Opening day on the South Branch

[mgm]

Made the 36th straight year of not missing the opener....met my brother, old boyhood friend and nephew for breakfast at the Bridgewater Diner at 6:30 for eggs and scrapple  before heading out to  our favorite opening day spot on the SB of the Raritan.

Very light crowd because of the weather, but that didn't dampen the tradition of the opener and the "rights of spring".

8 AM came and lines went in....water conditions were perfect....I had my limit by 9 and helped the others as well...all brookies...the opener is the only time I keep them for the table...it is really catchin' not fishin'....largest was a nice 17" brookie....all fun on a fly rod....now if the flundies would be as cooperative this year!

[kezsr]

nice going,use to go with a family group to Lockwood gorge on opening day,we sort of got away from it,haven't gone since 2006,again great day on your part.    Kez

[IrishAyes]

Nice catch and report. 

[PeggyLee]

Nice day and catch !!!

[Luna Sea 5]

nice catch

[Bucktail]

I had my limit by 9 and helped the others as well...all brookies...the opener is the only time I keep them for the table...it is really catchin' not fishin'....largest was a nice 17" brookie....all fun on a fly rod....now if the flundies would be as cooperative this year!

Maybe we can get the state to raise and stock flounder instead of trout.  Maybe then flounder fishing will be as easy as trout fishing on opening day.  Although, they still probably wouldn't hit a fly.

[ped579]

 

[Fishin Dude]

36 straight years, that should get you into the Fishing Hall of Fame. If not , maybe Rod can come up with the "NJSWF.COM Hall of Fame"  <'((((><