NJ's oldest holdover Trout! Brookie? Tiger? 2/12/17

[FASTEDDIE29]

Because I have a disorder that keeps me from sitting around the house no matter what the weather is..... Out the door I went, bright and early, in search of some Trout before the weather got too snotty. Well I beat the weather by about 30 minutes and then came the freezing rain and sleet and whatever else was falling at the time.

Managed to hook 2 bows that were slow and lethargic on the first couple casts. I didn't expect much but was happy to see something biting in the crappy weather. Everything was starting to freeze up so I played last 5 casts with myself and hooked this stream creature. Fish fought like hell and did not want to come in at all. Finally, I get the fish in and the colors are intense in my opinion. Definitely and old fish for sure, flabby old belly from a recent spawn or old age, double hook jaw with some serious rub marks, fins that looked worn out and over used kinda like an old mans ears, LOL! I don't know how long this fish has been in the river but I'm thinking it's been around for a while. Fish measured 16 inches. Old, old fish! I'm in awe of this specimen and need your opinion fellas!
Old Holdover Brookie? Old Holdover Tiger? Check out this Trout when you have a chance! TIGHT LINEZ!!!

[njflyfisher]

Hard to tell what it is but sure is nasty looking beast hahaa. My guess would be a Brookie. Either way nice job fishing in that snotty weather!!

[bigboy5522]

Is there anything that will stop you from fishing? LOL I agree looks like a brookie to me

[Chrisper4694]

Searun brook trout no question

[icemusky]

Nice Brookie Eddy that's what it looks like to me either a hold over fish the state stocked that was stocked at 12 to 14 inches in length several years ago or a club fish that went up stream or down stream depending which river you caught it in. If club stocked it it could be a year old. Awesome winter colors.

[Lard Almighty]

Dolly Varden!

[JDTuna]

Awesome fish. Looks like a brookie.