There's a 1st time for everything

[Mark B.]

Way back when, NJDF&W stocked them:

One such occasion in-season, the stocking of the north Jersey urban park ponds took place during public school Easter break. Apparently word got out to the local kids. There was at least 20-30 of them, all armed with fishing rods ready to assault the newly stocked trout. There were a few adults there, I don't know if they were park personnel or parents, it didn't matter. I threw in the first few net fulls without incident, however in dipping the third net full from the tank I managed to get several of the "golden rainbows". As I released the net full of fish into the pond one of the kids spotted them and yelled "goldens !". With that it seemed every kid in range started casting at the fish, the net and me. I felt a tug, my jacket sleeve had gotten hooked. I yelled to to adults, "get these kids back and tell them to quit fishing until I am finished stocking, or else no more trout for your pond today". I had no authority to actually do anything, but I felt I had to do something or else a riot might ensue, with me sustaining numerous hookings. The adults got the kids under control and the rest of the day went without incident.