NJ State Record Northern Pike Caught

September 11, 2009

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The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that John Viglione of Ringwood made his way onto the state record fish list recently by landing a new state record Northern Pike. John was fishing in Pompton Lake, Passaic County when he reeled in the 30 pound, 8.5 ounce fish, eclipsing the old record caught 32 years ago in Spruce Run Reservoir by 6.5 ounces.

John was retrieving his line after the 13th cast in the early morning hours of September 7, when the line suddenly stopped. He initially thought it was snagged, but it kept moving in a very heavy manner. Perhaps a snapping turtle had gotten ahold of his bait?

That question was answered quickly, as after fifteen tense minutes - that included a spectacular "tail walk" by the fish - a new state record Northern Pike was landed and in the books.

John was using a Daiwa spinning reel spooled with 8-lb. test Ande line and a Shakespeare 6' 6" pole. For bait he had on a swivel and a Blue Fox Vibrax spinner.

The new record pike measured 46 inches in length and had a girth of 22.25 inches.

Northern Pike Information