[briansnat]

Near Jefferson try Saffin Pond in Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and better yet, the pond at Camp Jefferson (a public pond owned by Jefferson Twp). The latter has a nice, little beach (hike a short distance to your left,facing the pond, from parking) that gives a novice plenty of room for practicing casts without worrying about trees on the back cast. I caught my biggest yellow perch ever off that beach (13") and there are some small bass and pickerel to be had as well. Plenty of sunfish action to be had there. There is also a dock that can provide unobstructed casting. Both are right off Weldon Road.