New Guy - Introduction and Question about Trout Unlimited

[soot]

Hey folks. New to the site (though I've been lurking/reading for a few weeks) and new to fly fishing.

Bought a house in Bloomingdale last fall, a stones throw from the Pequannock.

I've been fishing in the surf and freshwater with spinning gear most of my life but have never tried my hand at fly tackle.

The commute down to the shore to throw plugs into the ocean has really put a cramp on my spring fishing and my wife being pregnant with kid number two and due in July is gonna pretty much kill it for the foreseeable future.

I just don't feel right about fishing for trout in little brooks and rivers with spinning gear. Kinda like shooting fish in the barrel.

Figured it was time to stop threatening to pick up fly fishing and actually pull the trigger.

I stopped by Tight Lines Wednesday night and got myself outfitted with everything I think I need to get started and will probably hit the river tonight for the first time.

That's my introduction.

My question about TU:

I'm pretty centrally located between the Fred S. Burroughs chapter and the East New Jersey chapter.

Any pros or cons to joining either?

I certainly don't want to start a pissing match over which is "better" but if one is more active than the other in terms of being involved in conservation projects, running group trips, and taking newbies under their wing it would be my preference to be associated with that group.

Additionally, if it has any bearing, it's my plan to do the majority of my fishing "in my backyard" (the Pequannock and the Wanaque) but I expect I'll also take the ride north to fish some of the Sussex County waters. If the TU Burroughs chapter leans more in that direction than East Jersey it would also be something I'd like to take into consideration.

Any advice/guidance/assistance/etc you might be able to provide would be appriciated.

Oh, also, would it be okay if I showed up for my first meeting before I actually sign up with TU officially? My (new) employer has a 2:1 matching charitable contribution policy and I'm in the process of getting that figured out before I give anyone any money. I can register with TU today if I want but if I have to give my employer any kind of advanced notice in order to take advantage of the 2:1 I don't want TU to miss out on $70 because I was anxious.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[CTobias]

You don't have to be a member to attend meetings. I've gone to meetings and wasn't a member. This is when they had a guest speaker too.

I'd contact the person in charge of the TU and speak with them about sitting in on a few meetings. Regardless, TU is a good organization to get involved with.

 

[PRomano]

Dan,

I live just across the Pequannock from you and I'm a board member with Hacklebarney TU. I'm also a regular member with the Pequannock River Coalition. I spend an insane amount of time on Pequannock River. I fish it, float stock it, paddle it, hike it, etc..

Hacklebarney TU meets in Whippany; much closer than East Jersey or North Jersey but all 3 chapters are great!

If you're looking to get involved with conservation projects and fish those rivers you mentioned, HTU is your chapter. You are more than welcome to attend any of our meetings without joining.

PM me and let me know if there's anything else I can do.



Pete Romano

 

[Trouser Trout]

You don't have to be a member to attend meetings. I've gone to meetings and wasn't a member. This is when they had a guest speaker too.

I'd contact the person in charge of the TU and speak with them about sitting in on a few meetings. Regardless, TU is a good organization to get involved with.

Yeah, TU isn't like AA where you are going to have to go to meetings and admit things that everyone already knows, but I think members of both organizations usually end up at the 13th step.

 

[soot]

You don't have to be a member to attend meetings. I've gone to meetings and wasn't a member.

Cool, thanks very much.

If you're looking to get involved with conservation projects and fish those rivers you mentioned, HTU is your chapter. You are more than welcome to attend any of our meetings without joining.

PM me and let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Thanks Pete.

Looks like the next meeting of HTU should be May 10?

I'll stick my head in for sure.

If you're on the Pequannock tonight keep an eye out for me. I'll be the guy who very visibly has no idea WTF he's doing.

 

[PRomano]

Looks like the next meeting of HTU should be May 10?

I'll stick my head in for sure.

If you're on the Pequannock tonight keep an eye out for me. I'll be the guy who very visibly has no idea WTF he's doing.

Yes, our next meeting is may 10th. I think Arron Jasper is our speaker.

I'd join you you tonight but I have to work. The water is extremely low right now. In fact I didn't even bother float stocking the TCA this past week because the catch and keep guys will clean them out in no time. Find some moving water near a pool and you'll find fish.
Good luck.

 

[soot]

Yes, our next meeting is may 10th. I think Arron Jasper is our speaker.

I'd join you you tonight but I have to work.

Sounds good. I'm going to do my best to try and be there. Sometimes work likes to intrude on my fun so I can't make any promises.

No problem you not coming out tonight.

I'd just be embarrased and you'd probably be in fear of your life (or at least your eyesight) with wild hooks flying every which way.

The water is extremely low right now. In fact I didn't even bother float stocking the TCA this past week because the catch and keep guys will clean them out in no time.

Hmmm...

You think I'd even need waders?

Or maybe just throw on some Korkers with pants I don't mind getting the cuffs wet?

Or just stand on dry rocks and try to aim (LOL) at the pools?

Find some moving water near a pool and you'll find fish.
Good luck.

Cool.

If I can't catch 'em I'll just stick my hand in and grab one, take a picture, then come back here tomorrow and lie, say I did.

Thanks again.

 

[CTobias]

Yeah, TU isn't like AA.......

Yeah...AA is for quitters.....No one likes a quitter.

 

[GARYB]

Right now you could probably get away doing it w/o waders. Either use dries and look for risers or just throw them against the other bank.

 

[Barleywine]

Welcome aboard soot. Like PRomano said, the Pequannock River Coalition is also a good group to get involved with, as well as TU. I'm with both groups.

Since you're interested in getting involved with conservation work, the PRC is having a short gathering this Sunday from 10:00 AM to noon at the Glenburn House in Riverdale, right across from the Apelt Park parking lot. We'll be working in the willow garden to gather the plants that we use for our stream bank plantings. Unless it gets rained out, then I'll be there (Chuck) and I'll introduce you to other people who fish the PQ and other local streams. Lots of tips. If we get washed out this weekend, then PM me some time and we'll fish the Pequannock.

 

[Pete]

The East Jersey Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at:
The American Legion Hall
33 West Passaic Street
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

http://www.eastjerseytu.org/

If you're going to focus on the Pequannock, you should be aware that EJTU puts most of it's efforts towards the Ramapo, and to a lesser extent the Saddle river. You may be better off starting by taking PRomano's advice.

Also....Not affiliated with TU, but very active on the Pequannock:
The Pequannock River Coalition

 

[soot]

Since you're interested in getting involved with conservation work, the PRC is having a short gathering this Sunday from 10:00 AM to noon at the Glenburn House in Riverdale, right across from the Apelt Park parking lot. We'll be working in the willow garden to gather the plants that we use for our stream bank plantings. Unless it gets rained out, then I'll be there (Chuck) and I'll introduce you to other people who fish the PQ and other local streams. Lots of tips. If we get washed out this weekend, then PM me some time and we'll fish the Pequannock.

Thanks for the multiple invites.

And I'd also like to thank all you other guys for your participation in this thread.

I'm sorry I'm just getting back to you now. I usually don't log onto a computer over the weekend unless I have to (I sit in front of one all week and like to take a break).

Anyhow, it looks like I missed out on a lot of fun opportunities.

I was able to get out last Friday for my first fly fishing trip.

Made it as far as the parking lot.

I'd assembeled my rod at home and threw it in the Jeep in order to save some time once I found a spot to fish. Once I found a spot that I thought looked good I parked and figured I'd walk down to the river to check it out.

Started rolling up the windows and ***CRUNCH***.

Closed the window on the rod about three inches down from the tip. Snapped it clean through.

Well, needless to say I swore, screamed, stomped my feet, punched the dash, and probably would have beaten my dog if she'd been in the car (joking, I don't really beat my dog).

Anyhow, I called Tight Lines and explained the "issue" and Andy(?) told me not to worry. Bring the rod in, he'll send it to Sage, they'll fix it.

I was able to get in with the rod yesterday on my ride home from work.

Tight Lines set me up with a loaner rod (huge plug for this business - I usually use Ramsey Outdoor for my many outdoor gear related purchases and have never been overwelmed with their customer service or attitude. I went to Tight Lines on a whim and have been nothing but impressed with them all the way along. Cool people, super helpful, and clearly stand behind their products and their sales).

So I guess technically I went out for my first real fly fishing trip last night.

What I learned:

• Casting is a lot different when you're in the water and the line is wet than it is when you're in the grass. On grass I can cast about 60 or 70 feet. In the water I was able to manage about 8 feet.

• Wading in a freestone river is a lot different than wading the surf. They're each challenging in their own way.

• The Pequannock is cold.

• Falling over backwards and landing on a big rock hurts the assbone.

That was about the sum total of my experience.

I caught quite a bit though.

By my best count: 3 trees, 2 boulders, and one big rat's nest of submerged branches and other assorted flotsam that put up a pretty good fight.

Lost three flies and two football indicators.

Had a good time though. Not a gret time, but a good time. For a first trip out I'm not going to beat myself up too hard.

 

[lightenup]

Thanks for the multiple invites.

And I'd also like to thank all you other guys for your participation in this thread.

I'm sorry I'm just getting back to you now. I usually don't log onto a computer over the weekend unless I have to (I sit in front of one all week and like to take a break).

Anyhow, it looks like I missed out on a lot of fun opportunities.

I was able to get out last Friday for my first fly fishing trip.

Made it as far as the parking lot.

I'd assembeled my rod at home and threw it in the Jeep in order to save some time once I found a spot to fish. Once I found a spot that I thought looked good I parked and figured I'd walk down to the river to check it out.

Started rolling up the windows and ***CRUNCH***.

Closed the window on the rod about three inches down from the tip. Snapped it clean through.

Well, needless to say I swore, screamed, stomped my feet, punched the dash, and probably would have beaten my dog if she'd been in the car (joking, I don't really beat my dog).

Anyhow, I called Tight Lines and explained the "issue" and Andy(?) told me not to worry. Bring the rod in, he'll send it to Sage, they'll fix it.

I was able to get in with the rod yesterday on my ride home from work.

Tight Lines set me up with a loaner rod (huge plug for this business - I usually use Ramsey Outdoor for my many outdoor gear related purchases and have never been overwelmed with their customer service or attitude. I went to Tight Lines on a whim and have been nothing but impressed with them all the way along. Cool people, super helpful, and clearly stand behind their products and their sales).

So I guess technically I went out for my first real fly fishing trip last night.

What I learned:

• Casting is a lot different when you're in the water and the line is wet than it is when you're in the grass. On grass I can cast about 60 or 70 feet. In the water I was able to manage about 8 feet.

• Wading in a freestone river is a lot different than wading the surf. They're each challenging in their own way.

• The Pequannock is cold.

• Falling over backwards and landing on a big rock hurts the assbone.

That was about the sum total of my experience.

I caught quite a bit though.

By my best count: 3 trees, 2 boulders, and one big rat's nest of submerged branches and other assorted flotsam that put up a pretty good fight.

Lost three flies and two football indicators.

Had a good time though. Not a gret time, but a good time. For a first trip out I'm not going to beat myself up too hard.

Sounds like you had a good time....and TY for a proper fishing report...I broke a Winston about a year and a half ago, slipping and falling on my ass bone..It is custom made by a local guy.....I should have it back soon..I feel your pain.

 

[GARYB]

I fished there around 3 pm Sat, the water was really low. Managed to catch a small 9" brookie that was very colorful
with full fins and jumped 3 times clear of the water. Pete R. have you heard of any wild brookies in the P, maybe
he came out of a trib last fall ??

 

[mbwmn]

You know Tightlines has BEACH FLY RODs too...

 

[Barleywine]

The Pequannock is one of the toughest rivers in NJ to wade, so it's not surprising that you took a spill. There's just something about the size of the rocks and boulders that catch your footing a little off balance, and every now and then, they are randomly slippery as can be. Got to use extra caution in the PQ, and don't even think about casting while you are walking. I don't even chew gum when I fish there.

Glad to hear that you got the loaner rod from Tight Lines. Water levels are good now, and short casts are fine. No need to cast a long line in the tight pocket water that the Pequannock has in abundance. Just keep at it. You'll be telling us about all of the trout you're catching in no time.

 

[Trouser Trout]

Thanks for the multiple invites.

And I'd also like to thank all you other guys for your participation in this thread.

I'm sorry I'm just getting back to you now. I usually don't log onto a computer over the weekend unless I have to (I sit in front of one all week and like to take a break).

Anyhow, it looks like I missed out on a lot of fun opportunities.

I was able to get out last Friday for my first fly fishing trip.

Made it as far as the parking lot.

I'd assembeled my rod at home and threw it in the Jeep in order to save some time once I found a spot to fish. Once I found a spot that I thought looked good I parked and figured I'd walk down to the river to check it out.

Started rolling up the windows and ***CRUNCH***.

Closed the window on the rod about three inches down from the tip. Snapped it clean through.

Well, needless to say I swore, screamed, stomped my feet, punched the dash, and probably would have beaten my dog if she'd been in the car (joking, I don't really beat my dog).

Anyhow, I called Tight Lines and explained the "issue" and Andy(?) told me not to worry. Bring the rod in, he'll send it to Sage, they'll fix it.

I was able to get in with the rod yesterday on my ride home from work.

Tight Lines set me up with a loaner rod (huge plug for this business - I usually use Ramsey Outdoor for my many outdoor gear related purchases and have never been overwelmed with their customer service or attitude. I went to Tight Lines on a whim and have been nothing but impressed with them all the way along. Cool people, super helpful, and clearly stand behind their products and their sales).

So I guess technically I went out for my first real fly fishing trip last night.

What I learned:

• Casting is a lot different when you're in the water and the line is wet than it is when you're in the grass. On grass I can cast about 60 or 70 feet. In the water I was able to manage about 8 feet.

• Wading in a freestone river is a lot different than wading the surf. They're each challenging in their own way.

• The Pequannock is cold.

• Falling over backwards and landing on a big rock hurts the assbone.

That was about the sum total of my experience.

I caught quite a bit though.

By my best count: 3 trees, 2 boulders, and one big rat's nest of submerged branches and other assorted flotsam that put up a pretty good fight.

Lost three flies and two football indicators.

Had a good time though. Not a gret time, but a good time. For a first trip out I'm not going to beat myself up too hard.

Maybe you aren't cut out for this.

 

[soot]

Maybe you aren't cut out for this.

You wanna buy a rod?

Never used and (almost) good as new!

 

[Trouser Trout]

You wanna buy a rod?

Never used and (almost) good as new!

No thanks, I have 5 that I don't have enough time to use already.

 

[tomfly]

The only difficult part about joining TU is the rigorous initiation process. If you can endure the painstaking punishment, the rewards will be well worth it. Here is a smuggled unofficial TU initiation video.

 

[Alan_B]

What?

You bought all that gear and forgot to get ann assbone protector?

Very vital piece of equipment, next time your in Tightlines talk to James he will hook you up

Keep at it! and keep it fun!

 

[PRomano]

I fished there around 3 pm Sat, the water was really low. Managed to catch a small 9" brookie that was very colorful
with full fins and jumped 3 times clear of the water. Pete R. have you heard of any wild brookies in the P, maybe
he came out of a trib last fall ??

I have caught 9-10 inch brook trout that look wild but I never caught or seen any fingerlings. Surely I would have by now.

There are a couple posters from this forum that fish the upper section from Kinnelon to the dam. Its illegal to fish in that section of river even with a reservoir permit. They mentioned catching brook trout but I still have my doubts. The fingerling brown trout have such colorful markings that one who is not an expert on identifying the different species could easily mistake them for a brook trout.

 

[GARYB]

Pete

The sulphurs should be starting soon, PM me and I'll meet you by Blimpies parking lot
some weekday night. Weekends I'm hoping to hit Roscoe a lot.

 

[leaky_waders]

Thanks for the multiple invites.

And I'd also like to thank all you other guys for your participation in this thread.

I'm sorry I'm just getting back to you now. I usually don't log onto a computer over the weekend unless I have to (I sit in front of one all week and like to take a break).

Anyhow, it looks like I missed out on a lot of fun opportunities.

I was able to get out last Friday for my first fly fishing trip.

Made it as far as the parking lot.

I'd assembeled my rod at home and threw it in the Jeep in order to save some time once I found a spot to fish. Once I found a spot that I thought looked good I parked and figured I'd walk down to the river to check it out.

Started rolling up the windows and ***CRUNCH***.

Closed the window on the rod about three inches down from the tip. Snapped it clean through.

Well, needless to say I swore, screamed, stomped my feet, punched the dash, and probably would have beaten my dog if she'd been in the car (joking, I don't really beat my dog).

Anyhow, I called Tight Lines and explained the "issue" and Andy(?) told me not to worry. Bring the rod in, he'll send it to Sage, they'll fix it.

I was able to get in with the rod yesterday on my ride home from work.

Tight Lines set me up with a loaner rod (huge plug for this business - I usually use Ramsey Outdoor for my many outdoor gear related purchases and have never been overwelmed with their customer service or attitude. I went to Tight Lines on a whim and have been nothing but impressed with them all the way along. Cool people, super helpful, and clearly stand behind their products and their sales).

So I guess technically I went out for my first real fly fishing trip last night.

What I learned:

• Casting is a lot different when you're in the water and the line is wet than it is when you're in the grass. On grass I can cast about 60 or 70 feet. In the water I was able to manage about 8 feet.

• Wading in a freestone river is a lot different than wading the surf. They're each challenging in their own way.

• The Pequannock is cold.

• Falling over backwards and landing on a big rock hurts the assbone.

That was about the sum total of my experience.

I caught quite a bit though.

By my best count: 3 trees, 2 boulders, and one big rat's nest of submerged branches and other assorted flotsam that put up a pretty good fight.

Lost three flies and two football indicators.

Had a good time though. Not a gret time, but a good time. For a first trip out I'm not going to beat myself up too hard.

soot, I hope you're not offended that I love this post of yours.

 

[Streamdance]

Hey everyone, just figured that I'd post here instead of starting a new thread, I'm lazy on a computer, so could anyone tell me which TU chapter would be closest to Belvidere? I'm right across the bridge in Mount Bethel, PA and am planning on joining next pay date. Would love to get involved, since I'm soon to be majoring in Environmental Science, at WCCC. This would be a great place to start my involvement in the field. Thanks!

 

[mbwmn]

That would be the famous RIDGE & VALLEY CHAPTER. They meet at the Pequest Hatchery the third thursday of every month. They have an excellent IT guy, who is currently rebuilding their website. It wasn't quite broken, so...
RIDGE & VALLEY CHAPTER

Use Chapter #156 and you can get a special deal (provided you've never been a member before).
https://www.tumembership.org/member/intro

Riparian buffer plantings are a great way to meet the rest of the members, and Ridge & Valley TU just happens to have one coming up on May5th!

 

[Streamdance]

May 5th just happens to be my Dad and Uncles birthday, so if I can attend that, maybe I'd bring them along. Thanks so much for the info! I can't wait until next week. That's fantastic that there is a chapter so close! My friends will be stoked too!