[NJ219bands]

Went carping in 76 degrees Colonial Lake this evening in the rain during a Hurricane Ernesto nor’easter. Threw out corn 🌽 for chum, then caught and released 4 bluegills with a #14 gold treble hook on 2 lb test line with no bait. Caught and released a 14” 7” girth 1 lb 4 oz brown bullhead with canned whole kernel corn 🌽 bait. I’m applying for my NJ Skillful Angler Recognition Award #82. After a group of 7 people arrived and surrounded my spot, I caught a golden shiner, redeared slider and 4.5 lb common carp, then quit early because of the crowd. Landed the carp on my last cast of the day. Caught 57 turtles 🐢 this year. Wore my new Froggs Toggs rain jacket. Ordered medium but received xxl from Amazon. Got a bite on every cast with bait but missed all of the bluegills.