Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyS
I can tell you..............ZERO !!
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That is correct,……..0.
However, I still field occasional inquiries about fishing for Manasquan River Sea Run Browns.
I tell them what I know:
1. The fish are extremely wary / hard to catch.
2. The river is hard to fish,…muddy, slippery banks, many snags ,…
3. No recent reported catches.
4. Rumors persist that some locals catch them, but remain tight lipped.
Paul Ripperger, the pictured angler, was very forthcoming with his techniques:
Manasquan River Sea Run Brown Trout Fishing Tips
• Fish the Manasquan River one to two days after a rain as it is becoming less muddy but not too clear. Evening through the night is the best time.
• Mid-October to January 1: Bait is the most productive - pink, white and chartreuse spawn sacs, night crawlers, worms or killies. The sea runs move into freshwater and are actively feeding.
• January 1 to February 1: The sea runs are spawning and not actively feeding but will strike at 2" long lures such as Rapalas, C.P. Swings and Rooster Tails. The most productive lure colors are silver, chartreuse and hot pink. Use a slow retrieve.
• February through May: Use bait as described above.
• The Manasquan River is very difficult to fish - it has brushy, overgrown banks. Anglers should use caution - the mud is very slippery, there are many deep holes and many underwater snags.
• Expect to put in a lot of time. If you get a bite, that's a good day, if you hook one that's a great day, if you land one that's an unbelievable day.
Back then, we held a Sea Run Brown Fishing Forum one evening @ Brielle Bait & Tackle. Paul Ripperger was the speaker. Maybe about a dozen anglers attended. Paul moved to Long Island, where he fishes for sea runs.
You never know,……perhaps, some of those in that audience are now catching…………
