Nets & Tools
Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A floating trout net with tangle-free micromesh rubberized netting and a flat bottom that supports the fish's weight evenly.
Check Price Maker's PageBass
Smallmouth Bass Fishing in New Jersey
A hard-fighting bass of clear rivers and rocky natural lakes, from the Great Lakes to Tennessee. Smallmouth love crayfish and gobies.
- Waters
- 1
- State
- New Jersey
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Fly, Spin & Bait
Prime Months in New Jersey: No Agency Season Found
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Spawning in New Jersey: Apr to Jun, per NJ Fish and Wildlife (when the fish spawn, not a fishing season)
What to Use for Smallmouth Bass
Fishing In
Smallmouth Bass
No agency season found
Fly
9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodOrvis Clearwater 9 ft 6 wt Fly RodCheck Price
- ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 6 or 7 weightCheck Price
- LineScientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line · 6 or 7 wt.Check Price
Tie On in November
Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.
- Fly for October · #2/0-6Clouser MinnowSee Options
- Fly for October · #6-10Crayfish FlySee Options
Spin / Cast
7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodSt. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod · 7 ft 0 in, medium, fast, 6 to 12 lb line, 1 pieceCheck Price
- ReelShimano Sedona Spinning Reel · 2500Check Price
- LinePowerPro Spectra Braided Line · 8 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Lure for November · 2.5 to 3 inNed Rig · Z-Man Ned Rig KitCheck Price
- Lure for November · 1.5 to 4.75 inJerkbait · Rapala X-Rap JerkbaitCheck Price
- Lure for November · 2.75 to 3.5 inTube Jig · Strike King Tube JigsCheck Price
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a New Jersey fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Where to Catch Smallmouth Bass
1 of 1 waters
Shops to Stock Up
Smallmouth Bass Fishing by State
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