Ho-Hum!

      Winter! This sucks! I don't ice fish, although a great many people do. Frankly, I prefer to catch my fish before I freeze them. But that's just me. For now I'll replay last year's fishing excursions in my head and ponder the possibilities of the up and coming pre-spawn season. My wrist twitches every time I think about it. Oh come on, you know yours does too. I do got da fever! The thought of that first strike and the anticipation of that first bass breaking the surface and dancing across the top of the water makes me wannna yell!. COME ON SPRING! GET HERE NOW!!!
This season promises to be a great one. I have several trips planned or being planned as we speak. Most are local (PA & NJ) but there are a few quite a bit farther. Another Florida trip is possible and maybe even Kentucky this year. Yes that's right I said Kentucky. I have an old buddy from high school who lives there and is a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard (Coast Guard in Kentucky, where's the coast in Kentucky, I dunno, maybe their hiding it). Anyway, I owe him a visit. There are some great fishing lakes near his place and I do love to fish me some different water. Don't you? A quick jaunt to Virginia and possibly even North Carolina might be in the cards. I'll keep you posted. I'll Also post the fish I meet on this web site. But for now, I'll stay warm and dream of a lunker filled summer!

What comes first the fish or the frustration?

      The frustration, of course. I get frustrated because I can’t go fishing more often. But, once I’m out on the water the word frustration instantaneously leaves my vocabulary. There aren’t too many ventures in life that can calm the soul as does a day on the lake, river, ocean or even back woods pond. You know what I’m talking about. There is no one in your ear or up your ass with some mess that you couldn’t care less about. All you hear is the water slapping against the hull of the boat and the hiss of the fishing line as it is hurled from your reel to the sweet spot where you are almost always granted a bite. The electricity of that moment is beyond words. The anticipation of hooking “Bertha” or “Bubba” is worth the early wake-up and long day on the water. Actually landing one (or more) is euphoric. Can you top that (legally I mean)?

Large Lake Feel, Small lake appeal!

      South Jersey has an abundance of small lakes and ponds. All are fun to fish and most are chockfull with game. I know as well as you that fishing large water will produce a large variety of larger fish. But, if you like action, inland Jersey water will never let you down. That is provided you are prepared. Angling these small but fruitful lakes and ponds I like to use either a light or an ultra light rig with 4 to 6 pound test line. They may be smaller fish but the action feels great. Load yourself up with an abundance of silver or white lures. For rubber worms, black and red or black and green works best. White grubs are also a winner. A white or silver torpedo type lure will finish off your tackle nicely. Armed with these lures you should never be skunked in the Garden state. For beginners these waters are great. They offer the characteristics of larger lakes only concentrated. Fast waster near quick drop-offs, points and coves, weed beds, muddy to rocky bottoms and structure to boggle the mind. Lastly find the bait fish and you’ll find the hungry fish.