New Jersey river monster (pic)

I am not sure if there are any norther pike in your area,  but I am lucky enough to live about 1/4 mile from a small river that holds a good amount (not that many people know it).   I landed 6 yesterday morning between 20 and 30 inches before landing this monster.  With close to 70 caught this year, this is my biggest by far.  I would say close to 20 lbs.  and 44 inches,  which is not that far from the state record. 









Danny V

   That's a beauty!!  Man, I miss fishing for those things.  They are the lingcod of fresh water.  Awesome pics!

Looks familiar!    Nice fish!!

That must have been a lot of fun. On that final photo, it looks like you've got the jaws wrapped closed. Is there a story there?

Holy crap, that is a true river monster!!

That must have been a lot of fun. On that final photo, it looks like you've got the jaws wrapped closed. Is there a story there?

I think that's just the lure he caught it on.  You can see it in the first pic also.

That must have been a lot of fun. On that final photo, it looks like you've got the jaws wrapped closed. Is there a story there?

Ha..yes, the story is that not only are they tough to catch,  but getting a good picture is even harder!  They are a slimy fish and getting a good grip is always an issue.  Besides spinning (that is the reason I never use a lip gripper,  it screws up the jaw when they go nuts)  they hardly ever stay still for a picture.    But when I had it on my lap,  the spinner bait and line wrapped around it's mouth,  which was a good thing.  I didn't have to worry about getting bit.

I have had a few bites in the past which resulted in some major infections and swelling, so avoiding the mouth area is always a good thing.

Danny V

Nice pike!

Just one quick question: where is your PFD?! 

Nice pike!

Just one quick question: where is your PFD?! 

Good point,  not that it's a reason not to wear one,  but the river is about 2-4 feet deep and between 30 and 50 feet wide. 

Danny V

That must have been a lot of fun. On that final photo, it looks like you've got the jaws wrapped closed. Is there a story there?

Ha..yes, the story is that not only are they tough to catch,  but getting a good picture is even harder!  They are a slimy fish and getting a good grip is always an issue.  Besides spinning (that is the reason I never use a lip gripper,  it screws up the jaw when they go nuts)  they hardly ever stay still for a picture.    But when I had it on my lap,  the spinner bait and line wrapped around it's mouth,  which was a good thing.  I didn't have to worry about getting bit.

I have had a few bites in the past which resulted in some major infections and swelling, so avoiding the mouth area is always a good thing.

Danny V

Slimy is right..when I had the tiger musky in my lap,I didnt think there was any way to pick him up...so slippery!After release, amazing amounts of slime left coating net,boat and clothing.Felt kinda bad that it had lost so much slime...didnt know if it was harmed or not.
Congrats on your handling of the monster and great pics!