Ryan Munn wants to be a herpetologist when he grows up. In the meantime, he’s content living the peaceful life of a fisherman at Laurel Acres Park in Mt. Laurel.
The 9-year-old once caught 42 fish in one hour at the park, as counted by his grandma.
Late in the morning on Tuesday, July 17, Ryan was having plenty of luck at the lake, snatching up sunnies and peering into the waters with enhanced vision through his polarized sunglasses.
“He’s a beast,” he announced after an exceptional catch.
Looking on from a few feet behind her son, Susanne Munn could not believe how much information he was able to spew in a short period about the lives of fish.
Carp. Bass. Rainbow trout. Catfish. Eel. Sunnies.
They all live in the lake, Ryan said.
“Your brain is such a sponge,” Susanne added.
Some of the fish ate the pieces of hot dog bait and swam off without being reeled in.
“They’re like little magicians,” Ryan exclaimed.
In May, he caught a 16-inch bass in the lake, a rare feat.
On average, Ryan can catch between 10 and 13 fish during a day trip.
He practices the catch and release policy.
Ryan gave some words of advice to those looking to fish in the lake.
“You need an extra small hook for it because their mouths are so small,” he recommended.
Laurel Acres Park is located at 1045 South Church St. in Mt. Laurel.
N.J. Fish and Wildlife stock the lake.
