Fresh Water Bass Fishing In New Jersey!

Hi folks,

Just received an e-mail from the NJ Dept of Fish and Wildlife and thought you all might like to read it. So here it is:

When it comes to bass fishing, the Garden State may very well have the nation’s greatest diversity of bass waters and bass fishing opportunities. Mike Iaconelli, a Jersey boy who made it big on the B.A.S.S. pro circuit, credits much of his success to the many different types of New Jersey bass waters he fished as a kid.

Backwoods Angler TV came to New Jersey last summer for bass fishing on two very different bass waters, the Salem Canal in south Jersey and north Jersey’s Lake Hopatcong. The show’s host, Blaine Mengel, fished with NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist, and B.A.S.S. tournament angler, Chris Smith. Chris knows where the bass are in New Jersey and knows how to catch them. The New Jersey Bassin’ show is a must see for serious bass anglers to hear and learn what our state bass fishing expert knows.

Backwoods Angler TV’s “New Jersey Bassin” show can be viewed on their Web site at http://www.backwoodsanglertv.com/Web_Broadcast.htm.

There’s no better way to spend time in the outdoors than enjoying the fabulous fishing New Jersey has to offer. Don’t miss out this year! Visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishing_fresh.htm  for freshwater fishing information and to buy and print your fishing license online.

So what are you waiting for?  🙂  Go check out that bass fishing show now!

Catch you later!

NJDEP – New Fish and Wildlife Issue

Just a quick post today.

The new “Fish and Wildlife Digest” issue is now avialable for all of you who fish in New Jersey.

It includes highlights of regulation changes for the 2010 year, as well as listing the season dates, size and creel limits and when and where the trout will be stocked.

So cruise on over to the NJDEP site and get your issue today! (It’s available as a pdf download for you.)
Just click on this link: NJ Fish & Wildlife Digest

Catch you later.

Jumping Asian Carp Killing Our Waters

You know it upsets me when I read about invasive species being introduced to our native waters and so I share the news with you to help me find relief! So thank you for your tolerance and patience with me. 🙂

Did you know that the Silver carp, one of the imported invasive Asian carp species can jump 10 feet out of the water? And did you know that it grows up to 50 pounds? Imagine water skiing or running your boat along a river and trying to dodge these jumping fish! Well that’s what they do on the Illinois River.

I read a report on these and 3 other invasive Asian carp species in USA Today while online today. It seems these fish are knocking on the Great Lakes’ doors and the Folks don’t want them in there! The Federal Government has been called in and the Army Corp of Engineers has been assigned the task of stopping these Asian carp. They’re currently using an electronic barrier to stop the fish, but they are also planning on poisoning the fish while they make repairs on this electronic barrier.

It cost the Army Corp approximately $40,000. in electric fees per month to run this barrier. What a waste! All because the US Fish and Wildlife Service thought it would be good to use these Asian carp to keep aquatic vegetation down and private businesses wanted their fish farming ponds clean!

If you’d like to read the full article and see a picture of the jumping Silver carp in action, just go to:

Invasive carp threatens Great Lakes

There’s a reason why certain species live only in certain areas of the world. I truly believe God knew what He was doing when He set up our planet His way. It’s unfortunate that we think we know better and end up ruining what we had naturally because of our ignorance. Maybe one day we’ll learn our lesson?

Here’s hoping so!

Catch you later!

Connecticut Has A Bad Case Of Crabs!

Connecticut Has A Bad Case Of Crabs!

It’s true! I was reading a story about these new intrusive freshwater crabs that are showing up in Connecticut – the Chinese Mitten Crabs. Seems we’ve gotten another import that is ruining our natural resources – AGAIN!

In all fairness though it’s not just Connecticut that has these crabs. They’ve been showing up in the Hudson Bay area, The Delaware Bay area and the Chesapeake Bay area as well. The first sighting of one of these crabs in the Eastern US was approximately 2005.

You can read more about these little invaders at: The Advocate

A quick synopsis: Chinese mitten crabs may be found in both freshwater and salt water. They are walking crabs that can emerge from the water to move upstream of barriers and are capable of moving several hundred miles upstream from saltwater. They spend most of their lives in freshwater rivers, migrating to brackish or salt water to reproduce. The young move upstream, sometimes spending 2 to 5 years in freshwater.

These crabs are very aggressive and may compete with our popular native blue crab in the Sound. Their burrowing habits may also threaten stream banks and earthen dam stability. These losses will promote erosion and habitat loss.

Here’s a picture of the crab and how to identify it: Picture of the Chinese Mitten Crab **Credit goes to the Oregon Dept of Fish And Wildlife for the photo.**

So if you happen to see any of these little buggers while your out and about freshwater fishing, be sure to get rid of it. You also might want to let your local fish and game official know where you found it as well.

Preserve our natural resources!

Catch you later.