| New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife |
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Since beginning the experimental Sea Run Brown Trout Program in 1997, division biologists have anxiously awaited reports of angler success. 
It now appears the sea run brown trout fishery is very secretive in nature - reports have been far fewer than anticipated, yet we're sure the fish are there and are being caught. Staff in the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries believes there is a core group of successful anglers who do not report their catches, fearing an influx of other anglers. And we can understand their reluctance.
Sea run browns that have been reported are often of trophy size, ranging up to 32 inches in length. Sea runs are not easy to catch, but once an angler has a taste of the excitement these fish can generate at the end of their line they're not likely to give up their pursuit.
One angler with consistent success is Paul Ripperger, and in 2002 the majority of reported catches were his. Below is a table of reported catches, and below that are some of Paul's tips for success.
|
Date |
Length |
Weight |
Released |
Tackle |
Location |
|
10/19/02 |
16" |
4 lb. |
yes |
chartreuse twister tail jig |
Parkway Bridge |
|
10/20/02 |
12", 16," 16" |
? |
yes |
chartreuse twister tail jig |
Squankum Dam |
|
11/?/02 |
? |
6 lb. |
yes |
chartreuse spawn sac |
Parkway Bridge |
|
11/?/02 |
? |
7 lb. |
yes |
chartreuse spawn sac |
Hospital Road |
|
11/16/02 |
14", 16", 17", 25" |
? |
no |
chartreuse spawn sac |
Parkway Bridge |
|
11/16/02 |
14", 17" |
? |
yes |
caddis emerger |
Brice Park |
|
12/01/02 |
32" |
13 lb. |
yes |
5" weighted olive zuddler |
Manasquan WMA |
|
12/09/02 |
19" rainbow |
? |
yes |
chartreuse spawn sac |
Above Squankum Dam |
|
12/09/02 |
22" |
3 lb. |
yes |
chartreuse spawn sac |
Hospital Road |
|
12/10/02 |
24" |
? |
yes |
streamer |
Allaire St. Park |
1. Fish the Manasquan River one to two days after a rain as it is becoming less muddy but not too clear.
2. Mid-October to January 1: Bait is the most productive - pink and white spawn sacs, night crawlers, worms, killies. The sea runs move into freshwater and are actively feeding.
3. January 1 to February 1: The sea runs are spawning and not actively feeding but will strike at 2" long lures such as Rapalas, C.P. Swings, and Rooster Tails. The most productive lure colors are silver, chartreuse and hot pink. Use a slow retrieve.
4. February through May: Use bait as described in 2. above.
5. The Manasquan River is very difficult to fish - it has brushy, overgrown banks. Anglers should use caution -the mud is very slippery, there are many deep holes and many underwater snags.
6. You have to put in a lot of time. If you get a bite that's a good day, if you hook one that's a great day, if you land one that's an unbelievable day.
We encourage any anglers having success or questions to contact us at 908-236-2118, or email me at mark.boriek@earthlink.net. You can reveal as much or as little detail as you wish.
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