WOW.....honey hole pike !!

[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

[beezer]

The poor fishing is a direct result of all the hey-look-at-me posts here and elsewhere on the internet.

I never used to see anyone on the river, now I always do.

[FASTEDDIE29]

I really don't think they just disappeared. Id say they moved due to lack of forage or super low water. That crazy full moon could've had an effect as well. I'm confident you will find your pet Pike again Dan the Man. Don't you worry, all of us hit a little drought every once in a while.

As for the other responses I personally haven't experienced a Pike drought so far this year. Actually no, I couldn't find a Pike for the life of me in late April. That's how the ball rolls sometimes. Where I fish I never see anyone and continue to catch although there are traces that some people may have been fishing in areas I do. Most of my Pike are caught midday or before work all year long. It's just what I do to get away from the stressful days we all face. This is a fishing forum. Post those reports, share info with a buddy, make friends and keep catching. If your worried about a spot, blur out your pic with one of those apps or whatever. You don't have to spotburn to make an awesome post. Let's keep the positive be energy flowing guys. Life is too short to worry about a damn spot or a pic that shows too much background!

I actually like "The hey look at me posts"! It shows that the anglers that keep at it and stay focused are determined and motivated to get out and enjoy what this fine state has provided for us. Love seeing the pics of the monsters our waters have to offer. Remember, we are the smallest most densely populated state in the union. There will always be pressure. You have to deal with it and make yourself a better angler. The fish are there! Think outside the box!

TIGHT LINEZ TO ALL!!!

[msgdan]

Great post Ed......but again, I am not ranting or complaining. I was just trying to make an observation of a section of the river that was off the charts with a 20 pike....2 hour trip is void this year, and was just trying to maybe get a few responses to the possible reasons.

Some people fish different rivers and we all think it's the Passaic. ...that's great.....keep catching.

It's an amazing fishery. ...and would love to see it being an amazing fishery for many years to come.

The dreaded first cast 30 inch pike tonight, without another strike.

Man , I love these rivers.

Danny

[AndyS]

I think Beezer has it all wrong. I actually like to see people fishing, I think it cuts down on the illegal hanky panky. Post what you will, people still have to try to catch the fish, not always an easy task. As long as you do not see dead fish floating all around you I think maybe the fish have moved on, I can't explain it either.

[beezer]

It doesn't cut down on the hanky-panky it increases it.

Certain people think they can do anything because it's a remote area.

The guys in kayaks all seem to be decent people but there is a lot of drunks in fairly large boats flying around. I saw one bunch that were so loaded they could get the boat on the trailer and broke the trailer.

Most of the launch points have been closed for a reason.