Trout fishing areas

[hookset]

I still consider myself new to the ocean/ Monmouth county area and I don’t know where to go for some trout fishing... I grew up in hunterdon co and fished the Congo and south branch all the time. I still like to fish them now but it is a 1/2 day commitment to drive that far... can anyone recommend an area a little more local to fish? Not really into trout stocked lakes or ponds I would rather a river. Also not looking for any specific holes just a general location..

Thanks

[Lard Almighty]

Not many options for river trout in this area. Try exploring the Toms River and the north and south branches of the Metedeconk. Those get stocked fairly well, and they don't receive a ton of pressure. It can be tough fishing, though; lots of snags and steep banks. You WILL lose some hooks. Stay away from the Manasquan unless you like big crowds and mud.

[hookset]

Thanks lard!!

After breakfast at Kelly’s my friend and I took a walk around spring lake. Not a lot of fish but a lot of quality!! Enough so that my friend wanted to get her first ever NJ fishing license and a rod! Quick trip to the local shop got her set up and we took a walk around spring lake casting spinners around. She lost 1 fish and missed another. I ended up with 2 beauties!! One around 22 inches and fat and my first ever tiger trout around 16 inches!! A great afternoon with good company.. she loved it and can’t wait to go again