WAYWAYANDA LAKE IS WAY WAY GOOD
The big sow Bass engulfed the little Norman’s Wake bait steadily retrieved by my partner Hank Solow, as we fished a bass tournament. The 4.2- pound bass was quickly placed into our live well. Working over several weed beds utilizing an array of Texas rigged Slider worms, Culprits and fluke-type lures rewarded us with a hefty winning catch.
Rounding a bend, off to our left, feeding on a blueberry feast, we encountered a beautiful 300- to 350-pound black bear. Shortly thereafter, Hank pointed upwards and we were treated to the majestic sight of a bald eagle being harassed by a smaller red tail hawk. The eagle continued to circle further upwards and flew so high we couldn’t see it any more. Totally awesome…
Now, were we fishing a far away Canadian lake? Uh…Uh… we were enjoying the beauty that is Waywayanda Lake, located in Northern Sussex County, near Vernon NJ. Nestled amongst some of the prettiest forested woods, Way Way, as it’s fondly called is a 225 acre body of shallow to deep water that is home to some truly big large mouths. Nine-pound bass have been documented, and several seven-pound leviathans have been brought to tournament scales-released unharmed for you piscatorial pleasure.
Smallmouth bass are also making their presence known, and more than a few three-pound plus fish are now routinely caught. Small crank baits like Live Targets (LT) Crawfish Classic series, cranked steadily outside deep weed beds are the ticket to punch this tremendous fighter’s ticket. Be sure to have a second rod ready, with mustard colored YUM tube or Gitzit. If you miss the initial strike, pitch this “follow up” bait into the area; as the original fish or one of his competing buddies will likely eat it. Stanley Jigs, as well as the Wedge spinner baits will also put these and, their large mouth cousins in your live well. If fishing for fun, take a photo and release the fish to have ‘em fight another day.
Way Way as it is called has something for everybody. Trout fisherman can troll their Rapalas, or work LT Fry Jerk baits or Yo-Zuri Pins Minnows, while live bait rigs can produce quality fish. Be cognizant of the fact, that the N J Division of Fish and Wildlife has introduced landlocked salmon into the 50-to 80-foor depths of this gem and trolled Tail Dancers pulled at 20 feet could be the right bait for these 18-inch bonuses.
Pan fisherman will find a plethora of yellow perch, sunfish and both black and white crappies in Way Way’s shallow spots. They will all take Micro jigs tipped with a little piece of night crawler (for scent); tiny Rapalas, as well as micro tubes drop-shotted under a light float. Blakemore Road Runners and Beetle spins, slowly retrieved, will load your bucket quickly. Just don’t get caught up in the “numbers game.”
A wad of worms free lined with a sliding sinker will be very enticing for catfish and don’t be too grossed out if you hook into the dreaded bowfin. Yup- they are found here also. Surprisingly, after placing a call to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife I was informed that you can actually keep these prehistoric fish.
Head out before sun up, the gate is open and you can fish with out paying a fee. If you get there after 10 a.m. the fee is $5.00 for N J residents and $10.00 for non residents; these fees are applicable between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Remember, pack out whatever you bring in- no empty worm containers on the shore and leave only your footsteps to ensure an awesome aquatic destination for generations to come.
