Trophy Walleye
 

After mostly fishing from shore, had the pleasure of fishing with Kevin on the big lake. A big thank you for his countless offers to do so over the last few years and finally took him up on it and thankful I did.

Had two trips, both very good, ending with somewhere between 10 to a dozen walleye / hybrids each trip. One trip we had to of missed a dozen or more hits, was dark and overcast which translated to a number of swings and misses. But action was good, decent amount of herring around.

Second trip, landed a real trophy. Beautiful 28.5" inch walleye and some other good fish. Pics below. Mentioned it to JDTuna so out we went last night in hopes of a repeat performance and another trophy. Well Justin kept up his part of the deal having a respectable night under tough conditions as the air temp dropped to 46 degrees, herring were scarce and predators even more scarce. UNLESS your first name was Justin!

Kevin and I had a tough go at it. Kevin had a few big explosions on his offerings, quite a few missed hits and snagged and successfully landed without assistance what might be the NJ record herring! I think I somehow got anti walleye repellent on my lures and took the dreaded donut in a big way not having as much as a touch the entire night. Plus I continually forgot to pull the trolling motor throughout the night when we moved to a different location so it's probably shore based angling for me again for the foreseeable future!

Justin will follow up with a report on last nights trip, a few pics of the many fish Kevin and I landed on the previous two including the big girl are below. Fish was released after a few pics and measurement, swam away like a champ. Hopefully someone catches the big girl next year when she hits the 30" mark. Wish I didn't pinch the tail when the pic was taken, tail was enormous and reason these larger fish have such bull dog strength. Pic of fourth fish is a different walleye but quality fish as well and then best pic of Kevin releasing the big girl back.

A big thank you Kevin for some phenomenal night time fishing and generosity. Fishing like this occurs once a year and now I know why they invented Red Bull and Xanax. An absolutely addictive sport with fish breaking your &^#$% all night splashing around you and every cast presenting the opportunity for a fish of a lifetime. Does it get any better than that? Enjoy the pics!

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

outstanding job gents that is a fine waldo for sure you hit em good the midnight special was on the meat:cool: glad to hear you took kevin up on his offer he is good people for sure and fun to fish with, there is still time to get out again hope to see you out there tight lines.

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

That is a monster for NJ, wow!

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Congrats Tom. Hell of a fish. Lake paying you back for your cleanup efforts.

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Kevin is a good dude for sure! This report kicks ass, period! The pics are great, the write up is awesome! This night bite happening right now is some of the most addictive fast paced fishing you can do! Time flies when bouncing from spot to spot looking for “THE ONE!!!” I’m glad you found her Tom! That fish is a BEAST! Congrats on the trophy Walleye. Some solid action! Cap’n Kev knows his stuff! Great job guys!!!!!:D

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

That's a beauty right there!! Congrats on the trophy & kudos for letting her swim sweet too! Good looking fish all around for that matter. Where's the monster herring?!:D

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

nice fishing for sure,congrats.

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Great report

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Big Walleye ! :D night time is the right time :cool:

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Just an absolute monster walleye. Congratulations, happy for you!

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Esox....here's the monster herring Kevin landed. Not positive but could be a New Jersey and quite possibly world record! Spit up a walleye when Kevin landed it, guess he's pissed about losing all his buddies. Either way, amazing catch!

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Lmfao!! I almost spit out my coffee when you said he spit up that walleye!🤣😂🤣 That pic is classic!

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

lol.
this is why we need dams

Herring are eating all our bass, walleye, and trout :D :eek: :eek:

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

amazing walleye man! Congrats!

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

That thing might be a shad that got into the cong somehow, it is so girthy that you can't see kevin's fingers under it. a trophy for sure :rolleyes:

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Absolutely beautiful...fish of a lifetime!!

Re: Trophy Walleye
 

Alex, excellent observation, you don't miss a thing! ;) Herring "AKA Sawbellies" got their nickname because as you know their bottoms come to almost a razor like edge. With your typical smaller herring, that doesn't pose a problem to anglers but with a trophy like Kevin's, holding it underneath would be the equivalent of holding a piece of sheet metal with your bare hands. As amazing as the catch was, more amazing is Kevin had a pair of suction cups on board and used them taking the picture to avoid losing any digits. After the shot, he released the monster but unfortunately one suction cup didn't release. If anyone catches this Loch Ness herring in the future with something black on it's right side, it's not a lamprey, it's Kevin's suction cup which he'd appreciate back.:eek: Loch Ness has "Nessie", Lake Hopatcong now has "Sawbee". Hopefully the interest that generates helps the economy in the area subsidizing stocking programs in the future.