Help Please?

[asyouweremarine]

Hey guys, I'm new here and to trout fishing for the most part. I just finished my 4 years in the USMC and now I'm a free man and finally home again. The season opened saturday and I fished 6+ hours Sunday and Monday. I didn't catch a single trout. I know this is a "fly fishing" forum but I was using a spinner rod. I tried worms, wax worms, grubs, rooster tails, and corn and not a single bite. I went to Oak Pond (went there before I deployed and got skunked) and gremlock lake, I believe its called and same thing. I've never fly fished before and I'm thinking about buying a fly rod tomorrow. My question is where are some good streams I could go to here in south jersey, Camden county area. I'll drive far if I have to. I'm a bass fisherman so this trout fishing is new to me. I know fishing... is fishing and catching something is never guarantee'd but I feel so bummed and disappointed I didn't catch a damn thing at both locations. Any places, suggestion's would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the rant lol.

 

[Matt Grobert]

First off, thank you for your service to the USA.

Second, I hope as a former Marine, that you can handle the truth. You must go north for trout, the So. Branch of the Raritan River, The Musconetcong River, the Pequest and others. Go to or call the nearest fly shop to you....Shannon's Fly Shop in Califon, NJ. They can steer you in the right direction, and you can get that book Fly Fishing New Jersey Trout Streams, that says it was written by one guy who actually stole the whole kit and caboodle from from a guy that never fished in his life.

Good luck, and get rid of the bait!

M

PS - Look out for that guy Future Fanatic that lurks on this site.........

 

[asyouweremarine]

I appreciate the advice Matt. I have no issues driving to N jersey at all. I was in Cali for a year and driving from Camp pendleton to LAX, a 45 min drive, would take 3 hours so long drives and traffic is just the way the roads work out sometimes. I'll note those places you listed for sure. I was actually gonna go to a fly shop sometimes this week to do just that. I have a 23 foot mako in cape may NJ and every morning before we go out I stop at the shop and ask were the fish have been caught lately. I always trust those mom and pop fishing stores, they never steer me wrong. Ahhh so from what I'm seeing fly fishing is the way to go for trout huh? I'll have to watch some youtube video's or something to get a general idea on how to fish with it. I'm going to adapt and overcome this skunk streak one way or the other lol. Thanks boss. I appreciate your help. Haha noted!

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Stop in Shannon's Fly Shop in Califon and we'll hook you up right and, if you buy a rod and reel, we'll toss in free lessons. I'd be honored to take a Marine that defended our country out and teach him to fly fish. You'll want to shove that spinning rod up some Al Queda's A$$ when you're done

 

[lightenup]

I fish almost every week in the area Matt and Rusty are talking about...Sunday, but usually Monday's.....You are more than welcome to meet me, and I will show you around to some less popular good spots........
and, more importantly,
Thank You for your service to our country......:thankyou:

Don't fear the smiley

 

[Future Fanatic]

PS - Look out for that guy Future Fanatic that lurks on this site.........

I think I should be, somehow, offended.

What's with all the bad vibage, Mr. Grobert? It's because I didn't buy the book...That's it, isn't it?

 

[Oliver10]

Don't let anybody talk you into fishing the Toms River TCA section. Even though it is close enough to you. There are trout there that hold over all year but it is a hard shitty place to fish and it will turn you off to fly fishing. No real room to cast, underwater snags and brambles. I am not sure but you might have closer trouting options in PA from where you are.

 

[JeffK]

I know this is a fly site, but lures (spinners and Phoebes) work and so does bait. It's a touch cold and the fish generally aren't real active - but they are out there and the peak is coming. Lure fishing IMHO is a great way to cover water. Keep moving casting to bubbles lines, seams (where fast water meets slow water), edges, trees etc. Cover a mile or more in an afternoon. Great way to learn trout fishing because even if the fish just chase your lure or tap it you will begin to see where the fish are. Try to minimize your time wading in the water, especialy with low clear water. Trout are spooky and you need to learn stealth. Lure fishing is run-and-gun fishing - but covering water will show you where to fish. Where the fish are is the first thing you need to know before you fly fish. BTW, lure fishing is hottest when the water is between 48F and 62F. You are fishing for aggressive fish with lures.

Bait also helps with later fly fishing skills. Want to drift along the bottom like the bait isn't attached to the line. At the same time need to feel slight taps, or watch slight motions in the line and strike. This is invaluable for a nymph fisherman - although with nymphs you very rarely feel the hit. You just see you line move in a way it shouldn't.

Good luck. Can learn this sport forever.

 

[Oliver10]

I am not sure how close you are to White Clay Creek in Pa. The headwaters of the East Branch of the WCC support a breeding brown trout population. The entire creek should be capable of maintaining a breeding brown trout population except the watershed got fucked up by people. They stock other parts of the river in the spring and fall.