Raritan River Smallmouths

[thmyorke1]

Ive been trying to target smallmouth on the raritan now that trout is out of my system.... that doesnt mean I dont catch trout still!

This guy with a nasty wound ended up slamming my CC jerkbait; NJ raising some mean and tough fish!



A lot of effort put into wading and casting for some smallmouths. Had some promising hits but not good hooksets, then one good hookset that had a nice smallmouth flopping out of the water twice but it popped the hook. I had a feeling of vengeance inside of me! And today I relieved it.

I land a killer smallmouth, best in a while if not my pb. Measured to 17 inches. I was in awe at the size of this thing as I brought it in.



Here's another one from a while ago.



Also a bitsy striper.



Thanks to Andy taking those pics.

[AndyS]

No shortage of reptiles too ! (and filled the net)

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by AndyS

No shortage of reptiles too ! (and filled the net)

Such beautiful creatures those snakes are. Who could hate such lovely things

I saw one with a madtom in its mouth, it swam up to the river bank right where I was, I spook it and it drops it's catch right infront of me.

Helped the madtom back in, swam fine lol

I have seen a smallmouth on the North Branch with a snake in it before, could just tell by the pattern though.

[Mark B.]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

Such beautiful creatures those snakes are. Who could hate such lovely things

I saw one with a madtom in its mouth, it swam up to the river bank right where I was, I spook it and it drops it's catch right infront of me.

Helped the madtom back in, swam fine lol

I have seen a smallmouth on the North Branch with a snake in it before, could just tell by the pattern though.

Smallmouth's love Madtoms. Once, on the Del. River, I caught a nice smallie that barfed up a Madtom. Put it on the hook, & caught 2 more nice smallies.

[FishOnKV]

Nice smallie dude! Also very cool to catch a striper in the Raritan, regardless of size.

[JDTuna]

Awesome fish dude. Those are great smallies and a striper to boot!

[JimmyL]

River rats at it again...Nice catches...I was 1-2 miles down stream where you were, but yesterday afternoon. Landed a 17 1/2 inch smallie while snapping a tube. Fight was goood on the 5' ultra light st croix. Good job again.

[NorthJerzyG]

Nice bronze and gangsta bow!! Still eating after almost being eaten!!

On a side note, speaking of wildlife, I floated the P this weekend and was surprised we didn't see a single turtle the whole time?? They breading this time of year?

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by JimmyL

River rats at it again...Nice catches...I was 1-2 miles down stream where you were, but yesterday afternoon. Landed a 17 1/2 inch smallie while snapping a tube. Fight was goood on the 5' ultra light st croix. Good job again.

Sweet, Jimmy, nice to hear. Always a good day with a smallie that big. I dont tend to fish lower than where I was, prefer upper stretches, but Ill have it down there more often.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Good looking fish my friend! Nice big river Smallie you got there! Gotta love em!