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2012 Skillful Angler Awards Winners

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's Skillful Angler Awards Program. The program honors the many anglers who catch both freshwater and marine fish which aren't of record size but are impressive and worthy of recognition. Special recognition is given to the anglers who caught the largest fish in each of the freshwater and marine species categories.

In 2012, 163 applications representing 24 different species were officially processed. Since the program's modest beginning (31 applicants in 1983), the Division has granted Skillful Angler status to 3,419 anglers.

INTERESTING FACTS:

The most frequently entered species by skillful anglers in 2012 (adult, junior, and catch and release categories combined) were sunfish and rainbow trout with 18 applications each, followed by walleye and largemouth bass with 17 applications each.

The following is a breakdown of applications received per species (all categories combined): rainbow trout (18), sunfish (18), largemouth bass (17), walleye (17), crappie (13), striped bass caught in saltwater (11), chain pickerel (10), bullhead (7), channel catfish (7), yellow perch (5), smallmouth bass (5), striped bass hybrid (5), muskellunge (4), black sea bass (4), northern pike (4), bluefish (4), brown trout (3), fluke (2), kingfish (2), tautog (2), carp (2), black drum (1), lake trout (1), and weakfish (1).

In 2012, no entries were received for the striped bass freshwater, American shad, brook trout, Atlantic landlocked salmon, cod, dolphin, winter flounder, blue marlin, white marlin, pollock, mako shark, albacore tuna, big eye tuna, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and tuna (other) categories.

The catch and release category had the most number of entries with 95 applications, followed by the adult category with 50 applications and the juniors with 18 applications.

11-year-old Justin Dornblasser won two Junior Skillful Angler Categories (Channel Catfish and Chain Pickerel), and Bill Vivona won two Catch and Release categories (Striped Bass and Bluefish).

The 2012 Skillful Angler Winners are as follows:

ADULT CATEGORY FRESHWATER SPECIES:

Largemouth Bass - 7 lbs, 1 oz. caught by Chris Delia, Jr. of Mullica Hill on July 29. Chris was fishing from a boat on Cedar Lake in Newfield when he landed the fish at 4:30 pm. Forty pound test was used with a Skeet Reese rod and an Okuma reel. A KVD Sexy Frog served as the lure. The fish measured 24.5 inches in length and had a 20.5-inch girth.

Striped Bass Hybrid - 10 lbs, 15 oz. caught by Bob Smith of Ogdensburg on May 13. Bob was fishing from the shore on Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish in the morning. Eight pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A herring served for bait. The fish measured 26.5 inches in length and had a 10.25-inch girth.

Bullhead - 3 lbs, 10.4 oz. caught by Kenneth Parkinson of Hainesport on April 28. Kenneth was fishing from the shore of the South Branch of Rancocas Creek when he landed the fish at 9:45 pm. Twenty pound test was used. Chicken liver served for bait. The fish measured 19 inches in length and had an 11-inch girth.

Channel Catfish - 20 lbs, 1 oz. caught by Jeremy Bryant of Mine Hill on August 11. Jeremy was fishing from the shore of Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish at 11:00 pm. Ten pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. Chicken served as bait. The fish measured 33 inches in length and had a 21-inch girth.

Crappie - 2 lbs, 11 oz. caught by Arthur Huttemeyer, Sr. of Budd Lake on April 12. Arthur was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish. Six pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A Cubby mini mite and fathead minnow combo served for a lure. The fish measured 15 inches in length and had a 14-inch girth.

Muskellunge - 24 lbs, 7 oz. caught by Joe Forlenza of Lake Hopatcong on May 25. Joe was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish at midnight. Fifteen pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A herring served as bait. The fish measured 47.25 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Chain Pickerel - 4 lbs, 8 oz. caught by Shawn Dornblasser of Phillipsburg on February 4. Shawn was fishing from a boat on Merrill Creek Reservoir when he landed the fish at 1:30 pm. Six pound test was used with a Diawa rod and reel. A worm served as bait. The fish measured 24 inches in length and had a 13-inch girth.

Brown Trout - 8 lbs, 3.68 oz. caught by Tim Soja of Newton on April 26. Tim was fishing from the shore on Swartswood Lake when he landed the fish at 10:30 am. Eight pound test was used with a Abu Garcia rod and a Shimano reel. A Phoebe served as the lure. The fish measured 23.75 inches in length with a 16-inch girth.

Rainbow Trout - 9 lbs, 8 oz. caught by Keith Gardinor of Catasauqua, PA on May 5. Keith was wading in the Pohatcong Creek when he landed the fish at 11:00 am. 6X 3.5 lb fly line was used with fly rod and a Lamson Goro 2.0 fly reel. A prince nymph was the fly of choice. The fish measured 25.5 inches in length and had a 16-inch girth.

Walleye - 9 lbs, 11 oz. caught by Paul Grel of Clifton on May 29. Paul was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish. Fifteen pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A bomber served as the lure. The fish measured 28 inches in length and had a 17-inch girth.

ADULT CATEGORY SALTWATER SPECIES:

Black Sea Bass - 5 lbs, 3 oz. caught by Paul Haertel of Clifton on October 5. Paul was fishing off a boat off Axel Carlson Reef when he landed the fish at 3:30 pm. Forty pound test was used with a rod and reel. A green crab served as bait. The fish measured 21 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Striped Bass - 55 lbs, 0 oz. caught by Brian Lipski of Philadelphia, PA on May 31. Brian was fishing from the shore when he hooked the fish at 7:50 pm. Fifty pound Power Pro line was used with St. Croix Mojo 11 ft surf rod and a Shimano Baitrunner 8000 reel. A surf clam served for bait. The fish measured 50 inches in length and had a 31.5-inch girth.

Black Drum - 76 lbs, 5 oz. caught by Paul Krupa of Kenilworth on September 13. Paul was fishing from in the surf at Laurence Harbor when he hooked the fish at 4:00 pm. Seventeen pound test was used with a surf rod and a spinning reel. A spot served for bait. The fish measured 53 inches in length and had a 36.5-inch girth.

Bluefish - 20 lbs, 2 oz. caught by Phillip LaGrossa of Toms River on June 3. Phillip was fishing from a boat out of Long Branch when he reeled the fish in at 9:00 am. Fifty pound test was used with a custom Kevin Bogan 7" rod and a Quantum CAB060 reel. Fish on popper was used to attract the fish. The fish measured 40.5 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Fluke - 11 lbs, 8 oz. caught by Matthew Ruding of Neptune City on August 12. Matthew was fishing from a boat at the Sea Girt Reef Area when he landed the fish at 10:15 am. Forty pound braided line was used with a Bogan custom rod and a Penn reel. A Gulp served as the bait. The fish measured 30.5 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Tautog - 16 lbs, 10 oz. caught by Gary M. Read of South Amboy on January 28. Gary was fishing from a boat by the Sea Girt Reef when he landed the fish at 2:30 pm. Sixty-five pound test was used with a Seeker Inshore Light rod and a conventional reel. A white leg crab served as bait. The fish measured 28 inches in length with a 22 7/8-inch girth.

Weakfish - 11 lbs, 10 oz. caught by Phil LaGrossa of Toms River on April 25. Phil was fishing from the shore of Barnegat Bay when he landed the fish at 12:30 am. Fifty pound Power Pro was used with a Lamiglas rod and a 200 Van Staal reel. A plug served as the lure. The fish measured 32 inches in length with a 17.5-inch girth.

JUNIOR CATEGORY FRESHWATER SPECIES:

Striped Bass Hybrid - 8 lbs, 5 oz. caught by 10-year-old Hunter Good of Lake Hopatcong on May 6. Hunter was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he caught the fish. Six pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A herring was used as bait. The fish measured 26 inches in length and had a 17.5-inch girth.

Carp - 23 lbs, 0 oz. caught by 10-year-old Derek Henches of Ledgewood on October 21. Derek was fishing along the shores of Andover Lake when he landed the fish at 9:30 am. Six pound test was used with an Ugly Stik rod. Corn served for bait. The fish measured 36 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Channel Catfish - 9 lbs, 12 oz. caught by 11-year-old Justin Dornblasser of Phillipsburg on May 26. Justin was fishing from a boat on Spruce Run Reservoir when he landed the fish at 3:00 am. Ten pound test was used with an Daiwa rod and reel. A herring served for bait. The fish measured 37 inches in length and had a 17-inch girth.

Crappie - 2 lbs, 0 oz caught by 8-year-old Gavin Wolf of Florence on April 10. Gavin was fishing from the shore of Lake of the Wood when he hooked the fish at 11:30 am. Six pound test was used with a fiberglass Ugly Stik rod and Shimano spinning reel. A shiner served as bait. The fish measured 15.75 inches in length and had a 12-inch girth.

Yellow Perch - 1 lbs, 1 oz. caught by 10-year-old Matt Campagna of Lake Hoptacong on April 21. Matt was fishing from the shore of Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish at 7:30 pm. Six pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A shiner served for bait. The fish measured 12.75 inches in length and had an 8-inch girth.

Chain Pickerel - 5 lbs, 8 oz. caught by 11-year-old Justin Dornblasser of Phillipsburg on February 4. Justin was fishing from a boat on Merrill Creek Reservoir when he landed the fish at 1:00 pm. Six pound test was used with a Daiwa rod and reel. A worm served for bait. The fish measured 25 inches in length and had a 14.5-inch girth.

Rainbow Trout - 6 lbs, 8 oz. caught by Thomas Dormida of Phillipsburg on May 11. Thomas was fishing in the Musconetcong River when he landed the fish at 5:30 pm. Eight pound test was used with a rod and a Shakespeare open face reel. A Panther Martin 4 served as the lure. The fish measured 24.75 inches in length and had a 14-inch girth.

Walleye - 5 lbs, 8 oz. caught by 15-year-old Joe Lawson of Lake Hopatcong on May 4. Joe was fishing from the shore of Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish. Fifteen pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A bomber served as the lure. The fish measured 24.75 inches in length and had a 13-inch girth.

JUNIOR CATEGORY SALTWATER SPECIES:

Black Sea Bass - 3 lbs, 6 oz. caught by 10-year-old Dylan Livich of Keyport on August 22. Dylan was fishing from a boat in the Sandy Hook Channel when he landed the fish at 4:00 pm. Ten pound test was used with light tackle and a conventional reel. A killie served as bait. The fish measured 16 inches in length and had a 12-inch girth.

Striped Bass - 57 lbs, 0 oz. caught by 14-year-old William Triplett of Dingmans Ferry, PA on May 12. William was fishing the surf when he landed the fish at 1:30 pm. The fish measured 53 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Kingfish - 1 lbs, 0 oz. caught by 13-year-old Daniel Madden of Middletown on August 23. Daniel was fishing from a the shore of the Shrewsbury River at Popamora Point when he landed the fish at 2:10 pm. Eight pound test was used with 6' light rod and an Eagle Claw open face spinning reel. A mackerel served as bait. The fish measured 13.5 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY FRESHWATER SPECIES:

Largemouth Bass - 24 inches caught by Anthony Tye of Succasunna on September 1. Anthony was fishing from the shore Ghost Lake when he reeled the fish in at 7:00 pm. Four pound test was used with an Ugly Stik rod. The worm served as the bait. The girth was unknown.

Smallmouth Bass - 21 inches caught by Greg Liston of Phillipsburg on May 23. Greg was fishing from the shore of Merrill Creek Reservoir when he reeled the fish in at 2:30 pm. A spinning rod and reel were used. A spinner was the lure. Girth was unknown.

Striped Bass Hybrid - 24 inches caught by Rob Jasonek of Nutley on October 5. Rob was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he reeled in the fish at 1:30 am. Thirty-pound braided line was used with a medium action rod and an Okuma spinning reel. A live-lined large herring served for bait. Girth was unknown.

Bullhead - 16.5 inches caught by Ryan Lopardo of Monroe on October 13. Ryan was fishing from the shore of a drainage ditch in Monroe when he reeled in the fish at 12:00 pm. Eight pound test was used with a Zebco rod and reel. A worm served as the bait. Girth was unavailable.

Carp - 35.5 inches caught by George Horvath of Trenton on May 15. George was fishing from the shores of Carnegie Lake in Princeton when he reeled in the fish at 4:30 pm. Twelve pound test line was used with a 7' Ugly Stik spinning rod and a Mitchell 300 spinning reel. Cornmeal served as the bait. The girth was 23.25-inches.

Channel Catfish - 35 inches caught by Jack Pitko of Burlington on September 4. Jack was fishing from the shore of Sylvan Lake in Burlington when he reeled in the fish at 10:00 am. Ten pound test line was used with an Ugly Stik rod and a Penn reel. Live sunfish was used to attract the fish. The fish had a 13-inch girth.

Crappie - 19 inches caught by John Raffaghello II of Mullica Hill on April 11. John was fishing from a kayak on Swedesboro Lake when he reeled in the fish. Twelve pound test was used with a St. Croix rod and Penn reel. Berkeley Powerbait was used to attract the fish. Girth was unknown.

Muskellunge - 48 inches caught by Marcin Puzio of Elmwood Park on March 4. Marcin was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he reeled in the fish at 4:00 pm. Twenty pound braided Florocarbon was used with a St. Croix rod and a Shimano reel. A Rapala served as the lure. Girth was unknown.

Yellow Perch - 17 inches caught by Jake Ruczynski of Monroeville on February 1. Jake was fishing from the shores of Burnt Mill Pond when he reeled in the fish at 3:30 pm. Six pound test line was used with a G. Loomis rod and a Shimano reel. A minnow served as the bait. The girth was unknown.

Chain Pickerel - 31 inches caught by Frank Ruczynski of Monroeville on December 16. Frank was fishing from the shores of Alcyon Lake when he reeled in the fish at 1:00 pm. Six pound test was used with a G. Loomis rod and a Shimano reel. A minnow served as bait. Girth was unknown.
and
Chain Pickerel - 31 inches caught by Arthur Huttemeyer, Sr. of Budd Lake on October 11. Arthur was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he reeled in the fish at 12:00 pm. Twenty pound test was used with a 7' rod and a spinning reel. A 6" Gulp Saltwater Grub served as the lure. Girth was unknown.

Northern Pike - 45 inches caught by Dominic Leone of Rockaway on July 2. Dominic was fishing from the shoreline of the Passaic River when he reeled in the fish at 11:00 am. Six pound test was used with a Shimano rod and a Quantum reel. Girth was 20.5 inches.

Brown Trout - 28 inches caught by Charlie Fischer of Flemington on April 7. Charlie was fishing from at Ken Lockwood Gorge when he landed the fish at 8:30 am. Ten pound test line was used with a 8 weight fly rod and reel. A nymph fly served as the lure. Girth was unavailable.

Lake Trout - 36 inches caught by Joe Satkowski of Hampton on April 15. Joe was fishing from a boat on Round Valley Reservoir when he landed the fish at 11:00 am. 20/12 test line was used with a Cabela's rod and reel. A herring served as the bait. Girth was unavailable.

Rainbow Trout - 24 inches caught by Robert Phalon of Hamburg on October 12. Robert was fishing in the Flatbrook River at Sandyston when he landed the fish at 11:00 am. 3.4 pound line was used with a 4 weight fly rod and reel. A black beadhead wooly bugger served as the lure. Girth was unknown.

Sunfish - 13 inches caught by Jennifer Ruczynzki of Monroeville on September 3. Jennifer was fishing from a boat on Lake Garrison when she reeled in the fish at 2:30 pm. Six pound test was used with a G. Loomis rod and Shimano reel. A minnow served as bait. Girth was unknown.

Walleye - 30 inches caught by Mary Lou Fleishaker of Ramsey on April 12. Mary Lou was fishing from a boat on Monksville Reservoir when she reeled in the fish at 10:30 am. Six pound test was used with a Shakespeare spinning rod and reel. A fathead minnow served as bait. Girth was unknown.

CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY SALTWATER SPECIES:

Black Sea Bass - 20.1 inches caught by Kyle Dreibelbies of Easton, PA on June 18. Kyle was fishing from a boat outside of the Manasquan Inlet on a boat from Fish Monger Charters when he landed the fish at 12:30 pm. Thirty pound test was used with a Bogan rod and a conventional reel. A clam served as the bait. Girth was unavailable.

Striped Bass - 42 inches caught by Bill Vivona of Bound Brook on April 15. Bill was fishing from a boat off of Long Branch when he landed the fish at 11:00 am. Forty pound test was used with a custom built rod that he made and a Penn Jigmaster reel. A AVA 67 Jig with a feather served as the lure. Girth was unavailable.

Bluefish - 35 inches caught by Bill Vivona of Bound Brook on September 30. Bill was fishing from a boat near the Shark River Reef (13.5 miles off shore) when he landed the fish at 1:00 pm. Thirty-five pound test was used with a custom rod and a Penn Jigmaster reel. A sardine served as the bait. The girth was unavailable.

Kingfish - 13.5 inches caught by Patricia Lagay of Metuchen on August 27. Patricia was fishing from the shore of the Shrewsbury River at Popamora Point when she landed the fish at 2:30 pm. Eight pound test was used with an 7' Shakespeare spinning rod and a Shakespeare Tiger spinning reel. A fresh mackerel strip served as the bait. The girth was unavailable.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

Skillful Angler Program
Record Fish Program

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Last Updated: February 21, 2013