Sutible water for newbie. Advice needed.

[tommyboyNJ]

Hey Everyone,

Im new to the sport and the site. First of all this is a great forum with alot of good info. I been reading some very helpful stuff here that I think has already lessend the learning curve for me. Thanks.

Im totally new to fly fishing. I recently picked up a used 6wt outfit to get started with. Iv been spending about half an hour every evening practicing casting on my lawn and am starting to get better. I wanted to do this before even hitting the water so as to get the basics down. Now im lookingto get onto the water. There are several lakes i intend to hit to give it a go for bass and get a bit more comfortable but in a few weeks i have some time of work and want to hit some of the rivers in north jersey. I read alot on line and in books about the KLG area. Is this stretch of water sutible for a beginner? Can anyone recommed anywhere that migt be comprible/better for someone just starting out.

Thanks

Tom

 

[JeffK]

Since it is summer the trout in NJ will be a little like you are on a 100F afternoon - just laying around with not much appetite. Therefore, one option may be to bass/sunnie fish in a trout river. Can catch something and learn a river. Musconetcong, lower SBR (below High Bridge), Paulinskill, and other larger trout streams are good options.

For trout, the upper SBR from KLG north typically holds over more so is a good place to find trout after the stocking ends.

Bigger rivers are a little better for newbies IMHO because you have less issues with getting tangled in trees than small streams.

 

[tommyboyNJ]

Thanks Jeff. I spend alot of time fishing for stripers from the surf with plugs. One thing i have learnt over the years is not to fish out of your comfort zone/experiance level as that all to often ends in disaster. It can be discourageing and or dangerous. Im going to do some scouting out and find some open water so build my confidence/experiance.

 

[irish1]

I just moved to the New Egypt/Jackson area and there are many lakes around. I have found many to be devoid of live (at least none were biting what I was offering) but there are many that do have fish. Prospertown Lake is close, can be fished from the shore and in the park there is room to back-cast.

Go to Google Earth and look around. You'll find some hidden lakes and streams to try. This is the part I like best, looking around and finding spots no one has ever seen before and fishing virgin water. :smiley-sniffer:

 

[mbwmn]

guys,
he's from Jackson. is there nothing in the saltwater back bays right now?

 

[AKSkim]

Tom:

When you are out there practicing do you have a leader on the end of your line?

If so- do you hear a *snap* behind you every now and then?

How much fly line do you have out beyong the end of your rod?

I suggest starting off making casts of 20 feet. Place a piece or paper (or anything) out in front of you and aim for that. when you hit it on a regular basis, move it out another 5 feet.

Most people when first learning try to make long (hero) casts of 50-60-80 feet. You will soon discover once you get on an NJ trout stream that you will be making 15-25 foot casts.

No use getting too many bad habits right off.

 

[Agust]

Don't discount the Delaware River for bass. Yes it is big water, but it is full of bass and sunfish as well as the chance for a channel cat or Musky. As Jeff mentioned trout fishing is more or less shut down for the summer. (Though there are options, they tend to be small flies at odd hours. Not really newbie with a 6wt type fishing.)

Smallmouth in the lower Raritan system and Delaware are the best option for river fishing. Though down your way the ponds and lakes are full of bass, pickerel and sunfish that are a blast on a fly rod. Also a 6wt for snapper blues up to 3 pounds or so is thrilling, but if you get a slammer they can spool you really quickly.

If your in Jackson, head over to Assumpink WMA, there are some shoreline options but a boat or canoe increase your options.

 

[coolkyle]

As Jeff mentioned trout fishing is more or less shut down for the summer.

With all the trout that should make it through the summer with all the rain we've gotten, it's going to be an AWESOME fall, before and after stocking.

 

[tommyboyNJ]

Thanks for all the help guys. My saltwater experience has me familiar with google earth. Iv found some very nice spots in the back bays using it. I do plan on hitting a few of them up for small blues and weakfish (and maybe the occasional fluke) once Im more comfortable with the fly rod.

AK, Im doing exaclty as you reccommended. Again, my saltwater experiance has taught me you dont need to be fishing at distance to get fish. Many times this spring one of my favourite spots for spring stripers was holding fish only a rod lenght out from the water edge. Also, I do have a leader and "dummy" fly attached. Iv been working on timing etc and plan to start working on accuracy by placing an object in the feild and casting to it as you recommend.

Tom

 

[draku007]

I'm also new to the sport but started bit earlier and was able to hook few trout this season already.
Few tips from "experienced" newbie:
- don't go to any lakes to practice but some larger and slower rivers. Get into the water, feel the current and practice your drift free cast (you'll need it day 1 when the season starts)
- bass/sunnie are your target for now. I would recommend dry fly and trolling nymph setup.

Good luck.

 

[ROLLCAST86]

I would have to say go to a river this way you really get a feel for the casting. Fly line on the water feels and acts way different than on the grass. Also you will be able to learn how to mend and high stick and learn how to get a good drag free drift. The more you parcatice in the "element" the craftier you will get with a fly rod. Good luck!!!!!!!

P.S the Gorge is a good place to fish