Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Will start by saying I grew up fishing Holmdel park in the 80s as a 10 yr old for trout and was fortunate enough to have a dad that got me into flounder and fluke. I got the itch for the salt after that. Now I am old(er) and have a son(8) who is hard core Re fishing. He will jig at the rail all day for fluke. We do a lot of fluke charters.

So...it’s been awhile for trout. I find myself where I started and am grateful for it. I live in central NJ and am looking for good spots for an eager 8 yr old to catch trout from shore. Not looking for secret spots and will be cast and wait stuff. He is a good learner too. Tbh, I lost touch with how i started Re fishing. Not looking for secret spots. Just advice how I can help my son find what I did
a long time ago.

Thanks

John and Matthew

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Does he have waders, do you feel safe with him wading ?
Loads of spots along the North Branch and lower South Branch from Clinton Falls down all the way through Raritan Borough.
Does it have to be trout, smallmouth are fun too, I cut my teeth on carp and catfish.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

I don't know where in "central" jersey your at , but i grew up fishing the rahway river and milton lake in union county. Good access. Always did well with the stoked trout.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

When I was like 11 my dad took me trout fishing wading in a hole or two into the pequest.

As Andy mentioned, can he wade yet? It doesnt need to be that dangerous especially if it's just wading into a shallow shore without a lot of current.

I think half of the fun is wading into the water, that was a cool moment for me that made me remember trout fishing more than any other fishing.

You'll have to determine if he's ready to wade. A warm day would be best too.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Take a look at Manny's Pond, it gets hammered on the opener but not to bad after that!

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Google "Farrington lake trout". You don't more central NJ than that.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

If you live nearby Roosevelt Park Pond might be a good option. They stock in the spring and fall and its really easy access.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Pretty sure farrington was removed from the list.

Check the trout stocking list and check the areas by you. You can also try areas NW for an adventure. Many smaller rivers allow for shore access up there. Just avoid the wknds. It can be hectic. It's better with a young kid when theres a smaller crowd, or no crowd at all.

Float butterworms. They're crack for rainbows.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

you can go to round valley, i had some success on rainbows with powerbait and browns with a shiner on a split shot, i usually go to the boat launch because you're shielded from the wind.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

There are more anglers than stocked fish at Mannys on the opener. By day 2, all that's left is silence and murky water clouded by powerbait.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Plenty of options around for you... north branch is not bad but need to wade most spots... south branch you can always find some trout all year long up all up and down the river. I have a great little creek that doesn’t get a lot of pressure and you get away from the crowds that I’m thinking would be perfect for you and the boy. If you need some good spots and not to familiar shoot me a pm I give you a couple good holes he will be sure to get into some fish, good luck guys

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Garveys pond in Navesink. That's where it all started for me 40 years ago. Sleeping in my pops bronco at midnight for a "good spot" opening day. Gets fished out pretty quick, but its a great little pond.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

D & R canal. If you need some specifics, p.m. me

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

It's not free but it's can't miss - Molder's Fishing Preserve, Englishtown Rd., Old Bridge

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

What boat launch? I've been there 3 times and got skunked every time. Probably not the best lake if you want consistent catches.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

My son grew out of his waders, size 8 foot. Boot foot wader. Your son can have if he wants them, if your thinking about wading.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

I take my 8 year old granddaughter to Garvey's Pond in Navesink.

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Thanks for the replies. My son isn’t ready for waders so a lot of great options are out. Thinking Holmdel pond opener (which I grew up doing) is best option but open to Mouders. Tried it for first time with him last late Oct and was cold and dead. Is there a time that it’s lights out (to the extent that exists) in fishing?


Just looking for safe and fun trout acting for my 8 yr old before he dons the waders.

Thanks

Re: Tough question - 8 yr old son
 

Echo lake in mountainside is a nice spot wide open to fish with limited trees in the way to cast for an 8 year older