Crazy Spring, PB after PB

[reason162]

Not saying much since the last time I stuck with freshwater was decades ago...but this year I decided to pick a few lakes and stay there throughout the prespawn (ignoring the insane RB striper run)...
couldn't be happier with my decision. Peace, tranquility, and some of the most fun I've had on my kayak since I got it in 2016.

Video of my heaviest bag this Spring: https://youtu.be/vhdrq_TVRx4

My "final" smallie PB, 21"+...never thought I'd see one in NJ: https://youtu.be/uN9Y5mSMqWM

The singular bait that did the most damage: Keitech 4" Shad Impact, rigged on a 1/16oz Keitech jig head. That accounted for the majority of both green and brown bass:

https://i.imgur.com/KLQdzPe.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/pPPptJn.png

https://i.imgur.com/mZgU7h9.png

https://i.imgur.com/QdM4Puj.png

[Chrisper4694]

nice bass!...and there are plenty bigger too in some places, clearly you're in one of those places so if you're interested you will find one bigger too! I do fresh and salt too, and if i had to pick just one or the other it'd be freshwater no hesitation!

[reason162]

nice bass!...and there are plenty bigger too in some places, clearly you're in one of those places so if you're interested you will find one bigger too! I do fresh and salt too, and if i had to pick just one or the other it'd be freshwater no hesitation!

Thanks Chrisper!

My plan was to transition to salt once they lock onto beds (no interest in bed fishing)...but now I'm finding it extremely difficult to leave haha

[Chrisper4694]

Thanks Chrisper!

My plan was to transition to salt once they lock onto beds (no interest in bed fishing)...but now I'm finding it extremely difficult to leave haha

some if not most of those smallies might be done spawning i would think...you can probably continue the fishing you're doing straight through summer on the right days!

[AndyS]

WOW !! I guess smaller versions of those would work in the rivers ??

[thmyorke1]

huh, I never connected your njf account to your youtube channel. Nice to see you on here, I like your videos, i was already sub'd :)

fantastic bass and in good quantity!
Nice lure choice too. I dig the action-less / straight tailed plastics.

[reason162]

some if not most of those smallies might be done spawning i would think...you can probably continue the fishing you're doing straight through summer on the right days!

Haha I'll give them some time to fatten up a little...would be rather sad to see skinny bass with big heads after catching them prespawn. A month or so and I'll be back!

[reason162]

WOW !! I guess smaller versions of those would work in the rivers ??

That bait is only 4", but they do make a 3" shad impact, I've had some success with it on a dropshot.

This 19" smallie managed to eat an 8" EZ Shiner...10/0 Owner Beast hook, so I think you're okay with 4" baits regardless of where you fish!

https://i.imgur.com/XIgvgCy.png

[reason162]

huh, I never connected your njf account to your youtube channel. Nice to see you on here, I like your videos, i was already sub'd :)

fantastic bass and in good quantity!
Nice lure choice too. I dig the action-less / straight tailed plastics.

Haha thank you! I've always gravitated to these finesse fluke-style baits, even in saltwater.

I think my month-long upload of freshwater videos has stunned my original subs into a stupor...my channel ain't big enough for me to care though, I had too much fun stalking these bass to go troll down a striper lol.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Wow! Awesome friggin pictures man! Those are some serious Bass right there! Big chunky and beautiful! Congrats on your PB! That’s a big fish! Well done!! :D
YEA BUDDY!!!

[NJSquatch]

Good looking Brownies and Greenies! Congrats on the PB's

[hartattack]

Great catching Roger. No need to cross the GWB :eek:

[reason162]

Thanks guys!

The quality and quantity this Spring exceeded all my expectations. Some amazing fisheries in this state for sure.

[JimmyL]

Incredible stuff. Thanks for the info.

[JDTuna]

That's a lot of great bass...well done!

[Jedhead]

Beautiful fish! The Keitechs in all styles are an amazing bait. Crazy,but NJ has some huge fish if you know where to look. Keep at it and keep posting.