WOW.....honey hole pike !!

[Skunk City]

My observations on the "State of the River":

1.) The fish are still there. Even with the low water, I have still been spotting and spooking many Pike from my kayak. Old holes and new holes. Last night, no more than 100ft from a popular launch spot, my girlfriend and I sight casted at 2 30"+ fish just hanging out in a shallow pool. We spooked probably 5 more Pike and a handful of Bass in an area that gets hit pretty hard.

2.) For all the talk, the fishing pressure is not what it's made up to be. The areas I fish (from Roseland to Newark), if I fish the river 4-5 times in a week, I usually will see NOBODY fishing. I do see the occasional kayaker fishing, or a bank beater, but not every trip and not a ton by any means. Are there more people fishing the river now than there was 5 years ago? Maybe, but not much, and not in my spots. I cover a lot of water and make an effort to try new areas, but I do spend a lot of time in the "hot spots" and many times, I am by myself.

3.) I have caught less Pike this year than the past few years (I'm at 40 and counting so far). Most of my trips average 1-3 Pike for a 1.5-2 hour fishing trip. I have not had any double digit days this year like I usually have in March and August. I have spent more time fishing for Walleye and other species this year, so I am not disappointed in that number...yet. I should be able to get that to 55-60 before the fall jig bite takes my attention away from the river.

4.) NJF gets a lot of publicity, as do some of the FB fishing pages. Us experienced guys, for the sake of the fishery, need to take the time to educate the newbs and bass guys. I see wayy too many "shake and bake" ground pictures, fish getting held with pliers or STRINGERS, fish with sh*tty leader hanging out of a fishes mouth, etc. As fishermen, we should share the responsibility of education when we can.

5.) 90 miles of river to fish, explore people!

[msgdan]

Skunk......I never stop "exploring " new areas and new techniques. I still have about 100 this year between a bunch of spots, but I am just clueless how certain spots that have produced hundreds in the past are empty.

But hey......that's why it's called fishing and not fetching !! Lol

[antgogz]

Interesting post Danny. I have fished the river probably 5 times this summer and only caught one pike and then mostly bass. For some reason I catch more pike in the spring. That seems to be the best time for me. However, I definitely see MUCH more people in the spots that I go to where five years ago I would rarely see people. Kayak or not, I still see more people. I think the river is getting much more fishing pressure. Even though most people don't keep the pike I bet it has an effect on them biting again. I also think that having rain makes the fish move around a bit. There has been plenty of times when I would catch nothing one day and then go back two days later after a rain and catch one. I guess I need to find new spots.

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by msgdan

Skunk......I never stop "exploring " new areas and new techniques. I still have about 100 this year between a bunch of spots, but I am just clueless how certain spots that have produced hundreds in the past are empty.

But hey......that's why it's called fishing and not fetching !! Lol

I didn't mean you Dan! I know how mobile you are in the yak!

[Suntzu]

Fished a spot between two bridges hard for 3 hours today. Not even a follow. First time this has ever happened to me in this very heavily stocked stretch which I fish about 10 times every year for the last decade or so

[Chrisper4694]

I moved all the pike into Farrington and cranberry!! Andre payed me to do it!

[buzzbaiter]

The "popular" launch spot where I work had three vehicles last night - one had a boat trailer. This is becoming an every evening occurrence and not coincidentally my catch rates around this area are way down this year and last. I think it's reaching the point of enough is enough. I honestly hope some business owner might take action. Someone tired of loitering, litter, blocked access & parking areas. Someone who decides putting up "POSTED" signs is whats necessary to avoid lawsuits. I will lose access too but its what I think needs to be done to revitalize at least that portion of the river and sections immediately above and below. I'm not quite convinced it's THAT bad right now but a few more lousy trips and I might be.

[Suntzu]

The fishery is not a disaster but is noticeably down. I think it's a consequence of increased pressure as well as some occasional fish kills
I never posted pics and now will stop with reports so as to not encourage more pressure
Picked up a dozen empty packages which held husky jerks, blue fox spinners etc during my walk yesterday
If folks want to exchange reports let me know via PM