Opening Day, Big Golden.......

[NorthJerzyG]

River tarpon that is, lol.

Had a river excursion planned with my bro for a while and didn't want to tangle lines with the big crowds so we hit the river around 10. Started off skunked at one spot and headed to another. Soon after I had a nice 30" pike follow a jerk bait in and smash it right in front of me. After a poor hookup and a decent battle I reached down to grab him and he released himself. But at least I kept my lure!

Not to long after my bro got hit by a smaller pike that looked like it had just recently escaped being the lunch of a bigger pike. Even with the wounds it still had lots of energy. Made me happy to know there a big enough fish there to go after an 18-20" fish!!!! One of these days ill get em........

Fishing slowed for a bit and I saw some carp splashin around so I threw on a small hook and a couple kernels of corn. About ten mins later my pole started flexin so I grabbed it, set the hook, and let the drag rip!!!!! Pulled in a nice golden river tarpon, lol.

Left the river and took a short trip to a "bonus" pond around 5pm and it was still packed.Threw spinners for a while and left. Went back to the river to settle the score from earlier. Ended up hooking up with a short but chunky pike and called it a day.

Glad the season is officially open, good luck out there everyone!!!!