Arboretum Glen Rock Slob LMB

[KRocks]

Went to the small "pond" at the Arboretum on Saturday with my 3 young sons to tool around and see if we might raise a catfish, or if lucky, a holdover trout.

Was quite surprised when we reeled in this slob. The pond is so small that you can cast from one bank to another without hitting water.

This one hit a live shiner.

I find it quite surprising that such a small body of water could host such a large game fish that is not also a member of the Carp or Catfish family.

It has now inspired me to seek out other "hidden in plain sight" small bodies of water in the area to see what they might produce.

Based on the girth, does the forum think this is a pre-spawn female or that it was an exceptionally well fed winter?

Tight lines!

[Bergen Angler]

Congratulation. Must be a well-fed pre-spawn female.

[AndyS]

Pretty cool, small water and big fish.

[buzzbaiter]

Most small town/park ponds get overlooked as being just places people go to feed ducks or ride their bikes around. They may not hold lots of bass but there are some big ones(20"+) in almost every one.

[tautog]

Caught plenty of nice fish in ponds under an acre. Just need 3 feet plus of water. Too shallow and fish don't winter over.

[KRocks]

Maybe we can divvy up the "work"? We get a handful of people on this site to provide scouting reports on 5 or 6 similar bodies of water in their area. We'll publish it as an e-Book, "The 100 Best Small Places to Catch Fish in NJ"

[Bergen Angler]

Originally Posted by KRocks

Maybe we can divvy up the "work"? We get a handful of people on this site to provide scouting reports on 5 or 6 similar bodies of water in their area. We'll publish it as an e-Book, "The 100 Best Small Places to Catch Fish in NJ"

I think it's a great idea. But take a look at what FishFinder thinks.

http://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57319

[KRocks]

Thanks for posting the link Bergen Angler. My mindset is 100% the opposite of that one. I am continually AMAZED at how many fishermen I DON'T see when I'm out. I always say to myself, we are in the most densely populated state, in one of the most densely populated regions of the state, and yet I've found myself on well known places like Split Rock and Spruce Run for example, completely alone!

The folks on this forum seem like decent enthusiastic fishermen who share their detailed knowledge and insight about places they've fished and their experiences, and I am happy to return the favor ten-fold.

BTW, loved your post on Oradell Gate #2. Think I'll go check it out!

[Bergen Angler]

Went Gate #1 today. Only 2 cars including mine. Wind was strong and water was still cold. I think I will wait another 2 weeks before I go back. I might try Haworth Pond later this week.

[Eskimo]

Originally Posted by KRocks

Maybe we can divvy up the "work"? We get a handful of people on this site to provide scouting reports on 5 or 6 similar bodies of water in their area. We'll publish it as an e-Book, "The 100 Best Small Places to Catch Fish in NJ"

Hmmm....I'm ambivalent about "spot burning".

On one hand, I rely on the spot burners on the Florida fishing forums to find good places to fish when I'm on vacation. I don't live there and it's the only way I know where to begin looking for fish.

On the other hand, it kills me when someone posts a fishing report on a little known lake or a lake that is over-looked as a big bass producer that I fish at.

When someone starts bugging me on Facebook or in person to give up the location of some bass I posted pictures of, I usually only give the location if it's a large body of water like the Delaware River or a reservoir. Rarely will I spot burn a small lake.

I try to reason with them and explain that fishing is more than just driving up to a shoreline and landing fish, -it's an adventure. You need to get outside, travel and explore new areas, look for fish, and learn about fishing. With adventure and learning new skills as your goals, you will eventually succeed in catching some big fish. Best of all, they will be YOUR big fish, not mine.