Some Advice Needed Please
 

Hi everyone. Myself and my family have just relocated to the US (Allendale, NJ) from England where we were both keen fisherman where we enjoyed many aspects of fishing from fresh water to beach casting. Out main passion in England was carp fishing. We spent a fortune on all the gear, and used to enjoy doing 3-4 day sessions all year round. My biggest fish to date was a 34lb Linear Carp, caught on a Spicey Sausage Boiley during the winter of 2010.



I know there is carp fishing in NJ is available, but we wanted to try something different. So we are very much interested in Bass and trout fishing using lures and the like.



We went up to Ramapo State forest on Sunday and it was beautiful, with some really good spots to fish. I can see us spending lots of time on the rivers and lakes this year.



Being new to the country and this type of fishing I do have a couple of questions. I hope you don’t me asking.



Firstly I’d like to hear about any great places we could go to fish. I am unsure around the rules in NJ. In the UK, if it was not shown as private land and you had a valid licence, you could fish anywhere. Is this the same in NJ?



So far we have only just scratched the surface of this great state. Can you recommend some other places that we could go and scope out? Lakes rivers and streams would be superb. The closer to North Bergen the better.



And lastly for now, what gear should I get and where should I get it from. We have Ramsey outdoor that is about 5 mins drive away, and there is a place on the way to Ringwood that we pass, I think it’s called Dave’s Sporting goods?



I can see myself spending a fortune on gear, but in the interest of a happy marital life I will limit my enthusiasm for now J So what would we need for a basic setup to go fishing. Rods, Reels, Lines, Tackle, Net? Also, do we need to take precautions for bears if we fish more remote spots?



Any help you can give would be very much appreciated.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

First off, welcome to the States and the site. I have only been on this site a short while, but i can say it is one of the best. As for your questions, we could sit for hours and discuss what and where, but your best bet is to just jump right in. Go to your local tackle dealer and they can get you started in the right direction. As for places to fish, N J has a lot of great fishing opportunities. Below is the link the the Fish and game site, which can answer a lot of your questions about Licenses, places to fish, seasons, etc. Hope this will get you started, and we hope to see posts from you soon. Good fishing !!!!!

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishing.htm

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Check your pm's;)

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Well, this is my first post, too, so here it goes. The last time I went to Ramsey (admittedly, a long time ago) they had no fishing section, at least at the one I went to. It was focused more on running, snowboarding, skiing, etc. I think it would be worth your time to check out either Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's, even if only online. There are some in PA, and there is a BPS being built in Atlantic City (a bit of a drive for you) that might be worth your time. That said, I do prefer Cabela's.

I live in Morris county, one of your neighbors, for some time when I was younger. Our best fishing spots were Park's Lake (also called Fox's Pond on the maps), the Rockaway River, and various semi-private ponds we had access to. Park's Lake always had a reputation as the pond people would release their big catches into, and I know for a fact that there are some huge bass, catfish, and pickerel in it. The River is stocked every year with trout, and does have a few carp in it (some locals call them mudfish), though I have never successfully brought one in. Small inline spinners like Panther Martins hammer the trout there.

As far as I am aware, your understanding of our licensure is correct. That is how I have always fished, and just stayed out of places I knew I was not allowed to go. There is no shortage of good fishing in New Jersey, and certainly no need to trespass to get to them. Bears, as you say, can be a concern farther north (I reside at the shore now), but as long as you stay aware of your surroundings in the bush, you should be fine. Make lots of noise when walking in the woods, try not to leave food sitting out while you are there, and if you gut your fish outside, do it far away from your fishing spot/campground if you go that route. Every once in a while, just stop what you are doing and have a look around, and you will be just fine.

Here are some links to help get you started.

http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/fishplc.htm

http://www.fishingworks.com/lakes/new-jersey/

http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/als/websalesintro.htm

Good luck, and welcome!

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Really cool advice so far guys, I cant thank you all enough for helping :) I look forward to reading more :)

I actually went to a Bass pro store once in Miami, a long time ago. It was like an Aladins cave...

Thanks Once again

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

You picked a great area to move to. TONS of good fishing within 30-60 minutes from your home. Northern New Jersey has pretty much everything you could ask for from big mean toothy Muskie, Pike and Walleye, to solid Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass fishing, to finesse Trout, Panfish and Carp fishing. Lots of money gets invested in our lakes/rivers/reservoirs/ponds through the stocking programs with great results. Besides going back and reading through the past years worth of reports on here, there are a few good books in print that will help you with spots to fish in NJ. I own both, which are firmly planted in my bathroom for my studies lol. I picked up both at my local Barnes and Noble, but here are the links to check them out online...

http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Fishin-Be.../dp/0813525950

http://www.amazon.com/Fishing-New-Je...ref=pd_sim_b_2

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

WELCOME to the site !! I always say start out by going back and reading the 100 pages of posts and reports (if you get time) Plenty to get you started there. Keep an eye on your Private Message inbox also as information flows around here in strange ways.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

If you're into carp fishing try the big tidal rivers. Looks like you're close to the Hudson. There are some giants in NJ, the last 2 years I caught a 53.12,42.2 and a bunch of 30lb+ fish. If you're looking for something new try for muskie or walleye at Momksville or Greenwood.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Welcome. Whereabouts in Engerlund are you from? More pressing which footie club do you support?

I remember reading not too long ago that the country record carp in the UK that had been caught and released a few times was found dead of suspected poisoning. A very weird story but I learned a lot about the carp fishing clubs and how avid a pursuit carp fishing is.

My experience with bears is where I'm fishing seemed safer than the picnic area across the water!

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Hi Moz, I come a town called Rainham in Kent, about 30 miles south of London. I support Man Utd but only as my Grandad use to play for them during the war.

The carp you refer to is Benson. 64lbs. Carp fishing is massive in England and they are prized catches. Fishing is actually the most popular sport in the UK, I spent a fortune on rods, reels, spod rods, marker roads, bait boats, motorized cart to carry all the gear .

Something you guys might be able to help me with is a basic list of gear to get us started. I went to Ramsey outdoor this afternoon but did not know where to start. Would that be something you guys could do? So rods , tackle, net , lures i don't want to go mad but I want something that will last.

A basic list would be great.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

A Diawa spinning reel in the 70 dollar range. I use Conolon Premier rods from Wal mart for 30 dollars. 4 or 6 lb. test Trilene XL line. Basic set up.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

I thought I would post some pictures of our times in England.

http://www.shaggysworld.com/fish/1.jpg

http://www.shaggysworld.com/fish/2.jpg

http://www.shaggysworld.com/fish/2a.jpg

http://www.shaggysworld.com/fish/3.jpg

http://www.shaggysworld.com/fish/6.jpg

http://www.shaggysworld.com/fish/7.jpg

http://www.shaggysworld.com/fish/34lb.jpg

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

cool pics. welcome to the site and to new f-ing jersey. haha Part of your homework is to watch some of the old Sopranos episodes for Jersification.

that gear in your pics looks legit.

you are going to find a huge variety of fish at the offering here within a relatively short drive... gives you an opportunity to reload on all sorts of gear.

My favorite species to target are small mouth bass clinton/oakridge res... permit needed.

Northerns on the majestic passaic river... you will find lots of posts/pics/info on that here.

rainbow/brown/smallm/walleye on the Delaware... Lots of info here where and how... lots of great guides can offer unforgettable float trips.

Good luck

Fish on!

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Andy's advise is sound advise.

Man I thought there were only minnows and eels in England...Guess I was really WRONG.:o Just don't know as I have never considered the possibilities. Really nice pics and would love to see it first hand. Welcome to NJ and this site. We are looking forward to your successful reports.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Watched kids catching Grayling in Salisbury when I was there.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Awesome catches and welcome to the states! For rods, you can never go wrong with Shakespeare's Ugly Stik. Heres a link to show you the brand
http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/index_uglystik.html

They are cheap durable and come in all different sizes. As for reels, I've been pretty satisfied with many Penn reels.
http://www.pennreels.com/

Hope this helps and welcome again! LOL at njbassman! Definitely a series you have to start watching!

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Thanks guys, which Ugly Stick should I be getting ? Any particular recommendation ?

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

+1 on the Uglystick recommendation (and thus my username) - I have over 20 of them in different sizes and actions depending what I'm using them for (yes, I have St. Croix and others too). They are tough as nails and very reasonable at around $25. Which size / model you need depends on what you are fishing for. For an all around freshwater spinning rod I would probably recommend a 6"6" or 7' rod with medium action such as a model SPL 1100 66 or SPL 1100 70. The Tiger series Uglysticks are nice too and deserve a look. This size/action rod would be a little on the big side for trout or perch, right on for most bass, walleye and medium pike & carp and a bit small for big pike or large carp. My best advice on this would be to go to Sports Authority in Paramus (they have a huge fishing section) and see/feel these rods and the other sizes/models and determine what you are most comfortable with since you have to have comfort and confidence in your equipment to be successful.

I am also a firm believer in putting more money in the reel since that is where you will really feel the difference. I am a huge Shimano fan and for a spinning reel in what I'll call the higher affordable end, I suggest a Stradic FJ series. Butter smooth and strong - really quality stuff. I actually like the previous Stradic FI series even better and you can still get those NIB on eBay (including and extra spool) for a decent price. Shimano customer service is tops and you can even send in your reel for a very reasonably priced cleaning and tune up as needed. If you go with one of the rods I suggest above, a 4000 series Stradic would pair well with it.

Just my lengthy 2 cents...

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Well I'll let the United thing slide due to the family connection. lol. At least it's not Tottenham. I lived on that side of the pond for 4 years (North London, supported Arsenal) and made it up to Old Trafford once to see an international friendly with England and Sweden.

You have a lot of choices but I would recommend for trout a 6' to 6'6 ultralite to lite action rod with a light spinning reel and 4 LBS test mono line.

For bass a 6'6 to 7' medium to medium/heavy rod with a decent line-capacity spinning reel. I use 8 LBS test mono myself but you can go heavier test depending on how much structure there is in the waters you fish.

Those are my basic set-ups, when you get familiar with waters you can start to experiment with fluoro and braided lines for bass and even a baitcaster set-up if you will primarily be using lures. Best of luck, if you are looking at getting on the water soon the timing is very good as many of the rivers are being stocked weekly with trout.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Is there an all rounder that I could use for Trout and Bass ? What would you recommend ?

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

I use my ultra-light set up for trout on river smallmouth bass too. You generally need smaller lures for smallies and the 4 LBS test helps not to spook them and it's great fun to fight them on it. You can also use this kind of set-up for panfish so it's pretty versatile on a number of species including dink largemouth bass.

I'd never use that light a set-up for bigger Largemouth bass though as bigger lures work better (at weights which will exceed an UL rod's rating) and you have to fish off structure and cover and 4 LBS test won't hold up to the abuse. I use 8 LBS test in the open, clear water I fish in because of the smaller diamater and I primarily fish with weightless plastic lures that I want to cast further. My main LMB rods though have heavier-rated fluoro and braided lines on a meatier rod.

A medium-light rod could probably do a little of both. Maybe invest in a good reel that comes with a spare spool so you can swap lines for whatever you're fishing for that day.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Ok thanks Moz, that's what I was thinking maybe a medium 6" 6" with a good qauality reel, the change spools.

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

My 6' 6" Uglystick recommendation and the Stradic 4000FI is just that...

Ok then... Bob's your uncle...

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Just a quick question, I was told the 4000FI may be a little too much for what I will be fishing.

I was advised to get a 3000, just wondering what your thoughts were.

I also met a forum member in Ramsey Outdoors this evening. I think the English accent gave me away :)

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

First of all welcome to the USA. And welcome to New Jersey. In Warren County you have the Musconetcong River and the Pequest River. Great for trout.

For saltwater fishing I would go on the Angler out of Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Captain George is terrific and he and his folks will help you. As will the other patrons. You really want to try something fun. Go with Captain George during Blackfish season. You will be hooked for lack of a better term. Blackfishing is the best.

Need any help send me a message and I will either answer your questions or direct you to the right place and or person.

Be good and welcome aboard......

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

I live in Ringwood. Call me and I would happy to help you.

Steve. 201-788-0060

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

I just looked at one of my Stradic 4000's and for a 6'6" medium action rod (which is what I have it on), I believe that it is absolutely the the right size / balance for an all around rig. Again, it depends what you are fishing for. For trout, panfish and small bass in open water, this is more rod and reel than you need or want. On the other hand, I would consider anything lighter than this set-up as too little for larger bass or heavy cover, walleye, pike, catfish and carp.

Sending you a pm outlining my go-to rigs from light to heavy so you have an idea of the pairings I personally found that work.

Tight Lines...

Re: Some Advice Needed Please
 

Many thanks sir