First Trip to the 'Shed.....First Skunk at the 'Shed

[logs22]

I had my son all day Saturday and was free all Sunday so I thought it was the perfect time to make a scouting trip up to the Newark Watershed with son in tow Sat. and pick up my permit and then go back Sunday for some serious fishing.

Sat. was cool and rainy, I got my permit and checked out Echo Lake for a bit than headed over to Clinton and parked down by the dam. I took a few casts while my son slept in the car and then when he woke I took him and the dog for a short hike along the shoreline that runs from the dam parallel to Schoolhouse Cove road. I took a few more casts from points we came across but I was saving my energy for Sunday when I wouldn't have a dog and a three year old tagging along.

I woke up Sunday to a beautiful warm and sunny day. My buddy met me at my house at 10 am and we headed up to the Watershed for a day of fishing (and some beers). We went back to Clinton since it looked promising the day before and parked by the large cove on the western bank. We hiked and fished that shoreline almost to where the reservoir becomes Buckabear Pond and while was saw numerous Largemouth (they looked like they were either spawning or getting ready to) in the shallow clear water they were all extremely skittish and bolted from whatever I threw at them. We didn't catch anything but it was still a great day. I can't imagine fishing from the bank once summer gets underway, the underbrush was already getting thick and I pulled off about 15 ticks including 1 deer tick that I found under my shirt when I got home (luckily it hadn't latched on yet). I am not used to fishing in areas where Bears are a concern either so that was a new experience.

Now that I have my shed permit I am lobbying hard for my wife to green light the purchase of a small 10-12' jon boat/trailer/trolling motor so I can take full advantage of the 'Shed options without worrying about bears, ticks, poison ivy, etc. I was also pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for me to get from my house in Cranford to the Reservoirs. Only about 35 minutes with no traffic.

[Jigman13]

10 am? Alarm clock broken? LOL...

[logs22]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

10 am? Alarm clock broken? LOL...

Yeah yeah I know; however, after morning duty with my son (5 am) the day before and a long week before that I decided sleeping in Sunday outweighed the benefits of getting an early start. I am not sure we would have had any better luck earlier in the day so I am glad I at least opted to get some sleep!

[Jigman13]

April thru July -- sleep is a very small part of the schedule lol. It tends to come in half hour to hour increments. I hear ya though. I have 3 kids and they get up earlier on wknds vs weekdays regardless of how much benadryl I give them lol jk.

[NorthJerzyG]

I started out shore fishing up there and loved it! That's why it was the first place I dropped my boat when I got it, lol. Shore fishing can be productive especially this time of year. Put in the time, try different things, and you will be rewarded. Also, make sure to keep your permit or sticker visible. I've had a nwcdc ranger come find me in the woods to ask about the permit. Probably the most enforced fishing area that I've been to in NJ.......

[fishingbuddies]

Sucks about the Skunk. Being meaning to head up there to renew permits.
Are they open on Saturday? The website only has them open M-F.

[logs22]

Originally Posted by fishingbuddies

Sucks about the Skunk. Being meaning to head up there to renew permits.
Are they open on Saturday? The website only has them open M-F.

I was thrown off by the website too and called at least twice to confirm they were open Sat. before driving up there with a dog and 3 year old.

I think the hours on Sat. Are 8:30-1:30 but you should call and confirm. They def. close in early afternoon.

[AndyS]

Sleep when you are dead !! 10am half the day is shot

[23cardinal]

It's a nice easy ride-
Have seen a lot of cheap Jon boats on Craigslist- there's also some larger for sale up by me--the whole water shed is electric only so that's a consideration

[briansnat]

Originally Posted by fishingbuddies

Sucks about the Skunk. Being meaning to head up there to renew permits.
Are they open on Saturday? The website only has them open M-F.

They are open on Saturdays now. I think starting April 1st, Saturday hours began. When the NWCDC operated the reservoirs, I think the hours were 8 to noon or 1. Probably similar now that Newark has taken over. If you there by noon you definitely should be good to go. Don't forget your fishing license. They won't give you a fishing permit without the license.