Perch fishing

[NJ219bands]

Went ultralight jigging in a 40.5 degree NJ lake this afternoon on a cloudy, cool day with no wind. Air temp was 46 degrees. I didn’t wear gloves. Two cars with NY license plates were in the parking lot when I arrived. Only saw 6 fishermen but one was in my spot. After I caught and released 4 fish near the intruder, he moved out of my spot. That’s two intruders in my spot the past two days. Caught and released 20 white perch and 16 yellow perch including a mixed double with Walmart red worm halves on two gold hooks and an unpainted 1/16 oz leadhead jig on 4 lb test line. Landed another tree branch. Saw an adult bald eagle catch a big gizzard shad then swim to the far shore with it. Another adult bald eagle joined the first one for dinner. I caught and released 441 fish in 12 trips this year in the same spot with two containers of worms.

[Mark B.]

Arithmomania is a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that involves obsessing over numbers. This disorder can manifest itself in many different ways. Still, the most common examples include counting items, steps, or calories, measuring everything, and constantly checking numerals for mistakes.

In other words, OCD sufferers feel the urge to count every time they do specific tasks throughout the day. They attach a certain meaning to particular numbers. Some numbers induce additional anxiety, while others make them feel calm.

[bulletbob]

The "intruders" you referenced might have had the same opinion as you.. That you were hogging "their spot"... For all you know, they may have fished there for years and years without ever running into you.. Geez, you don't own the lake, and there ARE other guys that like to fish as much as you do.

Judging by the number of posts you submit about this small but obviously very productive lake, it would seem you are a pretty fortunate soul to have that much time to fish.. Let me say this as well.- Right now where I live there is no where I can go and catch panfish the way you are.. The lakes are huge and windswept, and in open water, are next to impossible to fish without a large boat with heated cabin this time of year... You are catching fish consistently close to where you live.. Me personally, I would be very happy with that situation, and I would not bitch about "intruders in my spot",,,, bob

[cruiser1234]

Nice catch! Saw like your having a blast!

[NJ219bands]

The "intruders" you referenced might have had the same opinion as you.. That you were hogging "their spot"... For all you know, they may have fished there for years and years without ever running into you.. Geez, you don't own the lake, and there ARE other guys that like to fish as much as you do.

Judging by the number of posts you submit about this small but obviously very productive lake, it would seem you are a pretty fortunate soul to have that much time to fish.. Let me say this as well.- Right now where I live there is no where I can go and catch panfish the way you are.. The lakes are huge and windswept, and in open water, are next to impossible to fish without a large boat with heated cabin this time of year... You are catching fish consistently close to where you live.. Me personally, I would be very happy with that situation, and I would not bitch about "intruders in my spot",,,, bob
The intruders are the foreign born bucket brigade. I have been fishing that spot for more than 60 years. I never met anyone who fished there before then. It’s seems unusual to me that people from Staten Island, NY, would fish a small lake in Central NJ everyday.

[bulletbob]

Understood... However, IF they are licensed, they are legal.. Now, if they do not have out of state NJ licenses, then yes I have just as big a problem with it as you do.

I haven't been to staten island for many decades, but I know there isn't much of a fresh water fishery there, and there won't be any salt water fishing there for several months, so I can understand why they might come to a NJ lake.. However, lawfully they are required to pay for the privilege, just as any other non resident.. If not, then your complaints are certainly legit.... bob

[Jigman13]

As a native Staten Islander who now lives in Central NJ, there are plenty of freshwater lakes on SI--most of which i used to fish regularly growing up until I moved to NJ. All of the lakes I'm familiar with on SI hold a combination of bass, sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, pickerel, carp, crappie, etc. Bradys pond and silver lake were primary locations for me, my Dad and brothers.

Do we have more options and access here in NJ? Absolutely. Would i pay $20 to cross a bridge and jig 6" panfish? Absolutely not...

Additionally, many of the people in said bucket brigade are unlicensed. In some sort of defense to NJBands, the sea change where he's fishing is unprecedented. It used to be 5 or 6 guys fishing, spread out. Now it's 20+ people elbow to elbow. It looks like magnolia pier when the herring are in thick.

[Mark B.]

Operation Game Thief

POACHING is the illegal taking of wildlife, game or fish, trespassing while taking wildlife, littering or the employment of any means to gain an unfair advantage over other users of the state’s precious wildlife resources.

Poaching can take a toll on fish and wildlife resources and poses problems for outdoor sportsmen and conservationists…..Poaching affects us all.

YOU can make the difference…YOU can help protect New Jersey’s Outdoor Heritage by reporting abuses to… 1-855-OGT-TIPS

[jmurr711]

i've driven by & seen like 30 peeps lined up along the rocks of the Rez before, luckily south nj doesn't seem to get the crowds

[bulletbob]

NJ is simply loaded with people.. Population density is off the charts.. Lots of them eat fish, and I guess you are seeing the results...

same reason the salt water fishery there is in decline... Unsustainable pressure.

[reason162]

I have been fishing that spot for more than 60 years. I never met anyone who fished there before then. It’s seems unusual to me that people from Staten Island, NY, would fish a small lake in Central NJ everyday.

Maybe they lurk on njfishing and recognized your pier in the photos.

[Jigman13]

Maybe they lurk on njfishing and recognized your pier in the photos.

I did...hence my recent responses