After opening day, the Pequest Trout Hatchery will stock nearly a half million more trout during the 7-week stocking season, which extends to May 25. The in-season stocking schedule, covering the seven weeks following opening day, is available online at www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtstk12.htm and through the Trout Stocking Hotline at 609-633-6765.

The “production trout” average 10.5 inches but more than 5,000 three-pound to eight-pound breeder trout are mixed in with the production fish during the spring stocking runs. Big trout hunters will also be pleased to hear that every year an increasing number of anglers discover that plenty of the 26,000 fall-stocked 17″ to 24″ bruisers don’t get landed until the spring.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012
Trout fishing in New Jersey continues to be some of the best available on the East Coast. Feedback from nonresident anglers suggests that the average size of the trout stocked in New Jersey is larger than trout stocked in neighboring states, and the Bonus Broodstock Lakes and the breeder stocking programs provide plenty of trophy size fish within a short drive from anywhere in the state. The 2012 season is expected to provide the normally superb trout fishing opportunities New Jersey anglers have grown to expect and appreciate.

On Opening Day and the days that follow, there are a few regulations to keep in mind. On most waters anglers may keep 6 trout per day, and the trout must be at least 9 inches long. Since the trout reared at the Pequest Trout Hatchery average 10½ inches when stocked, most of the stocked trout you catch can be harvested if you chose to. June 1 is an important date, as the daily creel limit for trout on most trout waters drops from 6 to 4 per day.

The state’s sixteen major trout streams are stocked every week after Opening Day for the next seven weeks and they are closed to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of stocking. This allows the trout a chance to disperse following stocking and gives anglers an equal opportunity to fish for freshly stocked trout. All other waters may be fished at any time following Opening Day, including the day they are stocked. Many are stocked at least three times after Opening Day so be sure to check the trout stocking schedule to determine the stocking dates for the waters you plan to fish. Since every county has waters that are stocked with trout, spring trout fishing opportunities are never too far away.

FOR FURTHER INFO PLEASE CHECK OUT:

New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife – NJ Home

Smith & Wesson Issues Recall Notice
for Thompson Center Venture Rifle

This recall applies only to Venture rifles manufactured from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011. (GunReports.com) — During an internal technical review, Smith & Wesson determined that some of the sears used on Venture rifles produced from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011, may not have been manufactured to specification. Because the sear is an important part of the firing mechanism, the company is asking that all of the rifles produced during this time period be returned to Smith & Wesson so that the firearm can be inspected by our technicians to ensure that the rifle operates in a safe and appropriate manner.

This recall applies only to Venture rifles manufactured from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011. To determine if your rifle is affected, please reference the serial number list located at www.Smith-Wesson.com/VentureRecall or by calling Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-713-0356. If your serial number does not fall within the list of affected serial numbers, your rifle is not part of this recall.

Smith & Wesson requests ask that owners of these products stop using the rifles until the company has an opportunity to inspect the sear. Please contact Smith & Wesson’s customer service department to receive instructions and a prepaid return label for the return of your rifle to Smith & Wesson.

When you return your rifle to Smith & Wesson, be sure to attach the completed information card received from Smith & Wesson, so that your sear can be inspected and repaired, and returned to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.

When your rifle sear is returned, you should note a punch dot on the trigger assembly. This punch dot is confirmation that your sear has been inspected and the hazard has not been found or has been corrected.

The shipping/receiving FFL’s full address, fax number and phone number must be provided. Transfer fees must be collected before outgoing shipments.

Note before any firearm can be picked up, all necessary ID including a firearms ID card, driver’s license and permits must be current and matching.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife uses a computerized Integrated Electronic Licensing System (IELS). Meltzer’s Sporting Goods is a state agent using this IELS to sell hunting and fishing licenses; at this time we do not sell Shellfish Licenses.

You may purchase your hunting and fishing license at Meltzer’s Sporting Goods with cash only. No credit card, gift certificates or personal checks accepted.
When purchasing your first hunting license at Meltzer’s Sporting Goods you must prove successful completion of a hunter education course by showing a previous year’s license or Hunter Education card.

Bring in your CID# and/or current New Jersey Hunting License!