[Skunk City]

My observations on the "State of the River":

1.) The fish are still there. Even with the low water, I have still been spotting and spooking many Pike from my kayak. Old holes and new holes. Last night, no more than 100ft from a popular launch spot, my girlfriend and I sight casted at 2 30"+ fish just hanging out in a shallow pool. We spooked probably 5 more Pike and a handful of Bass in an area that gets hit pretty hard.

2.) For all the talk, the fishing pressure is not what it's made up to be. The areas I fish (from Roseland to Newark), if I fish the river 4-5 times in a week, I usually will see NOBODY fishing. I do see the occasional kayaker fishing, or a bank beater, but not every trip and not a ton by any means. Are there more people fishing the river now than there was 5 years ago? Maybe, but not much, and not in my spots. I cover a lot of water and make an effort to try new areas, but I do spend a lot of time in the "hot spots" and many times, I am by myself.

3.) I have caught less Pike this year than the past few years (I'm at 40 and counting so far). Most of my trips average 1-3 Pike for a 1.5-2 hour fishing trip. I have not had any double digit days this year like I usually have in March and August. I have spent more time fishing for Walleye and other species this year, so I am not disappointed in that number...yet. I should be able to get that to 55-60 before the fall jig bite takes my attention away from the river.

4.) NJF gets a lot of publicity, as do some of the FB fishing pages. Us experienced guys, for the sake of the fishery, need to take the time to educate the newbs and bass guys. I see wayy too many "shake and bake" ground pictures, fish getting held with pliers or STRINGERS, fish with sh*tty leader hanging out of a fishes mouth, etc. As fishermen, we should share the responsibility of education when we can.

5.) 90 miles of river to fish, explore people!