So is it woods or water?

Bow season in my area opened the first Saturday of September. I've been out in the woods just two times since then. The reason is that the weather has been so ideal for fishing that climbing a tree to get eaten alive by bugs has seemed less intriguing.

Have no fear, I haven't given up on the woods totally. I went scouting my favorite spots last Sunday and am pleased to report that deer activity seems to be up from last year. In my area the harvest was relatively small, especially in terms of the buck harvest. I found some heavily traveled deer trails that lead to a farm field behind my house.

The situation is almost perfect. Before the deer can chow down on the clover at the edge of the field they walk through a stretch of white oaks and the acorns have been pouring off the trees in this cooler weather. I think this is my year. I just have to get myself to put down the fishing rod and pick up the bow.

On my first excursion I saw two bucks, neither came within a comfortable range, but even if they had I wouldn't be able to take a shot legally. Part of the stipulation for this early bow season is that in order to take a buck I must harvest a doe first. Once the regular season starts in October, everything will be fair game.

I get so excited for bow season. There are few things better than sitting in the tree when the weather is cool, but not cold, and the woods are still. The anticipation of a good hunt is enough to keep me warm when things start to get even colder, but until then I will enjoy the mild evenings and my chance at packed freezer.

Saltwater...What is that about?

I was on vacation the last week of the summer. On this vacation I spent 6 days lounging on the beach, slathered in sun block with a good book. Any angler will tell you that staring at open water for a few days and not throwing a line is enough to drive you crazy. Now, the issue is that I am not, by any means, a saltwater angler.

In the past, whenever I have thought about of fishing in the ocean or the back bays of New Jersey, it never really appealed to me. The main reason is that I equate saltwater fishing with simply dropping a hook baited with squid over the side of a crowded boat. There never seemed to be any fun in that type of fishing, unless of course I felt like a good nap.

Over the last few months I have been reading and hearing about the prime opportunities that saltwater angling offers. I’d see pictures of 30-40lb Stripers caught in the surf and think, you know that looks like fun. In the end, on this vacation, I decided to bring my new kayak and try my luck fishing out of my element.

For the most part it was an astounding success. I caught more fish than I could count, but there were no keepers. It was fun to chase small blue fish as they engorged themselves on the baitfish swimming around the back bay of Strathmere, NJ. I also had fun landing Sea Bass, a Sea Robin, and even a small sand Shark.

When I got back to the ramp and another angler asked how I did, I told him about my adventure and all the fish I caught. He was less than impressed. However, I didn’t let this discourage me. I used my experience as a starting point to help improve my overall angling skill. Sure the fish were small this time, but next time I think I have some ideas on how I can change that.

I’ve been fishing since I was a kid, and I have long since giving up chasing trophies. I mean, I live in NJ, and while there is a lot of great fishing opportunities to be had throughout the state it is not known for its amazing world record catches. The state record Largemouth Bass is 12lbs lighter than the world record, and it doesn’t look like that will ever change.

If we don’t make an effort to improve on our favorite hobbies, what is the point in participating at all. It may be a long time before I become proficient in the salt, but I had to start somewhere, and no better place than on vacation at the Jersey Shore.

I love fishing...

There is an idea in the angling world that you need large lures to catch large fish. This may prove effective for spring and fall, but during the summer doldrums you may have to modify your tactics to bring fish to the boat. Instead of going larger, think smaller when the fish aren’t biting.

Ultra-light fishing is an oft-overlooked tactic that can prevent you from getting skunked the next time you are on the water. There is definitely skill involved when hooking a nice sized largemouth on lighter equipment.

So what do you need? For starters, you'll need a shorter rod. Most ultra-light fishing rods range in size from four feet six inches to five feet six inches. The shorter rods are necessary to accommodate lighter line and smaller reels. You will have greater success on the water if your equipment is matched and well balanced. The small guides on these shorter rods restrict heavy the passage of heavier lines (8+ pound test).



Smaller reels are required for ultra-light fishing as well. An ultra-light fishing reel typically holds no more than 100 yards of 6lb. test monofilament. These smaller reels are not as durable as their larger counter parts. These reels lack the multiple ball bearing construction that makes larger reels run smoother. But don’t let their size fool you. Many of the large reel manufacturers have made progress in the realm of ultra-light equipment. Advancements in drag systems have allowed some of these smaller reels the ability to handle any fishing situation.

Another major advancement that benefits the ultra-light fishing market is the development of co-polymer and braided fishing lines. These lines can have the diameter of a 4lb. test monofilament, but the ability to perform like an 8lb. test line. The added test strength will ensure that more fish end up in the boat than swimming away with your favorite lures. These advanced lines resist the twisting that is common with light monofilament line.

One you have your setup you’ll need to have a few lures in your arsenal that will accommodate your ultra-light experience. The first, and one of the most effective ultra-light lures is the Johnson Beetle Spin. Ranging in size from 1/32 oz. to 1/4oz these lures catch fish of all sizes. For your ultra-light needs consider the 1/32–1/16oz. Beetle Spins. For colors, look to chartreuse, black, white, and yellow to increase your catch.

Fish the Beetle spin steady through moving water. Near dams or spillways cast the lure into the falling water and fish it fast with the current. Larger fish wait at the bottom of this rough water waiting for a quick meal. In lakes and ponds fish this lure erratically. For finicky fish do the old bump and run along longs and around blown down trees to draw a strike.

Another lure you should have for your ultra-light tackle box is the 1/4oz. Rat-L-Trap. This lipless crankbait is extremely versatile. Burn the lure over the tops of submerged weed beds. Be sure to keep your rod tip high because this lure is not weed friendly. In my tackle box the Rat-L-Trap, regardless of size, is affectionately called “The Grappler” for its amazing ability to snag everything below the surface of the water. It may be difficult to keep it out of the weeds, but if you can you will be astounded at the variety of fish that will chase this lure down. I focus on three main colors when fishing Rat-L-Traps, chrome, baby bass, and the silver shad.
The next time you find yourself frustrated out on the lake remember that bigger isn’t always better. Go small, because ultra-light fishing offers a fresh challenge. Even a slight change in size or patterns may draw a heavy strike from a lurking largemouth.