I recommend trying the branch of the Millstone River just off the US130 circle near Hightstown. Anoutvhslf mile in from highway. I have always caught nice sized pickeral on floating silver minnows or Mepps spoons. Productive all Winter
On light action rod with 8 pound test, they are great sport and fun to atch. I was most successful pitching a silver minnow floater or using a Mepps spinner bait with plastic worm or grub. Largest ever was a 32", 8 pounder in a small pond off a branch of the Millstone river. Used to be big ones in Peddie Lake in Hightstown.
My best advice is to take a ride there, pay the fee and just explore. Most of the anglers there are very amenable to questions and information.
In Tampa Bay area. the Skyway Bridge to Egmont Island is prime for a large diverse number of species.
In Florida, those retention ponds can hold some large critters. Be especially aware of the alligators and snakes. Keep small pets away from the pond edges.
My daughter in law caught a 30 inch snook a couple of weeks ago near Ozello.
There is a public launch site on west side of Lake Tarpon. Lots of bass in the lake.
Of course, this was in 1980's . Last time there, I caught a 30" pickeral and 2 pound largemouth during a local club March tournament after ice out.
Brings back many memories. Fished the Millstone from the area near the route 130 circle near Hightstown and Peddie Lake. Excellent chain pickeral, carp and bass fishing. My son caught his first big chain pickeral at 7 years (26 inches)`, mine was a lunch hour 7 pounder on Mepps spinner along the bank. Largest one I know of was 9 pounds near the Prddie School bridge. Carp up to 25 pounds were regularly caught.
That's a nice Sheepshead!
Having been brought up on catching and eating flounder, fluke, seabass, blackfish., bluefish I haven't acquired the taste for bass. I found that bamed or broiled bass is rather bland and needs a good batter coating. Breaded or batter coated just not my thing.
Perhaps a small jig head tipped with a worm (real or plastic) would work.
Reminds me of when a McD competitor offered 1/3 pound burgers but had to discontinue because customers thought that McD 1/4 pounders were bigger.
That is a nice Pickeral. My largest was just under 7 pounds. I believe the NJ record is about 11 pounds. Really good fight on light rod and spinning reel. My best was caught using a Mepps spinner with minnow. Jumped out of water right on top of it.
Good advice. Even when I had my 16 foot Starcraft semi vee with 50 HP motor, I sometines had problems with rough water and cross or opposing wind. Many times I would have to cross directly into waves to avoid capsizing withy a high wind blowing directly front to back. That is why I c9onsidered it important enough to have enough motor power to handle the boat safely in such conditions.
If you are going to not use gas power motor, 0please opt for the higher pound thrust troller. Even on a small pond, that wind can make it difficult to maneuver and get back to dock.