in May, and the boat
ramp area at Eshback near Worthington State Forest is known as a local shad hot spot.
Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, and catfish are also common near Worthington, and
fly-fishing is popular for trout. A boat ramp next to the Worthington State Forest office gives
easy access to the river, although you will find many access points along the Delaware's entire
course.

Skunked is when you catch nothing-not a bluegill, not a bass, not a catfish, not a crappie. You fish all day and come home empty-handed. You don't even have a good story to tell.

"They weren't biting," you mutter to your family.

It happens to everyone now and then. We all can have bad luck. It's part of fishing. If you get skunked a lot, though, maybe bad luck isn't the problem.

Fishing is one of those great sports in which some little tip or trick might change your luck from bad to good. In our last Outside In issue, we asked readers for some of the fishing tips that helped them.

Lindsay Arens, who lives in Florissant, said she discovered a great trick when her school, South West Middle School, went to Camp Lakewood YMCA.

"When our cabin went fishing," she wrote, "we had our choice of worms on our hook or corn." Lindsay said she chose both.

"I took the worm and put it on my hook, and then put corn on to disguise the hook."

At first she didn't catch anything, she said, but when she was helping a friend unhook a small bluegill from her line, Lindsay's bobber went down.

"I reeled in my line and, turns out, I caught an 11-pound catfish!," she said. "Later, I went fishing with a group from the boy's cabin and was the only person to catch a fish. It was
a 6-pound catfish."

"Basically, If you want to catch a good-size fish," she added, "combine a worm and corn on a hook."

Lindsay's tip works for other baits, too. If everyone else is using one bait or lure and not catching much, then try something different. Hook on a crayfish or minnow or use an artificial lure. You can also change the depth below your bobber or cast to a different spot.

The trouble Lindsay and her friend had unhooking that bluegill brings to mind another good tip. A glove or a hand towel will help you hold those slippery fish. It'll also help protect you from their sharp fins. Put some long-nosed pliers into your tackle bag or box, too. They're great for removing fish hooks without hurting you or
the fish.

Anthony Klenke, who is 11 years old and lives in Union, said his fishing tip works great for all kids and adults.

"Use locusts for smallmouth bass in the summertime," he says. "That's how I caught my big fish."

Locusts make great bait for trout and catfish, too. When Missouri had its big locust hatch in 1998, the fish were slurping them up like crazy. And grasshoppers, which are related to locusts, are what Nick Adams uses for bait in Ernest Hemingway's famous story, "Big Two-Hearted River."

Anthony didn't say how big his fish was, but he warned us that locusts are sometimes hard to corral. Here's something to think about: If a hard-to-catch bait makes it easy to catch fish, would an easy-to-catch bait make it hard to catch fish?

Hannah Gragg, who is 12 and lives in Belton, says, "If you are fishing on a sunny day and you happen to see big patches of moss, cast your fishing line near the edge of the moss."

She explains that bright sun blinds fish that are looking up to get a lure or worm, but the moss provides shade and the fish can see the bait.

Shade on sunny days almost always attracts fish. The fish seem to feel safer there. A big tree that leans into the water from shore will almost always have fish near it or under it.

It's a pretty good tip to cast your bait near things whenever you can. Fish like to hang near logs, rocks and docks. It doesn't matter whether these things are under the water or half-in and half-out of the water. Another great place to cast is next to
a weedbed.

Some kids always cast straight out from the shore or dock, but lots of fish like the shorelines.

One of the best spots is along the dropoff where shallow water turns into deep water. You can fish this better by casting a little bit out into the lake but off to the side. Then if you bring your bait back slowly, it'll spend more time in this "fishy" zone.

The best fishing pole is not the biggest one. A good rig for most fishing is a 5 1/2 foot, light-action rod with a push-button spinning reel filled with 6-pound test line. Don't try to catch fish using line that looks more like rope. Fish may be dim, but they aren't totally dumb.

Besides, all reels have an adjustment, called a drag, that releases line when the fish pulls hard. With the drag set correctly, you can catch a 20-pounder on 6-pound test line.

If you do, we'll be asking you for fishing tips.

How to store live eels:
Find a five gallon plastic bucket with a locking top. Drill 7/16 holes approximately every two inches in the walls, top and bottom. Place about 3 inches of golf ball size stones in the bucket for ballast. The eels really like to wiggle in between the rocks. Tie a line to the handle and suspend the bucket from a dock or your boat. Keep it down near the bottom where the water is cool. Don’t worry about feeding them. Lots of little tasty creatures will drift in through the holes and provide them with snacks. I have kept eels this way for up to two months.

 How to keep an eel from tying itself in a knot while on your hook:
Before you hook the eel, give it an attitude adjustment. Grab the eel by the head with a dry towel or piece of burlap. Smack the tail against a stationary object like a cutting board or a railing. The eel will now have a different attitude. It will not attempt to use its tender tail and tie itself into a ball on your fishing line but will still swim enticingly.

Catch your own Fresh Bait
Nothing catches fluke better than fresh live bait. It is worth the effort to catch some before fishing. Purchase a small seine net and drag it along the edge of any beach. You should be able to capture a nice selection of killies, spearing or other small offerings that fluke can’t resist. A small cast net with ¼ inch mesh will also work well for those a little more adventurous and it works without having to get wet.

DIRTY WATER? MAKE IT SMELL
When fishing in dirty water, (brown-tide or wind churned) fresh dead or live bait will produce better than artificials. In these conditions the fish will feed by smell rather than by sight. Natural bait produces the scent to attract the fish. If you insist on using artificials, then add a scent to them. Bunker oil is a good one to try. Chumming also will bring the fish to your offering. Anchor and chum with bunker or clam. Use fresh bait on the hook. You can catch any kind of fish that swims using this technique.

FLUKE BELLY DANCE
After catching your first legal size fluke, fillet the white belly side. Cut this fillet into strips about 5 inches long and tapering to a point on one end. Use these strips in combination with spearing or smaller strips on a bucktail. Fluke belly is an excellent fluke bait. Its is really tough and will last for quite a while on the hook. For added attraction, split the tapered end to create a fluttering action.

EMPTY SODA BOTTLE ICE - KEEP THE CATCH COLD
During the hot summer weather it is very important to keep your catch on ice. They will spoil in the heat and could actually get you sick if the heat damage is severe. The quality of the meat will diminish rapidly upon heating. I fill empty soda bottles with water and freeze them. They are reusable and this saves on the cost of ice. It is also very convenient. When filling them, squeeze out an ounce or two of the water to allow for expansion and cap them tightly. You can put a bunch in your cooler and add them to the container in which you keep your catch. I put two or three into the fish-box on my boat. I stopper the drain, and a couple of gallons of sea-water. The water will stay cold for several hours. Fish kept this way will be in excellent condition.

SCENTS WORK
Try using "bunker oil" to add scent and flavor to the waters and to your baits and jigs. "Bunker oil" is a natural scent of the Atlantic menhaden fish. I dip my bunker chunks in the oil to add extra flavor and scent. When I chum for bluefish or sharks, I add a few drops to the water to create a better smelling slick. I put some in a small squeeze bottle with a dropper tip and add a bit to my artificial lures. I really think it makes a difference. Give it a try.

MOVE TO GET THE BEST WIND/TIDE CONDITIONS
Work the tides and the current. The worst situation to have is a wind directly in-line or directly against the tide if you are drift fishing. Working with the wind will move you too fast and make it difficult to hold the bottom. Drifting against the wind will slow the boat so much that you will not cover ground. When this situation occurs, consider moving to and area where the wind will be at angles to the current. For example, if the wind is due west, it would be difficult to fish in front of Ocean Beach. You will move too fast or too slow. If you move to West Channel, the current moves north and south. With a west or east wind, your drift will be angled across the channel and you will drift at a moderate pace which is best for catching fish.

 JUST A PLAIN OLD KILLIE
When fishing for fluke I usually add a squid strip with a live killie or spearing. I have found however that in areas where crabs are plentiful such as the sand bar areas near the Moses Bridge, the squid will attract more crabs than fluke. Consequently, I have been using just a plain live killie on the hook and if they are small, I put on two. Fluke seem to have no trouble locating that live killie. This past week also I have noticed that a plain hook with killie has caught more fish than a rig adorned with spinners, beads etc. This technique has really produced fish.

A SEA ANCHOR WILL SLOW YOU DOWN
Excessively strong tides and wind can make a boat drift to rapidly for productive fishing. I find this is a problem when fishing around the full or new moon when tides are strongest. When wind and tide are running in the same direction it is really a problem. There is something that can be done to slow the drift so that the bait is presented in an enticing way. A sea-anchor is one solution to the problem. A sea-anchor is a triangular shaped bag attached to a line. It is put overboard and fills with water. It acts as a drogue and will slow the movement of the boat through the water. It is very useful when drifting in deeper water where a lot of lead weight would have to be used to hold bottom. When drifting for fluke in the ocean in 60 feet of water, the use of a sea-anchor can reduce the needed lead weight from 8 oz. To 3 oz.. Less weight will allow you to feel the bite of a fish and make for a better fight when you hook up to a good fish. In addition, a sea-anchor is also a good piece of safety equipment. If a boat loses power in rough seas, a sea-anchor can be let out off the bow. It will keep the bow of the boat pointed into the seas and prevent swamping of the boat.

FLUORO-CARBON LEADER WORKS
When fishing artificials, try using fluoro-carbon leader material. It is almost invisible underwater. It will reduce the chance that the fish will see something that does not look natural and this is most important when fishing in very clear water.

TWO CHUM POTS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
When porgy fishing I use two chum pots. These fish are attracted to the chum and will only be caught when fishing directly behind the chum pot. Anyone fishing on the other side of the boat will hardly catch at all. By using two chum pots, one on each side of the boat, the fish will get spread across the entire area between the two pots and everyone will get in on the action. Another benefit is that when refilling the chum pots, one can remain in the water while the other is being filled. This will produce non-stop action and prevent the possibility of losing the school of fish.

SMALL LURES FOR TUNA
If you troll for tuna on the near-shore grounds, in the area from 20 to 40 miles, make sure that you have some smaller lures in your trolling spread. Bonita, small tuna and dolphin like the smaller lures. One ounce feathers in red/white and cedar plugs are real hot. I fish them in the second and third wake behind the boat and troll at 8 knots. This combination has worked very well. I also troll a few big lures farther back and they have accounted for most of the bigger fish. However, if you don’t troll the small stuff you will miss out on a lot of action.

 WHAT SINGLE TOOL CAN BE USED TO HANDLE FISH, LAND FISH, WEIGH FISH, AND SET DRAGS ON YOUR REELS?
The answer is the BOGAGRIP. This is the niftiest tool in my fishing arsenal. It is made of machined stainless steel, will not corrode and is almost indestructible. Its locking mechanism will attach easily to the jaw of any fish and will not let go until you hit the release. It has a precision built in scale for weighing fish or setting drags. It comes in two sizes; small will weigh up to 30 pounds and large that will weigh up to 60 pounds.

CAN YOU GET BACK TO THE FISH IN THE DARK?
When drifting for striped bass at night it can be pretty tough to get back to the exact beginning of a productive drift. This is especially true if visibility is reduced by mist or fog or if the area has no convenient structures or lights nearby for taking visual ranges. Be prepared and always store the start of a drift in your LORAN or GPS. I always hit the "quick save" button when I begin a drift. If I catch fish I can get right back to the original starting point and repeat the same drift under any conditions.

THE "PETRI-FISH" JIG
The "Petri-Fish" is proving to be a very productive lure. It is an imitation flounder made of rubber with a lead head. It is comes in three sizes 8 inch, 6 inch and 3 ½ inch. The large size is good for big striped bass while the smaller sizes will catch smaller bass blues and weakfish and large fluke. I work the lure by jigging it just above the bottom. I had an excellent catch of school bass and weakfish using the 3 ½ inch version during the past week. Give this lure a try.

BRINE THE BAIT
Whole clams threaded on a hook will catch striped bass. Many tackle shops sell shucked whole skimmer clams for bait. The problem is however, when clams are frozen and then thawed, they become soft and are easily torn off the hook. I like to thaw the clams a day before fishing and mix them with a good helping of Kosher salt. The salt will toughen the tissue considerably making it very difficult for the fish to steal your bait. The salt does not seem to reduce the attractiveness of this bait. Any leftover salted clams can be refrozen and thawed again without seriously hurting the quality. I always have a couple of boxes of Kosher salt handy for this purpose or just for making up a brine solution for rinsing fillets. Some bait and tackle shops do carry salted shucked skimmer clams

DIGITAL CAMERAS FOR FISHING MEMORIES
How do you keep memories of a great fishing day? With a camera of course. But now there is a new twist that I find very convenient. I purchased a digital camera, an Olympus D 400 zoom and can save all the good moments in digital form on my computer. The price of digital cameras has come way down and most people have access to a computer at work or at home. What I find most convenient is the ability to immediately see how good the picture is and delete what is not just right. It also eliminates the hassle of going to the photo lab and the results are immediate. You can then e-mail pictures to your friends and family or with a good printer and photo quality paper, produce excellent quality prints. You can also view the pictures on your TV set. If you are one that likes to capture the moment, then this is worth a look.

WORKING WITH MULTIFILAMENT LINES
I use multifilament line on many of my fishing outfits. Berkley "FireLine" and Innovative Textiles "Power Pro" are my choice in this type of line. One problem that exists with such lines is being able to cut them when rigging. The cutter on a set of fishing pliers or a nail clipper will not cut them properly if at all. A sharp knife will cut them but it is dangerous to use on a rocking boat or when near others. I find that a good sharp scissors works best. Many of the available multi-purpose tool manufacturers make a model with scissors. I use the Leatherman "Micra" and "PST II" which both have scissors. They easily cut through these extremely tough lines quickly and safely. I like the "Micra" because it can be kept in my pocket and I wear the "PST II" on my belt in a leather pouch. The "PST II" also has a diamond grit hook sharpening file with groove. These tools are an indispensable part of my fishing gear. I recommend strongly that you get hold of such a tool with a scissors feature if you use multifilament lines.

HI-LO RIG
When fishing in an area such as Ocean Beach that holds both fluke and weakfish, use a "hi-lo" rig. Set up a regular fluke rig but add another hook about two feet above the fluke rig. Fish killies or spearing on the fluke rig with a piece of squid or sand worm on the high-hook. The high-hook will catch weakfish and the fluke rig will catch fluke. It’s the best of both worlds.

SMALL BLUES FOR SHARK BAIT
If you are going shark fishing, make a quick stop in the inlet on your way out and troll an umbrella rig to catch small bluefish. A small bluefish rigged whole or a bluefish fillet is absolutely the best bait for Mako sharks. In the early morning the blues should be plentiful and a short stop to catch bait will be well worth the effort.

NETTING FLUKE
Fluke should be landed with a net. Fluke have a bony mouth and very often the hook will not penetrate or encircle a bony area but be lightly embedded in soft tissue. If you try to lift the fish into the boat, the hook will surely pull out. A net is therefore a must when trying to boat a large fish. The trick to netting a fluke is to net it headfirst. A fluke looks like a clumsy fish but is capable of a great burst of speed. If you try to net it from the tail end it will rapidly swim away from the net and probably pull the hook. To net it properly, the angler should steer the fish toward the boat allowing it to stay submerged about 1 to 2 feet below the surface. The net should be kept at ready just above the surface of the water. As the fish is pulled headfirst toward the boat the person with the net should quickly thrust it into the water and scoop the fish headfirst. Do not put the net into the water as the fish is approaching or it will see the net and dart to the side to avoid capture. When the net is in the water it produces so much drag that it cannot be moved quickly enough to catch up to the fluke. Next time you hook a big one remember, a quick scoop headfirst will put it in the boat.

CLOUDY WATER
When the water is murky the way it is now, I always add an extra attractant to my lures. I usually tip-off the lure with a piece of pork rind or strip of squid or fluke belly. I also split the strip from the middle to the tail to create a fluttering action. This definitely will improve your catch in cloudy water.

OPTIMAX ENGINES INCREASE RANGE FOR OFFSHORE FISHING
If you like to fish offshore you have probably had concerns at times about having enough fuel to go the distance to the fishing grounds and return with a safe margin for error. If you have outboard power on your boat then there is a solution to this problem. The answer is DFI engine technology. Direct Fuel Injection outboard engines burn considerable less fuel compared to Electronic Fuel Injection or Carburetor engines. My Mercury 225 hp OptiMax™ DFI engine burns approximately 40% less fuel at cruising speed than my previous engine. It burns 60% less fuel at trolling speeds. That translates into a considerable savings on fuel bills and also means much greater range. If you run long distances offshore and you are considering repowering your boat I would give serious thought to going with Mercury OptiMax™ power.

STRIP BAITS FOR FLUKE
Fluke and searobin belly strips make great baits. If I’m fluke fishing especially in the ocean where chances are good for catching a big fish, I use a piece of fluke or searobin belly on the hook with a killie or spearing. These are very tough baits and will last quite a while before having to be changed. Even the crabs can’t tear it off the hook. When you catch your first keeper fluke or searobin, fillet the belly side, slice it into strips and add it to your hook.

BUCKTAIL- JELLYWORM COMBO
An excellent artificial lure is a bucktail tipped off with a jellyworm. Use a 1.5 oz. bucktail and add a 7 or 8 inch jellyworm to the hook. Run the hook through the middle of the jellyworm for about 1 ½ inches. Slide the jellyworm all the way up the shank of the hook and expose the point. Bounce the lure along the bottom and strike hard when a fish hits. This is a very productive lure. Give it t try.

SNAPPERS AS LIVE BAIT
Live snappers are an outstanding bait for big fluke. Before heading out to the ocean fluke grounds, take some time to catch a few snappers. Keep them alive in a bucket or live-well. Hook them through the hard part of the upper jaw or in the back just in front of the dorsal fin. Fish them as you would any other bait, right near the bottom. When you get a strike, give the fluke time to eat the bait. When you set the hook, do it with authority.

SILVER-BULLET TEASER RIG
Try fishing the "silver-bullet" jig for big fluke in the ocean. Instead of using a sinker as a weight, I use a 3 to 5 oz. "silver-bullet" which has an attached hook and feathery adornment. I then tie a three-way swivel about 10 inches above the ball and from this swivel I attach a three foot leader with a teaser/fly hook. To the last eye on the three-way swivel I attach my fishing line. I bait both the hook on the ball and on the teaser with a spearing. With this rig you have two hooks fishing at all times. If the big fish misses one it will come back for the other. It has been very productive for me and I’m sure it will improve your catch.

BAD SCENTS HURT FISHING
Fish like certain scents and dislike others. Two scents proven to turn off the fish are insect repellent and sunblock lotions. If you are fishing and apply these to your body, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching any bait or lures.

FLUOROCARBON FOR BONITO
The ocean is alive with bonito, false albacore and some spanish mackerel but it is very difficult to hook up with these fish due to their keen eyesight. Terminal tackle must be almost invisible and the presentation must be perfect. I scored well this week with these fish by using light fluorocarbon leader material. I used a 15 inch piece of 10 lb. test fluorocarbon leader tied directly to a ½ oz. "Crippled Herring" lure and then to a small barrel swivel. The fishing line is then tied to the barrel swivel. Carefully work the boat ahead of a feeding school and wait till they are within casting distance. If you can, throw the lure right into the feeding frenzy, let it sink for a second and then begin a rapid retrieve. Keep reeling and strike hard when you feel the bite and then hang on for a real thrill.

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Рыбалка-1,   Рыбалка-2,   После рыбалки-2,   Приманки,  Рыбалка-3,  После рыбалки-3, 

Рыбалка-4,  После рыбалки-4,  Рыбалка-5,  Рыбалка-6(океан),  Рыбалка-7(океан),  Рыбалка-8(озеро),  Рыбалка-10 ( озеро), 

Рыбалка-11 ( озеро),  Рыбалка-12,  Рыбалка-13,  Рыбалка-14,   Рыбалка-15

Мое озеро,   Самоделки,  Небольшие рыбалки,    Природа,    Разное,    Ураган

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FISHING TIPS

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