Raritan Float Trip, Skunks 1st Tiger 9/7

[tommyboy]

Nice first tiger,great day to be out.

[Eskimo]

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Wow - that's really awesome.
Sounds like a memorable trip.



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[liveitup1.75liter]

Nicee fish..Id like to see a healthy population of tigers start to develop..I been hitting the Raritan the past 2 weeks hittin em' good some days.. 2 Raritan PB wit a 4- 4.5 LB smallie rite at dark that I really thought was 5+ easy..N 24.5 in. Eye.. killin the Eyes when they turn on.. went 5/6 and a baby striper.. then 3/4 on eyes w/ my PB being one of them.. N the PB smallie 10 mins later..Sick!! THEN.. Saw a slob smallie chase a smaller one..like 4 foot up the falls in the white water.. spin around an head back down.. When they hit the water again huge splash pretty sure he naild em' soon as the one hit the solw stuff..just crazy rite next to you!!! Im planning on hittin it at dark again Got 1 7-8 in creek chub for a giant.. smallest of all the eyes I got was prob 18-20 most r low20's..HMU if ur tryin to go n all fish are still swimming...........

[Skunk City]

Big thanks to Eddie and Jimmy for bringing me out. Two awesome guys with unmeasureable fishing knowledge and the beer drinking abilities of a college freshman. Can't wait to do it again!

I had to see what all this Raritan River noise was about and most definitely was not let down. Gorgeous river, pretty and fairly serene in the stretch we did. Many fishy spots but the low water put us at a disadvantage. I can see it being a killer Central Jersey fishery with some love from the state (Walleye and Tigers! ). It is alive and well.

Highlight of my fishing month was the unexpected Tiger Muskie. This fish absolutely slammed a 3" swimbait meant for Walleye and Smallies. It kicked my butt for a bit on 6lb test and made a crazy leap a few feet of the kayak, before making 2 dives under it. Got her in the net, got to the nearest shoreline and with some assistance from my 2 River Guides, got her unhooked, quick pictures, and an easy stress free release. 15 minutes later I landed a 8" Sunfish on the same swimbait lol!

A few more pics...

[AndyS]

Some long stretches of shallow water on those shale flats, they are pretty tho. Fish are spread out but I guess they really go nuts when the water comes up. Great report and photos !

[JimmyMas]

No doubt Rob had an awesome time. I got your Head lamp, I'll get it to you ASAP.

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by JimmyMas

No doubt Rob had an awesome time. I got your Head lamp, I'll get it to you ASAP.

Was wondering where the hell it went! Looks like I have to make another trip down haha.

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by AndyS

Some long stretches of shallow water on those shale flats, they are pretty tho. Fish are spread out but I guess they really go nuts when the water comes up. Great report and photos !

Andy we did come across a few 4-6ft holes, but was mostly shale flats like you said. This guy came off a laydown in maybe 2-3ft of water!

[Jigman13]

sweet fish... congrats dude... mustve been some battle on 6 lb test!