Heading to the Raritan

[cantcatchme]

That river would be better off for the program but as a whole I just don't think this program would work in our region. I'm pretty much as close to the Muddysquan as you can get and even tho the secret society doesn't report like they should these fish are pretty rare. I know a ton of people who fish the prime spots at the prime times and have only encountered 1 or 2. Two major factors are pressure from people when they dump them in and all the predatory species in our waters. I have watched people catch 40-50 of them out of a hole after they dump them. Think about how many are caught within a month and thrown back and float belly side up. Then they get to the ocean and are candy for bigger fish. If you think about all the fish that get dumped in our streams and rivers every year that lead to major rivers, bays and oceans we should have reports more often of sea run trout.

[acabtp]

Originally Posted by NJD Bassman

Did see another guy fishing the ladder catch a walleye.

Originally Posted by 2013 Fishing Digest

It Is Unlawful To:
Fish within 100 feet (or as posted) of any fish ladder entrance or exit from March 1 through June 30.

Hmmmmmmmmm

[AndyS]

The entrance to the fish ladder is on the other side of the river. You would have to take a swim to get near it. I'm sure fishing off the wall is okay.

[cantcatchme]

I agree with Andy. I'm sure the fish was caught off the wall across the river from the ladder where I stated I was earlier. I think there are more fish cops on this site then in the field.

[acabtp]

fishing the wall, fishing the falls, whatever from the south side is fine, as long as you don't cast out that far... the river is only ~150' wide across from the ladder entrance and ~200' wide at the falls, so you could cast 1/3 the way across towards the ladder entrance and still be legit. Probably fine casting all the way across the falls, but it might depend on what they define as the "ladder entrance". But none of that is anything i would describe as "fishing the ladder", because as andy reminds, it's across the other side of the river. you wouldn't say "fishing that tree" when you cast 50' towards a tree 150' away, would you? when someone says "fishing the ladder" a reasonable person would have to assume that they meant somehow fishing the ladder, either from the ladder side (which is possible to get to, but requires parking elsewhere and luck not getting caught) or by casting close to the ladder (easily possible with large lures and braid or unifilament).

Originally Posted by cantcatchme

I think there are more fish cops on this site then in the field.

you are exactly right, but further, that is how it has to be, and it's really not a bad thing. there's only a handful of DEP officers, so few that it is nearly impossible for them to respond to anything that's called in. so, it is our responsibility to educate other anglers about the regs and help prevent poaching. most times people just don't know the rules. i am sure from reading this thread, someone who did not know about the spring fish ladder restriction (ladders are fairly rare in NJ, the vast majority of dams in the state do not have them) has learned. keep in mind that for every one of us who is a registered user posting in this forum, there are 5-10 lurkers just reading the threads.

[GetANet]

I don't like LURKERS!!! Either your in or your not!!! If you just wanna steal spots and info and not share SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Originally Posted by GetANet

I don't like LURKERS!!! Either your in or your not!!! If you just wanna steal spots and info and not share SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

I like your attitude Dale and agree. I met around 10 lurkers at the falls this past week. I told them they should join the site. We'll see what happens. Once your in, your in for life! You wana get out, well, lets just wait and see what happens!!!!!

[AndyS]

Let 'em lurk I say. What do I always say to new people, WATCH your "Private Message Inbox", there is a river of information on here that NEVER makes it to the top.
Reading the Message Board is only HALF of what goes on around here.

[NJD Bassman]

They were fishing across from it.. I just refer to that spot in a whole as the ladder.

[bigfishy]

I agree when you say " let em lurk" but be mindful that are literally thousands of lurkers on this site alone...Not to mention the ppl that move reports that are'nt even their own , to other sites....There are guys out there that think nothing of keeping large slob large and smallmouth, very big pike and egg laden trout....Why? because? Of course it is usually legal but ppl like ourselves would know the difference between a breeder needed to keep a population going and non breeder that is at the perfect harvest size.. Just look at the amount of guests before you click on the freshwater section....There are usually hundreds of guests and very few members at any givin time.....

So if its not a " famous body of water" be assured that you have attracted the masses...A few good fisherman in lesser known spots can clean it out in a matter of weeks....This has become the norm on certain trout streams, but what about lakes full of five to ten yr old bass and pike?? keeping egg layers could very easily be detrimental to that particular fisherie depending on the existing population....

I've just seen too many hyealthy fisheries go into the crapper because of a few selfish individuals.....
Sorry to ramble, just my buck fifty