CNBNews

By Doug Skinner

This time of year tensions are running high. The shore traffic is clogging the highways, the heat is unbearable, and it seems that there is no end in sight. How do you deal with the friction of summer?

I run away.

The fishing is great in South Jersey, but sometimes you have to spread your wings and cast a little further to find the peace that only a quiet day on the water can provide.

Sit down, poke around on the Internet and plan a camping trip. It doesn't matter whether you head north, south, east, or west, what is important is being able to stretch a line without the sound of a busy highway looming in the distance.

Searching for solitude doesn't have to be difficult. There are a number of places within an hour's drive that can provide great fishing opportunities as well as the peace and quiet that we all deserve once in a while.

If you're camping on a lake, look to the feeder creeks and streams to catch the most fish. The water in the shallow lakes of South Jersey is often extremely warm this time of year, and during the middle of the day fishing can be quite difficult unless you seek cooler water.

Predators like largemouth bass and chain pickerel will hold along the shoreline in these feeder creeks and wait for minnows or other prey to pass. The moving water is oxygen rich and a welcome reprieve from the stagnant main body of the lake.

If you're camping along a river or stream you may be in for a surprise. The cooler water keeps the fish active and aggressive. Largemouth bass and chain pickerel rule the lake, but they can be found in healthy numbers on the river as well.

Many big bass and pickerel live on the river, but along with these popular game fish some others seem to be more prevalent in the river. White perch, calico bass (a.k.a crappie), and a variety of catfish seem to love the cooler moving waters of a river.

Fishing for catfish can provide some of the most productive and exciting fishing on any river. This is a great activity for kids, simply because catfish will eat just about anything that floats by.

Thinking about throwing out an old package of hot dogs? Is chicken liver on sale at the grocery store? (Even if it isn't, it's generally cheaper than buying a dozen night crawlers).

Since catfish are primarily bottom feeders all you will need is a medium-sized bait hook and a sinker. After you cast just be patient and let these wily cats come to you.

Try to keep the line fairly taught. If you do, you will be able to pick up even the lightest nibble. When you set the hook on a large catfish hold on, because they do not like to come off the bottom and they will fight hard to stay there.

Perch and crappie will chase anything resembling a minnow. In the river Rapala's suspending Husky Jerks are indispensable. If you don't have any of those in your box sometimes all you need is a plastic grub and a jig head.

Experiment with different colors to find an effective match. Perch are some of the best eating fish in freshwater, so bring some back to camp and cook them over the fire for a meal to remember.

There are hundreds of places to camp in South Jersey; all you have to do is look. No matter where you go, don't forget your fishing rods. There are fish in just about every pond or puddle in the state and with a little effort you'll have no trouble hooking a few.

Doug Skinner covers freshwater fishing for the Courier-Post. He runs a fishing club at Gateway High School and is a volunteer fishing instructor for the Boy Scouts. He can be reached at [email protected]

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