[23cardinal]

Lot of the local (ring wood) is very weedy, so some salamander action, some senko, or the little fish gulps work too. Maybe a scum frog early or late. That little river into monksville is a great trout stream spring and fall. If your local, lot of guys swear some of the smaller lakes with less fishing pressure are better. Fish aren't as spooked. What ever u fish, go with where ur comfy and safe. Could always walk pompton lake, or ramapo. Dunno where your at, exactly, but don't be afraid to dip a line everywhere. I hit a lmb behind the holiday inn in Wanaque last week- fish live in lots of strange places
Monksville u can't fish from the damn, but if u head north of the boat launch there's a big drop off. Maybe give some herring swimming lessons. There's also on the west side an old boat laudnch that u can shore fish from. Near the dam. I don't do well over in stump city, but I see a lot of guys there. Prob fish there.
As for gators- know there are big ones in pompton lakes. If you find the secret to Muskies, let me know.
Edit-pompton lake is undergoing soil remediation by dupont
Dunno what access will be like
Keep ur head up, we all have slumps and bumps-beats working!