FISHING IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

I am constantly in awe of the bad rap that New Jersey gets and especially since I am a transplant I can understand it to a degree. New Jersey is not one big waste dump, Mafia burial ground or forest of smokestacks, although... if you drive through Elizabeth you may have that opinion!

Northern New Jersey, where I reside with my wife, Mary, is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in the Eastern U.S.. Like the above photo of Lake Grinnell in Sparta Township. (Go to the link below for more nice pictures of Sussex County)

http://localism.com/real-estate/NJ/Sussex%20County/pictures

Besides the mountains, the valleys, the trees, the wildlife and the trails, there is the fishing. Superb lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks and streams situated in great settings and all ready with fish that are hungry to bite a passing offering.

In the 20 or so years since our moving to this part of the world we have tramped most of the trails and fished most of the open waterways. Some of favorite fishing is done in the overwhelming number of ponds and smaller lakes that dot the landscape.

Bluegills(My particular favorite), largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel cats and bullheads, yellow and white perch, shellcracker redear sunfish, rock bass, crappie, pike and pickerel are just a sampling of the species available. If you venture into Lake Hopatcong there are Muskies and Hybrid Striped Bass that are prepared to test your tackle. Some of the largest white perch with which I have ever tangled swim in Hopatcong... excellent eating!

Bluegills and other panfish when filleted boneless are superb cooked in this fashion!

Ingredients:

Flour

Egg and milk beaten together

Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs

Peanut oil

Dust fillets in flour, then soak briefly in milk and egg mixture, then into a bag with Breadcrumbs and then into hot peanut oil for about 30 seconds... serve with Texas hotsauce or any condiment you'd like!!!!

Give it a try.. you'll love it!

Barrister Robert Einreinhofer

Small Lake Largemouth (The Fish not the Fisherman!)