Can you guy's maybe help me out on where to go in NJ this weekend for smallies???

[Rich196]

FIRST I would like to say hello to everyone, i just joined the forum.

This is my first year with my new Bass Boat, so lake fall fishing is all new to me. I pretty much fished the hell out of the Manasquan Res., from spring and right up to the 2nd week of Aug. I was doing KILLER. Anyway, the last month or so, have been getting harder and harder to find the smallies, and that most likely I would imagine has to do with my lack of experience, because the last 2 times, I got completely skunked. With that said,., I was wondering if you guy's were able to help figure out where the best lake might be this weekend for Smallies, and also Large Mouth, and maybe a couple tips on what to use. (My boat is well equipped, well so i think..LOL) I'm from Jackson, NJ, but not afraid to travel, I would be going early morning this Saturday. My boat is a 16' Stratos with a 150 hp evenrude, with a 112lb Minn Kota trolling motor, with 1 Lowrance fish finder up front, and a Raymarine Dragonfly 7 for the rear, so i should be good for any lake. Thank you guy's in advance. I'm ALWAYS looking to learn!!! Rich

[AndyS]

Welcome to the site !! My go to spot for SMB is Split Rock Res. Do you have a 12ft. rowboat and an electric motor ? A boat that size you are limited to the places you can fish.

[Chrisper4694]

smallies are moving that's why it's harder to find them, but they are feeding, chasing bait. Drag your lures around with the trolling motor to find them then have a lure ready to cast when you do.

[Skunk City]

Not a huge Bass guy, but I would suspect they are moving into their fall patterns and moving out of the shallows where you probably have been catching them. Try jigging some deeper rocky areas if you can find them. We have been getting Smallies while targeting Walleyes in 20-25ft of water right on the bottom. They may also be suspended chasing herring, so you may need to drop shot them up. Good luck.

[Jigman13]

NJ fish& game site is a good place to start your search... Check the stocking lists for places with smallies. Then fish them deeper. Fall patterns as others have mentioned.

[Rich196]

Originally Posted by AndyS

Welcome to the site !! My go to spot for SMB is Split Rock Res. Do you have a 12ft. rowboat and an electric motor ? A boat that size you are limited to the places you can fish.

Andy, Trust me, I have had my eye on Split Rock all year, but as you mentioned, I cant use my boat there, and that's all i have. Thanks for the tip though.

[XXlyakattacker]

Why not fish for hybrids at Manasquan res?

[Rich196]

Originally Posted by XXlyakattacker

Why not fish for hybrids at Manasquan res?

Honestly I never fished for hybrids, even though I hear they are the best fighting fresh water fish. I wouldn't have the first clue on how to fish for them.

[Jigman13]

Troll, down line with herring/shiners, or chicken livers.

The hard part is finding them.

[briansnat]

What about Merrill Creek Reservoir? You can't use the gas motor there, but the electric should move you around well enough.