Muskie

• Like northern pike, the body of a muskie is elongated and its head is relatively flat. More than pike, however, muskie have sharp vision and they rely heavily on their eyes to find and pursue prey. They are also known to have greater endurance than pike, and this can mean a good workout for anglers. Muskie typically inhabit lakes with weed shoals, saddles and sunken islands, as well as rocky rivers with a lot of current. They prefer clear waters with temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees. The New Jersey state state record for muskie is 42 pounds, 13 ounces; it was caught at Monksville Reservoir in 1997.
  
  

Bait and Tackle

• Muskie are strong and powerful fish and you will require heavy tackle to catch them. A heavy-action rod with 10- to 15-pound-test line is recommended, and be sure to bring plenty of line as muskie can really run. On larger bodies of water, deep trolling from a boat is common, as is casting into the deeper pools and shallow weed beds of lakes. Fishermen should bring a variety of muskie lures and baits with them as the fish will be drawn to different water-borne attractions depending on the weather, season and their environment. Popular muskie lures are similar to pike lures: Daredevils, bucktails, jerkbaits, minnows and worms can all be effective. Remember to mix it up if you're not getting any action.
  
  

Locations

• The Division of Fish and Wildlife has ranked the ponds and reservoirs in the state from one to five as they pertain to their abundance of muskellunge. The top locations to find muskie are said to be the Spruce Run Reservoir in Hunterdon County, and Echo Lake and the Monksville Reservoir in Passaic County; muskie fishing in these waters is said to be "very good." Other "good" locations for muskie fishing in the state include Sunset Lake in Cumberland County, Deal Lake in Monmouth County, Budd Lake and Lake Hopatong in Morris County and Greenwood and Pompton lakes in Passaic County.
  
  

Regulations

• Fish may be taken only with a hand line or rod and reel; it is illegal to take muskie with a bow and arrow. When fishing from a shoreline, no more than three rods, hand lines or combinations of the two may be used. Up to nine hooks may be used per line; three treble hooks may be used. It is unlawful to fish within 100 feet of a fishing ladder, to use set lines and to use casting nets. It is also illegal to sell freshwater fish without a commercial license. Daily bag limits and size restrictions must be followed. For muskie the daily bag limit is one fish and no size restrictions apply unless fishing in the Mountain and Echo Lake reservoirs in which case muskie taken must be at least 40 inches in length. The muskie fishing season is open year-round; however catch and release must be practiced between March 20th and May 20th on Echo, Mercer, Mountain and Monksville lakes.
  
  

License and Fees

• A valid fishing license is required to fish in the freshwaters of New Jersey if you are between the ages of 16 and 69. A fishing license for the 2010 season is $22.50 for residents and $34 for nonresidents. Senior residents between the ages of 65 and 69 may purchase an annual license for $12.50 and residents over 70 fish for free. Nonresidents may also purchase a seven-day license for $19.50 or a two-day license for $9.00. Your license must be visibly displayed on outer clothing while fishing.