Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

If you're interested in participating in the skillful arngler program run by NJ F&W, Joe made a how to video about it.

Youtube link below:

https://youtu.be/jz7gpJAD1t4?si=nxqql0bIUnK0rWtJ

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

Screw that program, three times I submitted fish and all denied for ridiculous reasons.

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

My (now ex-wife) submitted her state record back in the day. Winners were chosen then given tickets to attend a huge evening banquet thrown by the State. All the outdoor writers were there including Howard Brant and Al Ristori, plus all the bigwigs from F&G. Gone are the plentiful days I guess. It was really impressive seeing all the photos and fish mounts, we took some photos but have no idea where they are now.

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

I remember that Andy. Now you get a certificate and a patch if your lucky.
Like I said I was denied 3x for ridiculous reasons and yes a picture was provided every time.

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

Given the current state of trout fishing, I wonder if a qualifying brook trout will ever be caught again? :confused:

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

If it is , it would be a unicorn and shouldn't be advertised

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

In 2020 there was a winner:
CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY FRESHWATER SPECIES:
Brook Trout: 20.1" caught by James Harding, Sr. of Bloomingdale on April 11. James was
fishing from shore on Bogue Pond when he landed the fish at 8:45 a.m. Six-pound test was used
with a Daiwa spinning rod and Daiwa reel with Power Bait as the bait.

-
So private stockings may still open the chance

If you lower the category's minimum length then you will probably get more submissions like this still. Which isnt highlighting much other than private clubs. Or a rare PA-stocked escapee

Unless a WILD brook trout category is created alongside. Something like 9-10 inches as a minimum. And stocked fish dont count.
Submissions need to show the background with the creek. I think with photos of the fish, it can be clear to F&W if it's stocked vs wild.

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

I caught the first place catch and release walleye in the tidal Delaware River that year. Was the banquet in Lakewood?

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

I always have a raised eyebrow when "skillful" awards are given for catching a stocked trout. For kids yes but adults, meh. Just like the Dujack state record brookie was comical, they stocked it that size so they knew someone would break a record.

Re: Skillful angler 'how to' video
 

The vast majority of musky are stocked, should those not count? What about the million-plus walleye that get stocked in the Delaware, should those get excluded? Not hating on you (in fact I agree to a point), but where does it end? I think the "a fish is a fish" approach is the easiest and fairest.