Dino Cerdeira Guide and Owner
I picked up my first fishing rod at the age of 10 and have been “hooked” ever since. After spending my earlier years mostly saltwater fishing in New Jersey, I was introduced to freshwater fishing. It totally fascinated me and I was quickly addicted. In 1990, I joined a local bass club and the New Jersey Bass Federation and fished tournaments almost every weekend from April through September on Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood and Cranbury Lakes. I also fished up north on Lake Oneida in New York, Lake Winnipesauke in New Hampshire and some great lakes in Connecticut. The more that I traveled the tournament trial the more I found I enjoyed the quiet and peaceful fishing on those distant waters. I decided to slow down, to enjoy the scenery more while fishing. And that’s when it hit me. Why not find those quiet lakes, closer to home? I began to search out electric-only lakes like, Oxford Furnace Lake, Twin Lakes, Aeroflex and Shepard’s lakes, Splitrock Reservoir and many more. To my amazement many New Jersey residents are unaware of the numerous fishing opportunities that these tiny gems offer. During my many fishing trips to these areas, Round Valley Reservoir in particular, I became aware of how effective kayak fishing was. To my surprise very few people fished from them. I began kayak fishing and found instant success. It is fun, easy, inexpensive and is, in my opinion, the best way to fish. Now I want to use my unique background and knowledge to introduce others to the sport of freshwater kayak fishing. So we invested in a ‘fleet’ of Native Watercraft kayaks and canoes and the Pond Hopper Guide Service was born. Pond Hopper is a full service guiding outfit, fully insured that can introduce man, women and child to the wonders just a few minutes down the road here in New Jersey. While I don’t guarantee customers a boat-load of fish; I do promise you instruction on the correct technique, safety and rigging advice. And of course we arm you with today’s top fishing catching techniques from soft plastics to boat placement. Pond Hopper is and advocate of catch and release fishing Our experience ensures that not only will you learn enough to come back and fish another day: so will the rest of your friends and family.