Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

Well that's true. They can't even enforce the current rules I guess. Mute point I guess, but like you I keep my own personal slot limits so I like to think maybe every little bit helps.

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

Exactly. Each one of has has a responsibility to conserve. As for those who don't, the Bears will eventually find you.

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

I think the stocking program should be adjusted to include prey species, such as herring, dace, fatheads, chubs, etc. Stock these prey species in lakes and rivers where natural reproduction is occurring. It will give game fish more to eat, and improve rate of growth and fertility in those fish.

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

I think that Lard has an excellent point about stocking bait fish! Round Valley is a prime example of a lake that can use some replenishment. I know that the RVTA is doing a fantastic job rearing and stocking shiners but would be great if the state could stock herring as well. Even with the quality fishing that is there now it is in no where anything like it was back in the 80's and 90's. It was a Premier lake! Get the Browns goin again as well. I really find it hard to believe that the lakers ate all the Herring. Possible need to make water adjustments as well to create a better environment for the herring to flourish.
Just one example but stocking bait fish where required may def improve fishing in the state!!! I am not a scientist but just wanted to give my opinion on the topic! Very good thread!!!! It is good that at least F&G is willing to listen to our thoughts as well. I know they have they're hands full and IMO are doing an excellent job with the funds and resources that they have available to them...

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

Hire more fish and game officers to enforce the rules we have. Or train local police on all fish and game laws and give the municipality a percentage of all fines levied. Towns would then have an incentive to enforce fish and game laws.

All the decent holdover trout river and streams should be float stocked by volunteers instead of just dumping the fish at access points.

Fishing licenses should require a quick quiz on catch and release techniques and the size limits.


Fishing without the proper gear for the species you are pursuing should be a ticketable offense. Like pike fishing without foreceps or pilers.

More money spent of stocking other species besides trout.

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

There is already a quiz... "Do you owe child support money?:eek:
Seems all deadbeat dads are only freshwater fishermen.


Since NJ is primarily a warm water fishery, I say stock more summer fish:cool:

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

the bait fish idea is good but the underlying problem when you have a shortage of said bait fish is in the habitat or that particular lake. so putting more bait fish in will only help in the short run. not enough bait fish in a lake is def a much more serious problem with the ecosystem of the lake.

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

maybe we need to start the fwfa{freshwater fishing alliance}.like jimmy said,we can get a group of peeps who fish nj freshwater to represent the fw
recreational fisher peeps.that could sit down with fish & game and discuss what needs to be done and where.

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

F&W already "officially" has this in the Fish and Game Counsel. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/councils.htm#fishandgame.

I still agree with Jimmy and Ed though and think The Freshwater Fishing Alliance would be valuable even if just "advisors to the advisors". What I like in particular about this is since F&W already gets a lot of input from special interest groups, getting input from a group that encompasses all freshwater fishing and not just 1 species or waterbody could be valuable.

A good manager listens to the people who are doing the actual everyday work to stay in touch with the reality of the experience.

Re: How to improve freshwater fishing in New Jersey:
 

that would be best for all of us