pond and lake fishing I suggested stream fishing. We had a few places picked out in order for the day. Not thinking about the amount of rain we got we headed out at 7AM on Sunday morning with the initial plan in mind. We didn't get an 1/8 of a mile from his house in Lodi before encountering our first closed road due to flooding.
Still intending to stream fish, we headed to our first destination; my old spot when I lived in Pequannock, NJ. My spot was under the RT. 23 bridge in Pequannock, at the end of Pequannonck Ave. We couldn't get to it as the whole street was under water. At that point we decided to abandon the idea of stream fishing all together. Every stream and river we went to had 1 of 2 problems, flooded or moving way too fast.
We decided to headed to Shepherd Lake in Ringwood, NJ. We fished there for a while but the wind was relentless. Not to mention no fish. Not even a hit. We left there and headed to Monksville reservoir, also in Ringwood. We had the same problem there, very strong wind. Needless to say, we left there after 10 minutes of trying to fish.
Almost to the point of quitting for the day, Eddie suggested we try the lake at Saddle River County Park in Ridgewood, NJ. I know the 'Duck Pond' from when I was a kid. My dad used to take me and my siblings there to feed the ducks. The park was very crowded and I had my doubts. There is also the Saddle River flowing along the edge of the park. We tried to fish it but again, it was too fast and high.
We wound up fishing the Duck Pond. I asked Eddie if he was sure there were fish in it. We were both using our trout lures, small spinners. After about 10 minutes I caught a small largemouth bass, and I mean small, under a pound. At least I caught a fish. About 10 minutes later, I caught another one. A few minutes later, Eddie caught one.
Eddie caught a really nice bass, went at least a couple of pounds. We were both surprised that a bass that big was pulled from the pond. Not waning to be out done, I landed a huge bass. A female full of eggs (spawning season just around the corner) and ready to pop! It put up an awesome fight. In fact, seeing as how I was set up for trout and not bass, for a few seconds I thought I was going to lose it. Eddie asked if I wanted him to use the net and I said yes. The problem, it wouldn't fit in the net!! So he guided it onto shore using the net.
We estimated it to weigh between 4 and 5 lbs. The second biggest bass I ever caught!! And from the Duck Pond!!
When the day ended, Eddie had 3 bass and I had 4. Plus we each had a trophy fish. Not too bad for a day of 'trout' fishing. I can't help but wonder if we go largemouth bass fishing how many trout we'll catch.
Below; Me and my 'hog'
As always, until next time ~ Tight Lines
1 comment:
Sean it was a big surprise to me and I think you also that we started to land Large Mouth Bass. And Esp. a real good size one and then your Monster. I can't wait to cast another trout Lure and see what other type of fish I land.
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