Drop Your Line this Weekend!

Did you know this upcoming weekend, June 16 & 17, is New Jersey's annual free fishing weekend? Any angler will tell you that there's nothing better than feeling the first nibble on your line and then reeling in the big one! Well, this weekend you'll have your chance.

During the annual free fishing weekend, those looking to give freshwater fishing a try get the chance to do so without purchasing a New Jersey fishing license or trout stamp; normally anglers 16 and up must have a license. It's the perfect time to get out on the water and see if this relaxing, and sometimes exciting, sport is for you!

According to the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife, "freshwater fishing in New Jersey has never been better"! There are a multitude of locations throughout the state for anglers to try their luck, and the Monmouth County Park System is home to many of them. Check out these freshwater fishing locations this weekend to drop a line and take advantage of this no-license-required free fishing weekend:

Crosswicks Creek Greenway, Upper Freehold
Cast from the shore for catfish and shad.

Holmdel Park, Holmdel
Cast from the shore for trout, large mouth bass, catfish and panfish.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Cast from the shore for carp, catfish, pickerel, large mouth bass, sunnies, and freshwater eels.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Cast from the shore or boat (electric motor boats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks are permitted) for large and small mouth bass, hybrid striped bass, tiger muskie, bullhead catfish, and panfish. Bait can be purchased from the shop located at the Visitor Center on Windeler Road.

Manasquan River Greenway, Howell
Cast from the shore for trout.

Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone
Cast from the shore or boat (electric motor boats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks are permitted) for bass, catfish, panfish and pickerel.

Shark River Park, Neptune
Cast from the shore of the pond to find bluegills and trout; cast from the shore of the river for trout.

Thompson Park, Lincroft
Cast from the shore or boat (electric motor boats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks are permitted) for bass, bluegills and perch.

Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold
Cast from the shore or boat (electric motor boats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks are permitted) for bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegills. Bait can be purchased at the Campground Office.

Don't have anyone to borrow a pole from? Head to Turkey Swamp Park on Saturday and Sunday from 7am-3pm to rent poles and tackle for $5 for 2 hours. Equipment will be available outside the boat house.

For more information on fishing at the Monmouth County Park System parks, click here. For more information on the NJDEP's Free Fishing Weekend, visit their website.