Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Ive been trying to target smallmouth on the raritan now that trout is out of my system.... that doesnt mean I dont catch trout still!

This guy with a nasty wound ended up slamming my CC jerkbait; NJ raising some mean and tough fish!

https://i.imgur.com/XKNX7gU.jpg

A lot of effort put into wading and casting for some smallmouths. Had some promising hits but not good hooksets, then one good hookset that had a nice smallmouth flopping out of the water twice but it popped the hook. I had a feeling of vengeance inside of me! And today I relieved it.

I land a killer smallmouth, best in a while if not my pb. Measured to 17 inches. I was in awe at the size of this thing as I brought it in.

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

Here's another one from a while ago.

https://i.imgur.com/0kSyNd6.jpg

Also a bitsy striper.

https://i.imgur.com/kBfR31v.jpg

Thanks to Andy taking those pics.

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

No shortage of reptiles too ! (and filled the net)

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Such beautiful creatures those snakes are. Who could hate such lovely things :D

I saw one with a madtom in its mouth, it swam up to the river bank right where I was, I spook it and it drops it's catch right infront of me.

Helped the madtom back in, swam fine :p lol

I have seen a smallmouth on the North Branch with a snake in it before, could just tell by the pattern though.

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

River rats at it again...Nice catches...I was 1-2 miles down stream where you were, but yesterday afternoon. Landed a 17 1/2 inch smallie while snapping a tube. Fight was goood on the 5' ultra light st croix. Good job again.

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Nice bronze and gangsta bow!! Still eating after almost being eaten!!

On a side note, speaking of wildlife, I floated the P this weekend and was surprised we didn't see a single turtle the whole time?? They breading this time of year?

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Sweet, Jimmy, nice to hear. Always a good day with a smallie that big. I dont tend to fish lower than where I was, prefer upper stretches, but Ill have it down there more often.

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Good looking fish my friend! Nice big river Smallie you got there! Gotta love em! :D

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Smallmouth's love Madtoms. Once, on the Del. River, I caught a nice smallie that barfed up a Madtom. Put it on the hook, & caught 2 more nice smallies.

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Nice smallie dude! Also very cool to catch a striper in the Raritan, regardless of size.

Re: Raritan River Smallmouths
 

Awesome fish dude. Those are great smallies and a striper to boot!