Running and Gunning on the Raritan

[Lard Almighty]

Having a taste of big Raritan River smallmouth last weekend made me want to take the drive up and see if I could score again. I wound up making a milk-run of all the likely holes I thought may be holding a trophy bronzeback. The breakdown is as follows:

North Branch by the train bridge above North Branch Park: Nothing
South Branch, Studdiford Road bridge: Nothing
North/South Branch junction: Nothing
Duke Island Headgates: There were 50 people there, didn't even try
Below Duke Island rapids: Nothing

Finally, at my last spot (Roberts Street), I connected with a decent smallie and a particularly dumb stocked brown on a Mr. Twister grub. Not much reward for four hours of fishing, but at least I got something, and what better way to spend such a gorgeous day?

Photo of the smallie is below.