JSTU Master Fly Fishermen Program

Freshwater Master Species List 

  1. Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

    • Size Requirement: At least 10 inches.

    • Reason: Native to New Jersey and a prized catch for fly anglers.

  2. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

    • Size Requirement: At least 12 inches.

    • Reason: Commonly stocked but challenging to catch on certain flies.

  3. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

    • Size Requirement: At least 14 inches.

    • Reason: Known for their wariness and preference for subtle presentations.

  4. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

    • Size Requirement: At least 14 inches.

    • Reason: Strong fighters that test an angler’s skill.

  5. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

    • Size Requirement: At least 15 inches.

    • Reason: A classic warmwater gamefish, common in lakes and ponds.

  6. Panfish (e.g., Bluegill, Pumpkinseed)

    • Size Requirement: At least 8 inches.

    • Reason: Requires precision casting with small flies.

  7. Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

    • Size Requirement: At least 24 inches.

    • Reason: Rare on a fly rod in NJ but a trophy-worthy challenge.

  8. Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

    • Size Requirement: At least 10 pounds.

    • Reason: Often called the "freshwater bonefish," carp are highly wary and strong fighters.

  9. American Shad (Alosa sapidissima)

    • Size Requirement: At least 16 inches

    • Reason: Known as "the founding fish," American Shad are anadromous, challenging to catch during their spring spawning runs.



Saltwater Master Species List 

  1. Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

    • Size Requirement: At least 28 inches.

    • Reason: The iconic saltwater species of the Jersey Shore.

  2. Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)

    • Size Requirement: At least 18 inches.

    • Reason: Known for aggressive strikes and intense fights.

  3. Fluke (Summer Flounder) (Paralichthys dentatus)

    • Size Requirement: At least 18 inches.

    • Reason: A bottom-dweller requiring finesse techniques.

  4. Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis)

    • Size Requirement: At least 16 inches.

    • Reason: Delicate presentations and timing are key.

  5. False Albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus)

    • Size Requirement: Any size (trophy-worthy regardless).

    • Reason: A speed demon, rare and exciting to catch on a fly.

  6. Shad (Hickory) (Alosa spp.)

    • Size Requirement: At least 16 inches.

    • Reason: These migratory fish are often found in estuaries and tidal rivers, offering a fun challenge on a fly rod.

  7. Sea Robin (Prionotus spp.)

    • Size Requirement: At least 12 inches.

    • Reason: Abundant and often considered bycatch, sea robins are aggressive feeders and fun to catch on a fly.


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