summer slay-fest

[Chrisper4694]

I know some guys don't like fishing in the summer, but I've come to love it almost as much as spring and fall.... and winter.... wtf am i kidding, I love fishing all the seasons, it doesn't matter haha.

Pounded away on some lake trout with jigs, including some pretty hefty ones for NJ. Despite the myths, these fish fight tough in their own way (vertically digging, big head shakes, short diving runs) and are easily releasable during the summer months if the right gear is used and care taken... heavy enough gear to not prolong the fight unnecessarily and quick unhooking/photo/release. I've only lost one in the past when it got tangled in the net and took too long to release. I've since switched to a rubber basket net and no longer have that issue.

Hunted down some nice hybrid stripers trolling plugs and jigging flies including some sweet doubles (i hate dealing with the bait and, no, you don't need it haha)

sloshed through the swamps and jungles of jersey stalking pike and catching a ton in the 25-32" range, but managing just one long as hell, but quite thin, sea serpent on a big swimbait. same rule as the lake trout, heavier gear to keep the fight short and sweet with a quick pic and release, no problems.... fight the fish too long or take too long to revive/release and it's gonna be a goner in summer.

Plucked a few nice ll salmon which were eaten and tasted great as well and some big fattie smallmouth bass that kept interfering in my salmon hunt haha.

Been a good sumer, but i think i'm ready for fall! a few highlight pics of the summer fishing.