Largemouth Bass

Farmingdale, NJ, might not be the first place that comes to mind for trophy bass, but several smaller lakes and ponds in the area hold decent populations of largemouth. These waters tend to be heavily pressured, so finesse tactics are key. Try working weedless plastics slowly along the bottom in deeper areas of Manasquan Reservoir, or near lily pads in smaller ponds. Spring (pre-spawn) and fall are traditionally the best times. During the spawn (late April-May), focus on shallow, protected coves. In the heat of summer, fish early mornings and late evenings for the most active bite. A local tip: Many of these ponds are best fished from a kayak or canoe due to limited shoreline access. Be aware of private property boundaries. The bass in this region tend to be relatively wary, so use lighter line and natural-looking presentations for best results. Expect most fish to be in the 1-3 pound range, with the occasional larger fish possible.