[Eskimo]

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The craziness of opening day of trout season is antithetical to the quiet, natural fishing experience I normally seek when I go outdoors.

But taken on it's own merit, there are a few things I can appreciate about opening day:

-Tradition: I've fished the same pond on opening day twenty-something years. Every year, it's the first fishing I do in New Jersey

-Social: I meet the same people fishing in the same spots on opening day every year. Normally, I wouldn't tolerate other fishermen being close enough to talk to me none-the-less have their elbow in my face when we're fishing.

-Harvest: I would never kill a bass or a native trout, but these trout released into a muddy pond are stocked here with the expectation that they will be taken home.

This year might be different because some fishermen will be forced to find different ponds and rivers because the stocking has changed. Some rivers may be unfishable due to high water this weekend, also. I'll have to wait until next Saturday to see what effect this has. I expect it to be even more crowded.

I am feeling hopeful that the rainy weekend preceding opening day has cut down on some of the pre-season poaching. That's always an issue in Union County and other areas that have a lot of foreigners. (yes I said that)


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