New Jersey Fish Stories Every serious fisherman needs a story about "the one that got away." Take your choice of fresh water or salt water, more than 4,000 lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs, plus one big ocean-then get to work on your own story. All along the coast are hundreds of charter and party boats for hire. You can make a day of it and, with luck, you will be in for the fight of your life as you go head to head with marlin, Atlantic mackerel, tuna and bluefish. Of course, surf fishing is always an option and you are likely to find bluefish and striped bass at the end of your hook. Every year three quarters of a million fish are released into New Jersey rivers and lakes, so the pickings are always rich-brook and rainbow trout, bass, pike, sunfish and catfish are all there for the catching. Fishing licenses are easier than ever to get and available to both New Jersey residents and out-of-state visitors for freshwater angling. The easiest way is to register online from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Just fill out the form and print out a valid license right at home! Whether you find your own spot by a creek, take a boat on a lake or dip your line into the Delaware, a day of fishing is still one of life's most peaceful, simple pleasures. There are more than 40 wheelchair-accessible fishing sites for both ocean and freshwater excursions. To really get the lay of the land (or water), an invaluable site on the Web is www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw. Get detailed stats on weather conditions and water temperatures, solar and lunar tables and tide charts. View extensive lists of party and charter boats, marinas, tackle shops and boat sales. Festivals, tournaments and special events abound in all six regions of the state. A trip to the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford will definitely be an eye-opener. Get a look at how more than 600,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout are released each year into New Jersey waters. Throughout the state there are numerous festivals that celebrate New Jersey's bounty of excellent seafood like the Festival of the Sea that draws thousands to Point Pleasant Beach each September. For visitors who like to fish off the menu, the state has an abundance of superior eateries that serve the finest in fresh seafood. Once you have begun your angling adventures in New Jersey, it is a sure thing you will have your own fish stories to tell!
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