Arboretum Glen Rock Slob LMB

[KRocks]

Went to the small "pond" at the Arboretum on Saturday with my 3 young sons to tool around and see if we might raise a catfish, or if lucky, a holdover trout.

Was quite surprised when we reeled in this slob. The pond is so small that you can cast from one bank to another without hitting water.

This one hit a live shiner.

I find it quite surprising that such a small body of water could host such a large game fish that is not also a member of the Carp or Catfish family.

It has now inspired me to seek out other "hidden in plain sight" small bodies of water in the area to see what they might produce.

Based on the girth, does the forum think this is a pre-spawn female or that it was an exceptionally well fed winter?

Tight lines!

[Bergen Angler]

Congratulation. Must be a well-fed pre-spawn female.

[AndyS]

Pretty cool, small water and big fish.

[buzzbaiter]

Most small town/park ponds get overlooked as being just places people go to feed ducks or ride their bikes around. They may not hold lots of bass but there are some big ones(20"+) in almost every one.

[tautog]

Caught plenty of nice fish in ponds under an acre. Just need 3 feet plus of water. Too shallow and fish don't winter over.

[KRocks]

Maybe we can divvy up the "work"? We get a handful of people on this site to provide scouting reports on 5 or 6 similar bodies of water in their area. We'll publish it as an e-Book, "The 100 Best Small Places to Catch Fish in NJ"