Freshwater spots in Monmouth County

[BigAL]

I've been into saltwater the last couple of years, but looking for some freshwater spots close by as well. I've tried Shadow Lake and Thompson Park before with no luck. I'm looking for a place to bring my son when he's old enough. He's only 4 months old now, but I want to have a few years experience in a spot when I bring him. It looks like it's better and probably easier to start kids on freshwater rather then salt.

Thanks for any info!

Alex

[CapBob]

Two Lakes you mentioned are both real good fishing, pluus you have a lake at Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold, Assupink in Upper Freehold, Prospertown Lake off Rt 537 south of Great Adventure

[Bucktail]

Manasquan Reservoir is one of the best bass lakes in NJ.  It also has plenty of pickerel and sunnies.  It's supposedly has hybrids as well, but I've never caught one.

[Pfishingruven]

Shadow Lake will really come to life when they stock it with trout.  Beyond that, I haven't seen too much life there the last couple times out there.  A few sunnies here and there and an occasional catfish.  There really isn't great access or great parking there, though.

Turkey Swamp and the Manasquan Reservoir are good options and have better access to fish with young children.  The Reservoir is just a great outdoors place in general.  You can fish, picnic, go to a playground, walk or ride the trails, and watch the Bald Eagles and Osprey feeding. I have seen some hybrids in there.  My brother in law was catching some schoolie or dink size hybrids last time we were there.  They look more like stripers, but have the round bodies of the largemouth.  They have some Tiger Muskie in there as well still.  There are so many places to fish at the Reservoir.

Good luck!

 

[Tacklebox Joe]

All good spots mentioned here. Don't forget about Spruce Run and Round Valley (not in monmouth county but worthy). I've fished the D&R canal and had great catfish success. Take some shiners to Assupink and you'll catch crappies. Caught my biggest bass (6lbs) off a blue fox spinner (tiger color) there as well.

[BigAL]

Thanks! Any suggestions on lures for Shadow Lake or Thompson Park? What about Manasquan Resevoir? Lures/good access point to fish? Hopefully can sneak away for a couple hours this weekend. Looks like its gonna be beautiful out!

Thanks!

[Tacklebox Joe]

BigAL, give this a look. great info on taking kids fishing

http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=15849.msg149308#msg149308

I am about 95% a saltwater guy but did a lot of freshwater fishing growing up. If it is bass you seek this is what i used and still do. Don't forget the clarity, temp and other factors will play a role. experiment!

Spinners:
Blue Fox Vibrant in Tiger, Gold and silver
Woebers Rooster Tails: any combo I could buy

Crankbaits:
Bomber-in just about any color.
Strike King-the hot crank for them is the sexy shad color

Flippin' Tubes / Worms:
Yum (my favorite): I've had success on the pumpkin seed color

P.S. don't forget about the ol' bobber and nightcrawler rig   

[Pfishingruven]

Sexy shad !  

The Reservoir has a few areas to fish.  There is a dock area to fish at in the main parking lot by the boat launch ramp.  There is a small bait & tackle store in the main building where you can rent boats as well.  I don't think they are open yet until Memorial Day, but you could call and check.  The Park has weird hours too, so make sure you check them before you go.  You can also fish by the old boat ramp dock.  If you go to the main Parking Lot and go all the way past the boat ramp to the eastern side, there is walkway that will take you to some rocks and trees.  This area is shallow and grassy bottom where they like to spawn.  You also have the rocks and tree by the Georgia Tavern Rd Parking Lot.  Just be careful on the rocks...the water level is control by the Water Company.  1 day the water level is high and the next is is dead low.  Thee rocks can be really slippery and unstable.  Test them out before putting all of your weight on them.  I found that out the hard way .

Blue and black do well at the Reservoir.  I throw a black and blue Booyah Boogie Bait in there when it gets warmer.  Right now, a black and blue jig n pig around the trees on the Georgia Tavern Parking Lot side of the Reservoir might get them going or a watermelon or pumpkin seed senko in the same area.  The hybrids love top water poppers and lures in the early am or later evening.  Of course live bait always works too...shiners or night crawlers.

I have a good map of the Reservoir I am trying to locate.  I hope I didn't lose it on the other computer?

Good Luck!

 

[Bucktail]

   Good info P-Man.   I will add:

If you're limited to the shore I would throw some Senkos, gitzits or jig and pigs.  If you fish off the docks in deeper water, try some small suspending jerkbaits like a Husky Jerk.  When it's cold, they catch.  Jerk.  Jerk.  Jerk.  Pause for about 30 seconds.  Jerk.  Bam!

Good luck!

[BigAL]

Thanks for all the great info! Can't wait to get out there!