Tough question - 8 yr old son

[John D.]

Will start by saying I grew up fishing Holmdel park in the 80s as a 10 yr old for trout and was fortunate enough to have a dad that got me into flounder and fluke. I got the itch for the salt after that. Now I am old(er) and have a son(8) who is hard core Re fishing. He will jig at the rail all day for fluke. We do a lot of fluke charters.

So...it’s been awhile for trout. I find myself where I started and am grateful for it. I live in central NJ and am looking for good spots for an eager 8 yr old to catch trout from shore. Not looking for secret spots and will be cast and wait stuff. He is a good learner too. Tbh, I lost touch with how i started Re fishing. Not looking for secret spots. Just advice how I can help my son find what I did
a long time ago.

Thanks

John and Matthew

[AndyS]

Does he have waders, do you feel safe with him wading ?
Loads of spots along the North Branch and lower South Branch from Clinton Falls down all the way through Raritan Borough.
Does it have to be trout, smallmouth are fun too, I cut my teeth on carp and catfish.

[ALS Mako]

I don't know where in "central" jersey your at , but i grew up fishing the rahway river and milton lake in union county. Good access. Always did well with the stoked trout.

[thmyorke1]

When I was like 11 my dad took me trout fishing wading in a hole or two into the pequest.

As Andy mentioned, can he wade yet? It doesnt need to be that dangerous especially if it's just wading into a shallow shore without a lot of current.

I think half of the fun is wading into the water, that was a cool moment for me that made me remember trout fishing more than any other fishing.

You'll have to determine if he's ready to wade. A warm day would be best too.

[DanH]

Take a look at Manny's Pond, it gets hammered on the opener but not to bad after that!

[frugalfisherman]

Google "Farrington lake trout". You don't more central NJ than that.

[DanPrk]

If you live nearby Roosevelt Park Pond might be a good option. They stock in the spring and fall and its really easy access.

[Jigman13]

Pretty sure farrington was removed from the list.

Check the trout stocking list and check the areas by you. You can also try areas NW for an adventure. Many smaller rivers allow for shore access up there. Just avoid the wknds. It can be hectic. It's better with a young kid when theres a smaller crowd, or no crowd at all.

Float butterworms. They're crack for rainbows.

[Little_Shucker]

you can go to round valley, i had some success on rainbows with powerbait and browns with a shiner on a split shot, i usually go to the boat launch because you're shielded from the wind.

[sneakypete]

Originally Posted by DanH

Take a look at Manny's Pond, it gets hammered on the opener but not to bad after that!

There are more anglers than stocked fish at Mannys on the opener. By day 2, all that's left is silence and murky water clouded by powerbait.