Fishing with kids in Central or Northern NJ

[fishingwithkids]

I'm looking to take my son fishing, and am looking for recommendations on places in central or northern nj that might be good for shore fishing. He's 6, likes to fish, but as all kids do he gets bored with no bites. I don't need any big fish, just something to keep the 'fishing bug' going, as we've had some luck recently. I'm not very familiar with good places as I did not grow up in NJ myself, and would appreciate any recommendations.

[Esox Luciano]

Welcome to the site. Not sure how far you're willing to drive, where are you located? It would help for locations.

[fishingwithkids]

Thanks Esox. I'm in Jersey City, and can probably go 1.5 hours away if needed.
Thx again

[Walleyed]

Find yourself a local pond filled with sunnys and bluegills....nothing makes a kid happier than lots of bites, even if the fish is only 4" long.

[fishingwithkids]

Thanks Walleye. Unfortunately that's my challenge - where to find even a simple pond with sunnys. it's what I grew up fishing as a little kid, but I just don't know the spots in NJ. I want to avoid a complete no-bite day with my son, so am looking for someplace that I've got at least a decent shot at some little fish.
Thx all!

[jimmythegreek]

theres a million little ponds loaded w bluegill and panfish, and some bass/pickeral too. Take a peek on google maps and find some decent waters near you and search them out on google. Get some small shiners and a tub or 2 of worms, fish them with bobbers and you will catch panfish and plenty of them. The fish are starting to get a little deeper, but in shallow ponds they will be accessible, you can fish a few rods and keep the kids busy.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Welcome. Glad you are getting your boys into fishing and you're in great hands with the sweet water guys on this site. They're THE BEST and I'm sure you will get lots of great advice.

Make sure and check your Private Messages since a lot of people don't like to name spots here on a public forum...

[FASTEDDIE29]

Your not too far away from some great fishing. Any park pond or body of water should be good to fulfill your child's needs. Bobbers, worms, small shiners or fatheads a are a must. Google, Places To Fish in NJ, when you have time. The NJF&G link will come up with places to fish by county. Click on that link and throw a dart. Your in JC so places in Morris, Passaic county aren't too far off the radar for you. So many lakes to name it's insane. Hope you find what your looking for. Also, check the state site for winter stocked lakes this November. Once you get the kids into a few panfish, bass and pickerel you can get them into some nice state stocked Trout at places like Speedwell lake, Morristown, Green Turtle pond, Passaic county. The list goes on and on! Good luck out there and welcome to "THE BEST FISHING SITE ON THE EAST COAST!"

TIGHT LINEZ!!!

[NJSquatch]

NJFGW sites

Ponds
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishplc.htm

Streams
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishstrm.htm

[fishingwithkids]

Thanks so much everyone!

[team heat]

If you dont mind the drive try Lake Assupink off of interstate 195.Try just to the right of the boat launch.Was there about a month ago and saw a guy with his 3 kids fishing this spot and they were killing the bluegills and sunnys.Kids were having a great time.Like others on here have said any park with a pond is usually a sure bet.Good luck.

[Suntzu]

There ar ponds closer to Jersey City
For little kids Nomahegan Park Pond in Cranford is #1 in my book. Entire shoreline totally accessible, plenty of sunnies, catfish, trout in the spring with turtles and frogs galore. Always other kids fishing; big playground when kid gets bored; can even ride a bike in the paved trial
My kids are in college now but I have 19 nieces and nephews 8 and under. I always take them there and it's always worked

[Esox Luciano]

Great feedback fellaz...Nomahegan sounds like a win win.

Message sent.

[Esox Luciano]

Can also try Overpeck County Park. Parking & playground near water. Worms will work great!!
Drop pin @ 199 Challenger Rd Ridgefield Park.

[Chris_JC]

Give the Duck Pond in Secaucus a try.