North Branch Raritan 8/3/14:

[shucker]

Originally Posted by AndyS

My longest North Branch float to date, from Far Hills to the confluence. Part clean up mission, part fishing trip. Below where the Lamington comes in there are some really DEEP holes. Got some quality smallmouth, they were so hungry they were hitting the jig as soon as hit the water. Once hooked they went ballistic. I know there are some huge smallmouth in the river and saw plenty of 10 and 15lb. carp also. Don't be afraid of the North Branch, plenty of fish to be had. As I got lower near the confluence I saw huge bait balls, 10ft. x 10ft, looked like peanut bunker but shiny. Bait balls so thick I could not see the bottom, my guess, Gizzard Shad. Sorry Wilson, no room in the front seat today. I have to go back and finish up from North Branch Park to the confluence.

Yes the river is jammed with gizzard shad ...I was snaggin them and livelining them for short stripes at the fish ladder last nite.