Beat the Heat...

With temperatures expected to reach 90+ this week it is hard to avoid the fact that we are in the thick of summer. Even on the best day of fishing it is hard to ignore New Jersey’s humidity. Unfortunately, New Jersey is not one of those states where we can say, “Sure it’s 90 degrees, but it’s a dry heat.” You are more likely to hear statements like, “Sure it’s 90 degrees, but with the heat index it feels like 107.”

What does this mean for your next trip to the lake? Well, if you plan on fishing through the middle of the day prepare for a slow bite. In fact, the only biting you may experience will probably be from mosquitoes and flies. This time of year fishing often becomes sluggish through midday, but with these helpful tips you can bring more fish to the boat when summer turns up the heat.

The most popular way to beat the heat is to get up early. However, you are more likely to run into a few more boats. On early mornings throughout the summer, you may find boatloads of tournament anglers on your favorite lake. Most tournaments run from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are designed to take advantage of the coolest portion of the day.

Another option is to fish the creeks. Many of the lakes in our area have very productive feeder creeks that hold a lot of fish throughout the warmest months. Some of these feeder creeks are too small for larger boats, but fishing around the mouth of the creek will also prove successful. Fishing these smaller creeks from a canoe or kayak will put you on fish that the bigger boats have to avoid.

The moving water in the creeks is often much cooler than that of the main lake. Fish are generally more active when the water temperature is between 60-80 degrees. Any warmer and fish become very sluggish, which makes fishing difficult. The moving water also provides more oxygen for the fish. In extreme heat, the oxygen levels in many of the shallow lakes in Southern New Jersey dip. This also will make fish less active.
Many creek systems have blown down trees, and over hanging limbs clogging the shoreline. Fish stay close to structure so accurate casting is key to landing a largemouth. In order to reach these reclusive fish you may need to skip your lure under and around this structure. Skipping is often most effective with soft plastic jerkbaits, or jigs. The easiest way to skip your lure is with a quick side arm cast. It is often best accomplished with spinning tackle. Skipping with a bait caster is a tedious process and will often force you to deal with backlash or two, or three, depending on your experience.

If you are not a morning person and fishing the creeks hasn’t panned out, there is still another option. Try fishing under the stars. Fishing at night can be very exciting. Tie on a buzz bait and cast until your arm hurts. Fish just can’t get enough of these things once the sun goes down. You’ll need a flashlight for this adventure. The most convenient type of light for this situation is a headlamp. A headlamp will allow you full range of motion with your hands while giving you all the light you need to tie on a new lure or measure you catch.

No matter what the temperature none of us will stay away from the water. If you do go fishing at night be sure to tell someone where you will be and always have a life vest for you and everyone else on the boat.

NJ isn't all that bad!

Invariably while traveling out of New Jersey someone will ask you, “Where ya from?” And when you tell them New Jersey that same half perplexed, half disgusted look comes over their face. Usually, their first audible response is simply “Oh,” but it is said with a sympathetic tone, as if your favorite pet has just passed away. Everyone assumes that all of New Jersey looks like the city with factories mixed in for good measure. Those from the southern reaches of the state know that in many places trees are still taller than buildings, farmland is more common than factories, and our state and county parks are some of the most beautiful in the state.

One of my favorite fall places to visit in the rural southern portion of the state is the Atlantic County Park in Estelle Manor. To find this secluded park, check out their homepage. This is a great option when the weather is just a little too cool for the beach.

Once in the park, a paved one-way road will lead you around. The road is actually a giant loop that will easily take you back to the main entrance when you are ready to leave. The first thing you will see upon entering the park is the Warren A. Fox Nature Center. This is a great place to start for first timers. Inside, there is a small display of maps and brochures the will help you stay on track as you visit the park. The center also houses a collection of live animals, many found on the park’s grounds, in the back room of the building.

For hikers there are numerous trails to explore. These well maintained trails will help you discover everything the park has to offer. Many of the trails that go through swampy areas have been recently renovated with boardwalks that provide accessibility, and the security of dry feet to everyone.

The park is steeped in history, from remnants of an ancient glass works from the 1800s to left over foundations of a manufacturing plant that produced munitions for the First World War. Today, the old roads that wind their way through the park are great for short hikes on foot or by bike. Cars are only allowed in parking areas and on the paved loop that encircles the park, so hikers and bikers will have the easiest time exploring.

Two group-gathering areas provide grills, volleyball nets, large fields, and a couple of pavilions to prevent the weather from ruining your fun. For the kids there are also some swing sets and play areas. All of these amenities are free on a first come basis. However, the covered table areas can be rented for the day to ensure you and your group has place to sit.

The number of deer that roam the park is astounding. If you go to the park in the late afternoon or early evening you most likely see large numbers of deer foraging in the fields or walking through the woods. One of the best places to see these graceful creatures is field next to the second gathering area. It is important to note that although many of these animals are accustomed to people you shouldn’t attempt to make contact with them or any other wilds animals in the park.

The park has a number of events for the whole family, or just the kids. Check them out on the web to see what kind of things are going on this fall. Whether it’s hiking, biking, barbequing, or just relaxing, the Atlantic County Park in Estelle Manor has everything you need to make a great day outdoors.