Largemouth Bass

Haddonfield, New Jersey may not be the first place that comes to mind for trophy largemouth bass, but the Cooper River and several smaller ponds and lakes in the surrounding area hold some surprisingly good fish. The key is understanding the structure and seasonal patterns. Spring is excellent, as bass move shallow to spawn. Target weed lines, docks, and submerged timber with spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Summer can be tougher, with the fish seeking deeper, cooler water. Try fishing deeper with Carolina rigs or Texas rigs. Local tip: Check out Haddon Lake Park, which offers bank fishing access. Early morning or late evening are your best bets for avoiding crowds and finding active fish. Also, the bass in this region can be heavily pressured, so experiment with different lure presentations and colors to find what they're responding to on any given day. Don't be afraid to downsize your lures and line if the bite is tough.