Thanks guys! But, WOW! Just read all the BS sh$tstorm this caused on another website! That fish has been in that stream for a while! Regardless of where it was stocked, who stocked it, it was landed! I guess guys with spinning rods should be kept one little section of stream or the ponds they stock. They seem to think that fish wasn't worthy enough to be caught on spinning rod. If the fly guys knew what i was using, it's similiar to the paterns they use, just in a different manner! I have nothing against fly fishing, but to be bashed is just plain childish! Bunch of HATERS!
Yes, I kept the fish. I've been fishing NJ waters for trout for over 20 years, and never came across a fish like that. And yes.....it was delicious! It was my choice to keep it. NJ is a put and take fishery, unless you belong to club where you PAY extra to catch fish like that! I've put in a lot time on public streams, going off the beaten path, and I got lucky!
It is what it is!
If anyone wants to bash me from here, or another website, here's my cell # 732-718-7107.
Matt
And to the rest of you guys that I know and have fished with, thanks again! Now I have to watch my back when fishing the S. Branch...I might get beaten up by a bunch of guys with fly fishing rods!