<![CDATA[fishingwithdon]]> en-us Sun, 20 May 2012 08:32:33 -0400 Sun, 20 May 2012 08:32:33 -0400 <![CDATA[fishingwithdon]]> <![CDATA[How to catch big largemouth bass?]]>

Well, don't expect any secret to be revealed here, nope, cannot do it, cause there is none to share! Luck is my secret, and sometimes it does things pretty well for you.

We went at Gate 31 last Saturday and Don suggested we fish our spots in reverse order from what we usually do. So we started from the channel that goes off on the left of the launching area where I caught a nice amount of largemouth last year around the same time. And the funny thing is, if you look at the pictures, you will see the same type of weather, cool and overcast.

I switched quickly from the usual plastic worm to my early-season best catching lure: the lizard! That river has a lot of grass at its bottom, so I thought that would work probably better. We fished down the river, the wind blowing down the boat at a pretty nice pace. It did not take long to catch the first largemouth, letting the lizard come down from the edge into the river. And voila:

This one was 3.8lb:

Then another one, 3.2lb:

and Then Don came back strong with first, a smallmouth of 1.8lb:

and he added another 3 pounder largemouth to our catch list for the day:

I have to say, i was super happy, we had a really good day, it feels good catching nice fish, and after the end of the Summer I had when we did not catch a single decent fish for weeks, this feels more like the normal routine :-)

We have (well I do) only have 2 more week ends of fishing, I hope we can catch as many nice fish as we did last week, that'd be a great ending for this 2007 fishing season!


]]>

Well, don't expect any secret to be revealed here, nope, cannot do it, cause there is none to share! Luck is my secret, and sometimes it does things pretty well for you.

We went at Gate 31 last Saturday and Don suggested we fish our spots in reverse order from what we usually do. So we started from the channel that goes off on the left of the launching area where I caught a nice amount of largemouth last year around the same time. And the funny thing is, if you look at the pictures, you will see the same type of weather, cool and overcast.

I switched quickly from the usual plastic worm to my early-season best catching lure: the lizard! That river has a lot of grass at its bottom, so I thought that would work probably better. We fished down the river, the wind blowing down the boat at a pretty nice pace. It did not take long to catch the first largemouth, letting the lizard come down from the edge into the river. And voila:

This one was 3.8lb:

Then another one, 3.2lb:

and Then Don came back strong with first, a smallmouth of 1.8lb:

and he added another 3 pounder largemouth to our catch list for the day:

I have to say, i was super happy, we had a really good day, it feels good catching nice fish, and after the end of the Summer I had when we did not catch a single decent fish for weeks, this feels more like the normal routine :-)

We have (well I do) only have 2 more week ends of fishing, I hope we can catch as many nice fish as we did last week, that'd be a great ending for this 2007 fishing season!


]]> <![CDATA[Want to know how to catch keepers....]]>

Go fishing with Don!

Oh boy, what the Hell is up with me lately. Not able to land one simple decent fish in weeks, it hurts I tell you.

Last week end, we made it back to gate 43 at Quabbin. There is only a few weeks left at Quabbin since it closes late October, and on top of it, I won't be able to be in the middle of Quabbin without any signal on my cell phone starting the next 2-3 weeks as the baby birth is getting real close now. We'll probably go to Quaboag this week end and then Gate 31 next week end, then I need to stay close from home or I am a dead man :-)

Saturday was not such of a good day. Cold and rain in the morning for like 3-4 hours...oh yeah, you gotta love fishing to be out there in this type of weather, no kidding.

But as always, Don pulled it off. Don't expect any picture of me, I caught 2 fish I think, and really it would have been a waste taking pictures of it. I missed quite a few, but until it's in the boat, it does not count right?

So here it is:

This one is a 1.9lb smallmouth:

Then a smaller largemouth:

Then he caught this 2.2lb largemouth:

and finally this beautiful 3.1lb largemouth near "The Spot":

I previously said, Don took his long time friend Dennis fishing a few weeks this Summer and in September when I could not make it. Dennis caught quite a few nice fish, from what I heard, because if I am solely relying on the picture Don took, I am not really sure how big Dennis's fish were!!! :-)

This one was a over 3lb largemouth bass - Dennis' largest catch ever (right?):

To me, that counts as half the size since that's all we can see! hehe.

Dennis, I feel your disappointment, i've been there, Don's got big fingers and can't see well, so he's got a tough time to take the shot....HAHAHAHAAH, JUST KIDDING DON!!!

Dennis, if you have pictures, feel free to get me some of the pictures you took so I can post it on the blog...as long as they are not pictures Don took cause we need to see the fish :-) WOW, shot #2 Don!

Alright guys, off to get some work done, thanks for reading!


]]>

Go fishing with Don!

Oh boy, what the Hell is up with me lately. Not able to land one simple decent fish in weeks, it hurts I tell you.

Last week end, we made it back to gate 43 at Quabbin. There is only a few weeks left at Quabbin since it closes late October, and on top of it, I won't be able to be in the middle of Quabbin without any signal on my cell phone starting the next 2-3 weeks as the baby birth is getting real close now. We'll probably go to Quaboag this week end and then Gate 31 next week end, then I need to stay close from home or I am a dead man :-)

Saturday was not such of a good day. Cold and rain in the morning for like 3-4 hours...oh yeah, you gotta love fishing to be out there in this type of weather, no kidding.

But as always, Don pulled it off. Don't expect any picture of me, I caught 2 fish I think, and really it would have been a waste taking pictures of it. I missed quite a few, but until it's in the boat, it does not count right?

So here it is:

This one is a 1.9lb smallmouth:

Then a smaller largemouth:

Then he caught this 2.2lb largemouth:

and finally this beautiful 3.1lb largemouth near "The Spot":

I previously said, Don took his long time friend Dennis fishing a few weeks this Summer and in September when I could not make it. Dennis caught quite a few nice fish, from what I heard, because if I am solely relying on the picture Don took, I am not really sure how big Dennis's fish were!!! :-)

This one was a over 3lb largemouth bass - Dennis' largest catch ever (right?):

To me, that counts as half the size since that's all we can see! hehe.

Dennis, I feel your disappointment, i've been there, Don's got big fingers and can't see well, so he's got a tough time to take the shot....HAHAHAHAAH, JUST KIDDING DON!!!

Dennis, if you have pictures, feel free to get me some of the pictures you took so I can post it on the blog...as long as they are not pictures Don took cause we need to see the fish :-) WOW, shot #2 Don!

Alright guys, off to get some work done, thanks for reading!


]]> <![CDATA[Catching up on stories]]>

I know, i have not posted for quite some time now. It has been a crazy Summer in so many different ways. Work has picked up big time, people have been starting to look for Halloween costumes since early August and we needed to get our website up and running, as well as adding new features, blah blah blah...

Also, we had a crazy Summer at home getting home improvements done and getting ready for the arrival of our baby girl in 6 weeks... I went fishing, yes, but I just did not take the time to write about it. Actually, I did not go for a few week ends in July as we took a vacation break, and other events have prevented me to go fishing a few week end in August and in early September as well.

Ok, now for the recap. Here are some pictures from the Summer, I lost track of the size of the fish, but as you can see on the photo video, they are pretty nice:

This largemouth was caught on July 14th, at Quabbin, Gate 31:

This smallmouth was caught by Don the same day:

Don and I went to our first competition in AUgust, which ended up being a real nightmare as we did not catch one single fish. Just writing about it hurts my feelings again :-( the first team ended up with 15lbs+ of fish with a 6.5lb largemouth cath...Impressive. Of 20 or so boats, only 9 (I believe, Don correct me if I am wrong) had some fish to weight, so it wasn't just us being really bad at it that day!

I have one more recent story I am going to add right now. Something you should know is that even though I did not go fishing several week ends in a row, Don has invited his ling time friend Dennis to go fishing with him, and Dennis has proved to be quite successful at catching fish!! More to follow.


]]>

I know, i have not posted for quite some time now. It has been a crazy Summer in so many different ways. Work has picked up big time, people have been starting to look for Halloween costumes since early August and we needed to get our website up and running, as well as adding new features, blah blah blah...

Also, we had a crazy Summer at home getting home improvements done and getting ready for the arrival of our baby girl in 6 weeks... I went fishing, yes, but I just did not take the time to write about it. Actually, I did not go for a few week ends in July as we took a vacation break, and other events have prevented me to go fishing a few week end in August and in early September as well.

Ok, now for the recap. Here are some pictures from the Summer, I lost track of the size of the fish, but as you can see on the photo video, they are pretty nice:

This largemouth was caught on July 14th, at Quabbin, Gate 31:

This smallmouth was caught by Don the same day:

Don and I went to our first competition in AUgust, which ended up being a real nightmare as we did not catch one single fish. Just writing about it hurts my feelings again :-( the first team ended up with 15lbs+ of fish with a 6.5lb largemouth cath...Impressive. Of 20 or so boats, only 9 (I believe, Don correct me if I am wrong) had some fish to weight, so it wasn't just us being really bad at it that day!

I have one more recent story I am going to add right now. Something you should know is that even though I did not go fishing several week ends in a row, Don has invited his ling time friend Dennis to go fishing with him, and Dennis has proved to be quite successful at catching fish!! More to follow.


]]> <![CDATA[Two fish...5 lbs!]]>

Saturday should have been a lucky day, 777 (July 07 2007), but it wasn't, really. Well, I should not complain, as many guys fishing on week ends would probably want to catch the nice smallmouth we caught this week end.

We went to Gate 31 for the first time this year and worked some of the spots we know pretty well. We did not catch anything on the main drop off area, so we decided to move on the other end to fish more drop offs. On the way, we hit (seriously, the prop did hit!) a shallow sandy area...after checking on the engine, Don suggested we tried fishing around it, with crazy drop offs of 30+ feet around it, it looked like a great spot.

It did not take long for Don to successfully back up his suggestion! A nice 2.8lb smallmouth bass, and we got a video:


We kept working on the area and I landed another smallmouth, 2.2lb:

We then moved on to the area where I had a blast on closing day, catching largemouth after largemouth, but we could not find them this year.

So overall, not a bad day, but not a great day either. I wished we caught another 2 or 3 decent fish, but I cannot complain!


]]>

Saturday should have been a lucky day, 777 (July 07 2007), but it wasn't, really. Well, I should not complain, as many guys fishing on week ends would probably want to catch the nice smallmouth we caught this week end.

We went to Gate 31 for the first time this year and worked some of the spots we know pretty well. We did not catch anything on the main drop off area, so we decided to move on the other end to fish more drop offs. On the way, we hit (seriously, the prop did hit!) a shallow sandy area...after checking on the engine, Don suggested we tried fishing around it, with crazy drop offs of 30+ feet around it, it looked like a great spot.

It did not take long for Don to successfully back up his suggestion! A nice 2.8lb smallmouth bass, and we got a video:


We kept working on the area and I landed another smallmouth, 2.2lb:

We then moved on to the area where I had a blast on closing day, catching largemouth after largemouth, but we could not find them this year.

So overall, not a bad day, but not a great day either. I wished we caught another 2 or 3 decent fish, but I cannot complain!


]]> <![CDATA[My new largemouth record!]]>

Oh boy, am I happy! Not much to say about yesterday's fishing, another super-really-slow-day and we definitely will not be fishing anymore the day following a storm. It's always the same thing, we can't get to find and catch fish...So that's it!

BUT...if you refer to my last post, i said something like: "...so stay tune as I hope to turn things around a bit!" Well, I did!

Lucky shot I gotta say, but I take it...So here is my new personal record for largemouth:

This baby weights 4.1lb and it made me really happy!!!

Man, I hope I'll get the opportunity to catch another one like that someday, what a fight that was! My adrenaline level is sill high, 24 hours later :)


]]>

Oh boy, am I happy! Not much to say about yesterday's fishing, another super-really-slow-day and we definitely will not be fishing anymore the day following a storm. It's always the same thing, we can't get to find and catch fish...So that's it!

BUT...if you refer to my last post, i said something like: "...so stay tune as I hope to turn things around a bit!" Well, I did!

Lucky shot I gotta say, but I take it...So here is my new personal record for largemouth:

This baby weights 4.1lb and it made me really happy!!!

Man, I hope I'll get the opportunity to catch another one like that someday, what a fight that was! My adrenaline level is sill high, 24 hours later :)


]]> <![CDATA[Quabbin gate 43...Don's on fire...again!]]>

Weeks go by and I am getting my A$#@# kicked by Don! Another week, another beat up.

First let's acknowledge something: I have changed. Last year I would have literally exploded if I missed a fish...this year, it takes like 3 or 4 nice misses for my blood to boil! Part of it is, I don't really care, I am a happy camper cause i-gonna-be-a-daddy-soon, so other stuff don't matter (even people driving at 29mph in a 30mph zone...)! And that's the truth. I am really excited.

But I gotta give a round of applause to Don, because Mr. Don knows how to catch fish and it proves it week after week! If my count is right, Don caught 6 or 7 fish and over 10 pounds total last Saturday! That's pretty damn good.

Here is a video of one of the nice smallmouth he caught:


I think Don caught 4 largemouth first, all keepers, and then 2 really nice smallmouth within 10-15 mn interval. I miss my first smallie of the season before Don had caught any smallmouth, but that freaken fish jumped out of the water like a whale and the hook did not get set correctly..bummer I tell you.

Here is a picture of the second smallmouth Don caught - a really nice fish:

This week end, we're aiming back at Quaboag because we'll only have a few hours to fish in the morning, so stay tune as I hope to turn things around a bit!


]]>

Weeks go by and I am getting my A$#@# kicked by Don! Another week, another beat up.

First let's acknowledge something: I have changed. Last year I would have literally exploded if I missed a fish...this year, it takes like 3 or 4 nice misses for my blood to boil! Part of it is, I don't really care, I am a happy camper cause i-gonna-be-a-daddy-soon, so other stuff don't matter (even people driving at 29mph in a 30mph zone...)! And that's the truth. I am really excited.

But I gotta give a round of applause to Don, because Mr. Don knows how to catch fish and it proves it week after week! If my count is right, Don caught 6 or 7 fish and over 10 pounds total last Saturday! That's pretty damn good.

Here is a video of one of the nice smallmouth he caught:


I think Don caught 4 largemouth first, all keepers, and then 2 really nice smallmouth within 10-15 mn interval. I miss my first smallie of the season before Don had caught any smallmouth, but that freaken fish jumped out of the water like a whale and the hook did not get set correctly..bummer I tell you.

Here is a picture of the second smallmouth Don caught - a really nice fish:

This week end, we're aiming back at Quaboag because we'll only have a few hours to fish in the morning, so stay tune as I hope to turn things around a bit!


]]> <![CDATA[Quaboag 2 week ends in a row]]>

I am catching up on the stories...finally. Don and I went fishing at Quaboag 2 week ends in a row since the fishing was really good. We have one good Saturday, the other one was just ok. Largemouth are starting to hit on the 6" long worms, still on top water and definitely still on lizards and that's no surprise!

Don has been fishing really well, kicking my little French butt several times. I am trying to get better at taking pictures and making videos, and I definitely need to keep up with the fish count. There was one week end we did good, probably around 10 pounds of fish. Back to dock, we found out that there was a competition going on that day, and the 1st one won with 5 fish and 17 pounds! That's pretty impressive.

Yeah, we gotta work harder :)

Anyway, here is a picture of one of Don's multiple bass:

and a video I made of another one he caught:

What about me you ask (well maybe you don't so I do!)? Nothing really impressive so far, I am not sure what's going on. I just bought some new line Berkly Fireline Crystal, so I hope that'll help me out!


]]>

I am catching up on the stories...finally. Don and I went fishing at Quaboag 2 week ends in a row since the fishing was really good. We have one good Saturday, the other one was just ok. Largemouth are starting to hit on the 6" long worms, still on top water and definitely still on lizards and that's no surprise!

Don has been fishing really well, kicking my little French butt several times. I am trying to get better at taking pictures and making videos, and I definitely need to keep up with the fish count. There was one week end we did good, probably around 10 pounds of fish. Back to dock, we found out that there was a competition going on that day, and the 1st one won with 5 fish and 17 pounds! That's pretty impressive.

Yeah, we gotta work harder :)

Anyway, here is a picture of one of Don's multiple bass:

and a video I made of another one he caught:

What about me you ask (well maybe you don't so I do!)? Nothing really impressive so far, I am not sure what's going on. I just bought some new line Berkly Fireline Crystal, so I hope that'll help me out!


]]> <![CDATA[The Quaboag river is totally hot right now!]]>

This week end, Don and I went fishing on the Quaboag river in West Brookfield, one of our all-time favorite spots, it's such a beautiful river and the fishing has been amazing a few years ago. The river was treated in order to remove the on-going weed problem that was saturating the waters 3 years ago, and since then, fishing was never the same. Last year things were looking better, though the fishing was not even close from what is was 2/3 years earlier.

This year, things seem to really have changed, the water looks good, there is not much weed around anymore, so we wanted to try the river again to see if this is a place to hit several times this year.

Don got up early and went fishing around 7AM, I joined him 2 hours later.


rear view of the boat

There were probably like 20-25 trucks parked at the ramp which is a lot for this place. Many guys were fishing the main pond area, but we decided to go up the river where it's a lot more quite and there are some amazing areas.

angler fishing Quaboag

So what happened?

My day SUCKED! Sorry for saying it but it is soooo true! Even Don would agree. I missed like 2 nice fish before Don took the first bass out, a 2.3lb largemouth:

Don largemouth 2.3lb

And then he went on and caught another nice one after my line got snapped by a monster fish! My rod was bended half way, my line was coming out like insane, the drag worked but hat fish was really heavy, and I did not get a chance to react before my line snapped! So Don killed me with that nice 1.9lb largemouth:

Don 1.9lb largemouth

I ended up catching 2 or 3 bass around a pound or less and a good size pickerel, Don caught another 2 or 3 bass as well.

Later during the day, I decided to choose a new top water popper, the Excalibut pop:

Excalibut popper top water

I caught one bass with it, and missed (yeah of course, missed!) a really good size bass from high water grass, but that @%@# bass decied to jump out of the water into the weed and got loose...yeah lucky me, lucky day.

Well, anyway, it was a great day and we are super excited about the fishing at Quaboag this year, this is really encouraging. I hope we catch one of these monster fish the river hides...

Well, talking about hiding, we saw a few blue heron, and I took a picture of one trying to hide from us, freaken hilarious...can you see it?

Blue heron at Quaboag

Where are we going next week? I am note sure. Hey Don! Where are we going next week??! (Yeah, I am trying to get him to post or comment :) not sure this will work!! Help me out, ask him too!)


]]>

This week end, Don and I went fishing on the Quaboag river in West Brookfield, one of our all-time favorite spots, it's such a beautiful river and the fishing has been amazing a few years ago. The river was treated in order to remove the on-going weed problem that was saturating the waters 3 years ago, and since then, fishing was never the same. Last year things were looking better, though the fishing was not even close from what is was 2/3 years earlier.

This year, things seem to really have changed, the water looks good, there is not much weed around anymore, so we wanted to try the river again to see if this is a place to hit several times this year.

Don got up early and went fishing around 7AM, I joined him 2 hours later.


rear view of the boat

There were probably like 20-25 trucks parked at the ramp which is a lot for this place. Many guys were fishing the main pond area, but we decided to go up the river where it's a lot more quite and there are some amazing areas.

angler fishing Quaboag

So what happened?

My day SUCKED! Sorry for saying it but it is soooo true! Even Don would agree. I missed like 2 nice fish before Don took the first bass out, a 2.3lb largemouth:

Don largemouth 2.3lb

And then he went on and caught another nice one after my line got snapped by a monster fish! My rod was bended half way, my line was coming out like insane, the drag worked but hat fish was really heavy, and I did not get a chance to react before my line snapped! So Don killed me with that nice 1.9lb largemouth:

Don 1.9lb largemouth

I ended up catching 2 or 3 bass around a pound or less and a good size pickerel, Don caught another 2 or 3 bass as well.

Later during the day, I decided to choose a new top water popper, the Excalibut pop:

Excalibut popper top water

I caught one bass with it, and missed (yeah of course, missed!) a really good size bass from high water grass, but that @%@# bass decied to jump out of the water into the weed and got loose...yeah lucky me, lucky day.

Well, anyway, it was a great day and we are super excited about the fishing at Quaboag this year, this is really encouraging. I hope we catch one of these monster fish the river hides...

Well, talking about hiding, we saw a few blue heron, and I took a picture of one trying to hide from us, freaken hilarious...can you see it?

Blue heron at Quaboag

Where are we going next week? I am note sure. Hey Don! Where are we going next week??! (Yeah, I am trying to get him to post or comment :) not sure this will work!! Help me out, ask him too!)


]]> <![CDATA[We're back! Finally!]]>

Well, it's the time of the year. The weather is getting better, the temperature is rising nicely, we get the Spring fever, gotta get out of the house...it's time to go fishing! Don and I had a pretty heavy Winter project, rebuilding the Don's barn...it only took us all Winter long :) but we made it. Well, I just helped, I am no handy guy but I can help "you can do that, nail that, paint that..." I like helping out when i can.

Anyway. Don got the boat checked out, everything was ok, so we decided to make our first trip out of the season. When it's so early in the season, I do not expect much from a fishing day. I hope to catch fish, yes, but I don't expect catching any good size fish. I am not a slow retrieve fishing person, I have a tough time with it, so since the fish are in slow-action-mode right now (until water temperature raises to the 65-70 degrees), I know I was not going to have a great day.

For our opening day, we went to Quabbin this year, actually the pond located at Gate 43, not the main water. Saturday was a beautiful day, a bit chilly in the morning because of the 10mph wind, but it got up in the 70's in the afternoon. As soon as left the boat ramp, Don and I talked about what to expect for the day and we both agreed: "no bass, but pickerels!"...

Let's reach our favorite spots! Full speed!!

Suzuki engine full speed

Don decided to go with a top water 6 inc long crankbait, and I, as usual early in the season, started with my watermelon plastic lizard.

cranbait top water tiger

Within the first 5mn, Don had already caught the first pickerel of the season.

don first fish of the year don cuaght a pickerel at Quabbin

We really fished one area in particular that day, but we did not find any bass. We ended up with around 20 pickerels, all of the same size or close, some gave better fights than others, so it was a great day to get the feeling back for casting and striking.


]]>

Well, it's the time of the year. The weather is getting better, the temperature is rising nicely, we get the Spring fever, gotta get out of the house...it's time to go fishing! Don and I had a pretty heavy Winter project, rebuilding the Don's barn...it only took us all Winter long :) but we made it. Well, I just helped, I am no handy guy but I can help "you can do that, nail that, paint that..." I like helping out when i can.

Anyway. Don got the boat checked out, everything was ok, so we decided to make our first trip out of the season. When it's so early in the season, I do not expect much from a fishing day. I hope to catch fish, yes, but I don't expect catching any good size fish. I am not a slow retrieve fishing person, I have a tough time with it, so since the fish are in slow-action-mode right now (until water temperature raises to the 65-70 degrees), I know I was not going to have a great day.

For our opening day, we went to Quabbin this year, actually the pond located at Gate 43, not the main water. Saturday was a beautiful day, a bit chilly in the morning because of the 10mph wind, but it got up in the 70's in the afternoon. As soon as left the boat ramp, Don and I talked about what to expect for the day and we both agreed: "no bass, but pickerels!"...

Let's reach our favorite spots! Full speed!!

Suzuki engine full speed

Don decided to go with a top water 6 inc long crankbait, and I, as usual early in the season, started with my watermelon plastic lizard.

cranbait top water tiger

Within the first 5mn, Don had already caught the first pickerel of the season.

don first fish of the year don cuaght a pickerel at Quabbin

We really fished one area in particular that day, but we did not find any bass. We ended up with around 20 pickerels, all of the same size or close, some gave better fights than others, so it was a great day to get the feeling back for casting and striking.


]]> <![CDATA[Buy your 2007 Massachusetts Fishing License Online!]]>

Following my previous entry to start getting ready for the 2007 fishing season, one thing you'll need for sure is a 20007 Massachusetts fishing license (or a different state if you do not fish in the Massachusetts waters of course).

You can buy your license online from the MassOutdoors Online Licensing and Registration System. Click here to access the website and then click on the "Click Here to Enter" orange button.

Your new 2007 license will cost you as follow - I do not think this has changed from 2006:

MA Resident (Citizen/Alien) Fishing

NEW

1006826

$22.50

$22.50
Wildlands Stamp (REQUIRED)

NEW

357384

$5.00

$5.00

 &
Total Fee: & & & &

$27.50

 &

]]>

Following my previous entry to start getting ready for the 2007 fishing season, one thing you'll need for sure is a 20007 Massachusetts fishing license (or a different state if you do not fish in the Massachusetts waters of course).

You can buy your license online from the MassOutdoors Online Licensing and Registration System. Click here to access the website and then click on the "Click Here to Enter" orange button.

Your new 2007 license will cost you as follow - I do not think this has changed from 2006:

MA Resident (Citizen/Alien) Fishing

NEW

1006826

$22.50

$22.50
Wildlands Stamp (REQUIRED)

NEW

357384

$5.00

$5.00

 &
Total Fee: & & & &

$27.50

 &

]]> <![CDATA[Winter's there...Time to buy the fishing equipment you need for 2007!]]>

Actually, Winter hasn't really made it yet around here in Massachusetts. We are still enjoying some great days of +50 degrees weather from time to time, which is unbelievable.

So this is the time to gear up for the 2007 fishing season! We have time to research prices for the equipment we want to buy, and that's what I want to talk about.

Last year, Don and I lost some lures, line...and other equipment in the Massachusetts and New York waters. I am certain we are not the only ones...I hope not ;-). We had to get a new fishing set (rod and reel) and we thought we'd be patient and look online for a great deal. The replacement reel had to be a Shimano Stradic 4000FH Spinning Reel which retails for over $130 in most stores...

so we searched online for a great deal and of course, eBay was the answer! After a few tries, we were able to get the Shimano reel for right under $100 with shipping!

The rod came from Santa for Xmas, so we're all set.

Now what about lures and plastic worms?

Last year we tested 5" watermelon plastic worms purchased on eBay from a eBay seller. The worms worked great all season long and we caught a lot of fish with it, so we'll be purchasing more this year. These worms are real cheap, you get a bag of 50 for $10 and the eBay seller we use has tons of different sizes and colors. If we were going to buy as many worms directly from Gary Yamamoto, we'd probably spend twice if not more at DisckSportingGoods or a local store. But if you like the brand names, you can also shop on eBay, there are hundred of auctions going for a few bucks every day! Contact me if you want to know the eBay seller ID, I don't mind sharing. I'll definitely buy a bag of watermelon worms and...

50 ROOTBEER Green 6" LIZARDS Scented Bass Fishing Lures US $9.99

Lizards - bag of 50 for 10 bucks

Can you believe it? Oh yeah my favorite lizards for this upcoming Spring!

Anyway, don't wait too long and start shopping this month. It can take a while to find deals online, but if you do it well, you could save several hundred dollars next year! Well, Don and I will!


]]>

Actually, Winter hasn't really made it yet around here in Massachusetts. We are still enjoying some great days of +50 degrees weather from time to time, which is unbelievable.

So this is the time to gear up for the 2007 fishing season! We have time to research prices for the equipment we want to buy, and that's what I want to talk about.

Last year, Don and I lost some lures, line...and other equipment in the Massachusetts and New York waters. I am certain we are not the only ones...I hope not ;-). We had to get a new fishing set (rod and reel) and we thought we'd be patient and look online for a great deal. The replacement reel had to be a Shimano Stradic 4000FH Spinning Reel which retails for over $130 in most stores...

so we searched online for a great deal and of course, eBay was the answer! After a few tries, we were able to get the Shimano reel for right under $100 with shipping!

The rod came from Santa for Xmas, so we're all set.

Now what about lures and plastic worms?

Last year we tested 5" watermelon plastic worms purchased on eBay from a eBay seller. The worms worked great all season long and we caught a lot of fish with it, so we'll be purchasing more this year. These worms are real cheap, you get a bag of 50 for $10 and the eBay seller we use has tons of different sizes and colors. If we were going to buy as many worms directly from Gary Yamamoto, we'd probably spend twice if not more at DisckSportingGoods or a local store. But if you like the brand names, you can also shop on eBay, there are hundred of auctions going for a few bucks every day! Contact me if you want to know the eBay seller ID, I don't mind sharing. I'll definitely buy a bag of watermelon worms and...

50 ROOTBEER Green 6" LIZARDS Scented Bass Fishing Lures US $9.99

Lizards - bag of 50 for 10 bucks

Can you believe it? Oh yeah my favorite lizards for this upcoming Spring!

Anyway, don't wait too long and start shopping this month. It can take a while to find deals online, but if you do it well, you could save several hundred dollars next year! Well, Don and I will!


]]> <![CDATA[Catching Largemouth at Quabbin]]>

...and only largemouth! I won't complain at all, neither will Don. What started as the worst day, ended up with the nice catch of several good size largemouth bass.

Gate 31 and Smallies

Gate 31 at Quabbin is most known for the smallmouth fishing. We caught quite a few smallies all over the place, and we still have so many areas to discover. The rocky structure and numerous drop offs all over the place offer a paradise for smallmouth bass. Yesterday was a first, unexpected I'd say...

Guess what...the weatherman got it wrong AGAIN!

The weather forecast from Friday night announced a shower or two passing by Quabbin on Saturday. If you read this blog, you know we can deal with showers, we did all year long! Good rain gear and motivation are the only things you need! Lucky us, we got both. So we decided to meet around 9:30AM, take our time, since we had planning to go out only 2 times more, better try to enjoy the day.

After 15mn on my way to meet Don, rain started to fall down..."hmm, that is probably the shower or 2 they talked about...", well no. 45mn into my trip, rain is still coming down and at one point, it's pouring down like a very bad thunderstorm. By the time I meet Don, it is still raining. We still give it a go (of course we're at Gate 31!) but as soon as we get on the water, the "good luck" from fellow anglers on their way back to the dock is a sign that this is going to be tough on the water!

If you do not believe me, check out this weather radar report for yesterday...I could not get it for the morning, this only covers this afternoon when it did not really rain much...still, blue is 1/2 inch of rain...imagine in the morning!

After a hour and a half of fishing and not a bite, we are ready to give up: rain is pouring down on us, literally, the wind gusts pick the cool up from the top of the water, we are drifting at 5mph, we are basically freezing our butts off...We finally reached an area where we can relax for 1/2 hour before leaving....and the unexpected started!

Largemouth, largemouth and...largemouth!

I had one of the best days of my fishing career honestly. Here is what happened: the area we were taking a break in had lots of weed at the bottom, a major split area with a lot of bait fish, and nice dropoffs around 15' to 19' deep...so we joked about it being the perfect spot for largemouth bass. Using a senko (after trying several crankbaits and spinnerbaits), I started to cover the main part of the area (the deepest) and after several casts, I was getting hits. Nothing huge, small guys playing and pulling on the senko. But finally something took my worm and stretched my line out:

1st Largemouth 2.3lb

I then caught another largemouth around 1.5lb and a smaller one...Don did not get a chance to catch any, but he was getting lots of hits. The wind started to push us down towards the dock which was good because time was running...and time was also running for Don to catch something! My lucky day kept getting better: I ended up catching a nicer largemouth:

2nd Largemouth 2.4lb

And then another 1.5lb...And, of course, another nice largemouth one right after that one!

2nd Largemouth 1.8lb

What about Don?

You could wonder what Don was waiting for...yes Don, what were you waiting for!? HAHAHAHAH. Seriously, Don was not taking any nap (this time ;-)), but he was working a lot harder than I was, first because he had to handle the boat all day long and yesterday was Hell), but also because he was trying to catch ONE bass!! The dock was getting close and pressure started building up on him to catch something...well, OF COURSE, Don finally did!

Look at that smile! Don is a Happy Camper!

Wrapping up the day

Don ended up catching largemouth one after the other! We ended up with around 10 catch I believe, most the catch happened within a 2 to 3 hours timeframe. We had at least 6 or 7 keepers and that makes us really happy! Finally a good day...and thank God for the rain gear!


]]>

...and only largemouth! I won't complain at all, neither will Don. What started as the worst day, ended up with the nice catch of several good size largemouth bass.

Gate 31 and Smallies

Gate 31 at Quabbin is most known for the smallmouth fishing. We caught quite a few smallies all over the place, and we still have so many areas to discover. The rocky structure and numerous drop offs all over the place offer a paradise for smallmouth bass. Yesterday was a first, unexpected I'd say...

Guess what...the weatherman got it wrong AGAIN!

The weather forecast from Friday night announced a shower or two passing by Quabbin on Saturday. If you read this blog, you know we can deal with showers, we did all year long! Good rain gear and motivation are the only things you need! Lucky us, we got both. So we decided to meet around 9:30AM, take our time, since we had planning to go out only 2 times more, better try to enjoy the day.

After 15mn on my way to meet Don, rain started to fall down..."hmm, that is probably the shower or 2 they talked about...", well no. 45mn into my trip, rain is still coming down and at one point, it's pouring down like a very bad thunderstorm. By the time I meet Don, it is still raining. We still give it a go (of course we're at Gate 31!) but as soon as we get on the water, the "good luck" from fellow anglers on their way back to the dock is a sign that this is going to be tough on the water!

If you do not believe me, check out this weather radar report for yesterday...I could not get it for the morning, this only covers this afternoon when it did not really rain much...still, blue is 1/2 inch of rain...imagine in the morning!

After a hour and a half of fishing and not a bite, we are ready to give up: rain is pouring down on us, literally, the wind gusts pick the cool up from the top of the water, we are drifting at 5mph, we are basically freezing our butts off...We finally reached an area where we can relax for 1/2 hour before leaving....and the unexpected started!

Largemouth, largemouth and...largemouth!

I had one of the best days of my fishing career honestly. Here is what happened: the area we were taking a break in had lots of weed at the bottom, a major split area with a lot of bait fish, and nice dropoffs around 15' to 19' deep...so we joked about it being the perfect spot for largemouth bass. Using a senko (after trying several crankbaits and spinnerbaits), I started to cover the main part of the area (the deepest) and after several casts, I was getting hits. Nothing huge, small guys playing and pulling on the senko. But finally something took my worm and stretched my line out:

1st Largemouth 2.3lb

I then caught another largemouth around 1.5lb and a smaller one...Don did not get a chance to catch any, but he was getting lots of hits. The wind started to push us down towards the dock which was good because time was running...and time was also running for Don to catch something! My lucky day kept getting better: I ended up catching a nicer largemouth:

2nd Largemouth 2.4lb

And then another 1.5lb...And, of course, another nice largemouth one right after that one!

2nd Largemouth 1.8lb

What about Don?

You could wonder what Don was waiting for...yes Don, what were you waiting for!? HAHAHAHAH. Seriously, Don was not taking any nap (this time ;-)), but he was working a lot harder than I was, first because he had to handle the boat all day long and yesterday was Hell), but also because he was trying to catch ONE bass!! The dock was getting close and pressure started building up on him to catch something...well, OF COURSE, Don finally did!

Look at that smile! Don is a Happy Camper!

Wrapping up the day

Don ended up catching largemouth one after the other! We ended up with around 10 catch I believe, most the catch happened within a 2 to 3 hours timeframe. We had at least 6 or 7 keepers and that makes us really happy! Finally a good day...and thank God for the rain gear!


]]> <![CDATA[Quabbin reservoir - Gate 43...Finally a good day!]]>

This week end, we went back to Gate 43 on Quabbin. I was sick last week end, so Don went on his own to Gate 31 and did not really catch anything. To be honest, after the past few weeks, we were not expecting much...but since Quabbin is closing soon, we have fish the gates at least once more each...

Late start....9:30AM meeting

Well, since the weatherman AGAIN expected some possible early showers (when you listen to these guys it's like it's going to rain all morning long), we decide to wait, just call each other early in the morning and see how things go from there. So we ended up meeting at the Gate 43 around 9:30AM, which actually made our morning really relaxing.

Fish where ya know the fish is!

We directly went to our usual #1 spot near the little dam. Only after 1/2 hour of fishing, Don caught 2 bass in a row, around 1.5lb each, both on Senko...is the day going to be like that? Not a bad start at all, so yeah, we were starting to feel like it could turn out to be a great fishing day...finally!

First Smallmouth

Second Smallmouth

The magic spot (I can't tell....)

There is one spot we know we always catch fish from...and big ones, largemouth bass usually. They feed off an old river 20 feet down and every time we get there, we catch them. Last year, Don caught 2 BIG bass in a row, I believe 2 casts apart from each other, and these bass were monsters. I think I might have a picture somewhere, I'll post it when I find it.

I also cannot precisely disclose the location of the secret spot for specific reasons, which I won't get into...but Don knows why ;-)

I threw my green with black seed senko at the spot and after 2 casts, BING! a nice 1.5lb largemouth...I guess he did hit the right spot...Don follows up with a nice 2.3lb of which I made a video (while trying to find the fishing net...I knew i'd get yelled at if I did not grab it quickly ;-) )

Basically we caught these 2 nice largemouth with 4 casts in 5mn of being on the Golden spot...damn birds ;-)

Wrap up a nice day

We cannot complain, it was a very good day, the weather was beautiful, we caught 5 really nice fish, and I have a really funny picture of Don! Come on Don, you've got to agree, this is a hilarious picture!!

Second Smallmouth

HAHAHAHAHAHA


]]>

This week end, we went back to Gate 43 on Quabbin. I was sick last week end, so Don went on his own to Gate 31 and did not really catch anything. To be honest, after the past few weeks, we were not expecting much...but since Quabbin is closing soon, we have fish the gates at least once more each...

Late start....9:30AM meeting

Well, since the weatherman AGAIN expected some possible early showers (when you listen to these guys it's like it's going to rain all morning long), we decide to wait, just call each other early in the morning and see how things go from there. So we ended up meeting at the Gate 43 around 9:30AM, which actually made our morning really relaxing.

Fish where ya know the fish is!

We directly went to our usual #1 spot near the little dam. Only after 1/2 hour of fishing, Don caught 2 bass in a row, around 1.5lb each, both on Senko...is the day going to be like that? Not a bad start at all, so yeah, we were starting to feel like it could turn out to be a great fishing day...finally!

First Smallmouth

Second Smallmouth

The magic spot (I can't tell....)

There is one spot we know we always catch fish from...and big ones, largemouth bass usually. They feed off an old river 20 feet down and every time we get there, we catch them. Last year, Don caught 2 BIG bass in a row, I believe 2 casts apart from each other, and these bass were monsters. I think I might have a picture somewhere, I'll post it when I find it.

I also cannot precisely disclose the location of the secret spot for specific reasons, which I won't get into...but Don knows why ;-)

I threw my green with black seed senko at the spot and after 2 casts, BING! a nice 1.5lb largemouth...I guess he did hit the right spot...Don follows up with a nice 2.3lb of which I made a video (while trying to find the fishing net...I knew i'd get yelled at if I did not grab it quickly ;-) )

Basically we caught these 2 nice largemouth with 4 casts in 5mn of being on the Golden spot...damn birds ;-)

Wrap up a nice day

We cannot complain, it was a very good day, the weather was beautiful, we caught 5 really nice fish, and I have a really funny picture of Don! Come on Don, you've got to agree, this is a hilarious picture!!

Second Smallmouth

HAHAHAHAHAHA


]]> <![CDATA[New York Fishing Trip: Long Pond Lodge (Adirondack-Champlain)]]>

Back in June, Don and I made a trip up to New York (Willsboro, NY) for our first fishing trip.

Since there is a lot to talk about, I am going to slice off the trip within a few blog entries. Today I want to talk a bit about where we stayed at: Pete Casamento's, the Adirondack-Champlain Guide Service.

The search for a fishing lodge

Don discovered Pete's lodge last Winter when he went to a local fishing show (I believe). Pete and his wife were great, we had a fun time overall (despite the bad weather the first day).

Beside the lodge/hospitality services Pete offers (you can rent one or multiple rooms at his lodge for a few days and go fishing on your own on Champlain or anywhere else you'd like), you can also hire Pete's services as a fishing guide for a full day (or more) and he'll take care of everything for you, and he'll give you awesome fishing tips ;-).

a Fishing Lodge in New York

Pete's lodge is not located directly on Champlain, but only a few miles away. But this is really cool, because the lodge's got its feet on a lake called "Long Pond", which I personally consider as a lake but whatever...

The lodge is really a good place to stay at, the commodity of being only steps away from the pond is a sweet deal, and that is why we went up there...you get up, have breakfast and 2mn later you can be on the boat...take a break in the afternoon have an early dinner and you're back on the water for evening top water action!

We took a few pictures of the outside and the inside, that gives a good idea of what'll find over there:

The Parking - View #1


The Parking - View #2 on Long Pond


Long Pond View from Parking

I also took a picture from the lake while fishing:

Lodge View From Long Pond

And here is a picture of our room - remember, Don is a freaken tall!

The bedroom

I do not have pictures of the inside and that stinks I wish I did...If I remember correctly, there is a large TV/entertainment/Dinner room where you can go anytime of the day to relax, check out the fishing albums Pete keeps (totally worth looking at it, there are some amazing catch in there!), playy pool (yep!) or just watch TV (you won't miss a baseball game that way). This is the are where you'll have breakfast and dinner. For lunch, Pete's wife will prepare a lunch box for you...really cool.

Oh, I shouldn't forget that: downstairs, where all the bedrooms are, you'll find bathrooms, 2 small ones and a larger one, a laundry area, towels, etc...and there is a back door to get directly on the Long Pond.

Well, that's it for the presentation, short and sweet...I want to start writing about the fishing we did, because it was fun and we caught a lot of fish!


]]>

Back in June, Don and I made a trip up to New York (Willsboro, NY) for our first fishing trip.

Since there is a lot to talk about, I am going to slice off the trip within a few blog entries. Today I want to talk a bit about where we stayed at: Pete Casamento's, the Adirondack-Champlain Guide Service.

The search for a fishing lodge

Don discovered Pete's lodge last Winter when he went to a local fishing show (I believe). Pete and his wife were great, we had a fun time overall (despite the bad weather the first day).

Beside the lodge/hospitality services Pete offers (you can rent one or multiple rooms at his lodge for a few days and go fishing on your own on Champlain or anywhere else you'd like), you can also hire Pete's services as a fishing guide for a full day (or more) and he'll take care of everything for you, and he'll give you awesome fishing tips ;-).

a Fishing Lodge in New York

Pete's lodge is not located directly on Champlain, but only a few miles away. But this is really cool, because the lodge's got its feet on a lake called "Long Pond", which I personally consider as a lake but whatever...

The lodge is really a good place to stay at, the commodity of being only steps away from the pond is a sweet deal, and that is why we went up there...you get up, have breakfast and 2mn later you can be on the boat...take a break in the afternoon have an early dinner and you're back on the water for evening top water action!

We took a few pictures of the outside and the inside, that gives a good idea of what'll find over there:

The Parking - View #1


The Parking - View #2 on Long Pond


Long Pond View from Parking

I also took a picture from the lake while fishing:

Lodge View From Long Pond

And here is a picture of our room - remember, Don is a freaken tall!

The bedroom

I do not have pictures of the inside and that stinks I wish I did...If I remember correctly, there is a large TV/entertainment/Dinner room where you can go anytime of the day to relax, check out the fishing albums Pete keeps (totally worth looking at it, there are some amazing catch in there!), playy pool (yep!) or just watch TV (you won't miss a baseball game that way). This is the are where you'll have breakfast and dinner. For lunch, Pete's wife will prepare a lunch box for you...really cool.

Oh, I shouldn't forget that: downstairs, where all the bedrooms are, you'll find bathrooms, 2 small ones and a larger one, a laundry area, towels, etc...and there is a back door to get directly on the Long Pond.

Well, that's it for the presentation, short and sweet...I want to start writing about the fishing we did, because it was fun and we caught a lot of fish!


]]> <![CDATA[Catching up on fishing stories]]>

ok, I know I have been slacking big time throughout the Summer...I haven't post much, but I am now trying to get back in the rythm. Work projects have been taking over, actually I shouldn't say "work" because I am lucky enough to say that my work is a hobby and I know that not so many people can say the same thing about their jobs...anyway, you'll see more posts on the site within the next few weeks, most of it related to a 3-day fishing trip Don and I did at the end of June upstate New York...so check back soon!

Thanks for reading.


]]>

ok, I know I have been slacking big time throughout the Summer...I haven't post much, but I am now trying to get back in the rythm. Work projects have been taking over, actually I shouldn't say "work" because I am lucky enough to say that my work is a hobby and I know that not so many people can say the same thing about their jobs...anyway, you'll see more posts on the site within the next few weeks, most of it related to a 3-day fishing trip Don and I did at the end of June upstate New York...so check back soon!

Thanks for reading.


]]> <![CDATA[Quabbin Gate 31...What's up with the weather?!]]>

Alright, I need to get this off the way. So far this year, we have not had ONE day of nice "fishing" weather...I don't mean nice weather, because it is different that nice "fishing" weather. Not one day out on the water without wind, showers or heat!!! We are not for asking much, just give us a calm, overcast warm day!

Could today be the day...

...we catch several smallies and have a great day on the weather? It was surely starting nicely. We launched the boat around 7:45AM and hit "the" dropoff area. The weather was perfect: no wind, warm temperature, and really sunny which was perfect to help smallmouth see through the water!

Using senkos (Yamamoto Senkos 5" Watermelon), we started to cast in 20 feet of clear water...hmmm...1st cast...2nd cast...3rd cast....BOOOOM! My first fish of day after 5 mn of fishing!!

A 2.3lb smallmouth bass. I did not give it a chance to fight, really fast retrieve and I use the net this time...

Right after that fish, Don gets lucky as well! What it going on today? Is this the day we get a chance to catch 20+ fish?

And then the weather changed...the wind picked up, thunderstorms started to come over our heads...arghhhh!!! And of course, the fish stopped hitting. OF COURSE!

We worked really hard all the rest of the day, changing baits, trying different areas but we only caught a few smaller fish:

Not a great day, but we still caught around 8 fish today. What we really need is the weather to comply a bit with us...we are planning to go fishing in New York in 2 weeks near Champlain...hopefully we'll get lucky...weather wise!!!


]]>

Alright, I need to get this off the way. So far this year, we have not had ONE day of nice "fishing" weather...I don't mean nice weather, because it is different that nice "fishing" weather. Not one day out on the water without wind, showers or heat!!! We are not for asking much, just give us a calm, overcast warm day!

Could today be the day...

...we catch several smallies and have a great day on the weather? It was surely starting nicely. We launched the boat around 7:45AM and hit "the" dropoff area. The weather was perfect: no wind, warm temperature, and really sunny which was perfect to help smallmouth see through the water!

Using senkos (Yamamoto Senkos 5" Watermelon), we started to cast in 20 feet of clear water...hmmm...1st cast...2nd cast...3rd cast....BOOOOM! My first fish of day after 5 mn of fishing!!

A 2.3lb smallmouth bass. I did not give it a chance to fight, really fast retrieve and I use the net this time...

Right after that fish, Don gets lucky as well! What it going on today? Is this the day we get a chance to catch 20+ fish?

And then the weather changed...the wind picked up, thunderstorms started to come over our heads...arghhhh!!! And of course, the fish stopped hitting. OF COURSE!

We worked really hard all the rest of the day, changing baits, trying different areas but we only caught a few smaller fish:

Not a great day, but we still caught around 8 fish today. What we really need is the weather to comply a bit with us...we are planning to go fishing in New York in 2 weeks near Champlain...hopefully we'll get lucky...weather wise!!!


]]> <![CDATA[A Tuesday at Quaboag]]>

Today, Don, Scott and I decided to take a day off (well deserved after working all week end long) and go to West Brookfield for some largemouth fishing.

Today was beautiful and hot, since lily pads are not yet spread out on the river, the bass are still hiding in shallow covers and in the river and it is difficult to find them. We did not get lucky at all in the river but we started to catch a few bass in the main pond. Actually, Scott was the man to beat today as he caught more bass than Don or me! Want proof? Check it out below:

Largemouth #1 for Scott...lucky shot...

Largemouth #2 for Scott...luck is in you today?

Largemouth #3 for Scott...YEAH, YOU CAN SMILE ABOUT IT!!

Fortunately for Don and I, we each caught a largemouth, nothing to break a record, but some healthy fish:

Here is mine

And Don's Largemouth...

Note that "almost" all the bass were caught using plastic Zoom lizard 6 inches long, watermelon color. No success on spinnerbaits or senkos this week...I believe that Scott caught his first largemouth bass using a red spoon on a 30 pound test line....YES THIS IS TRUE!!! Scott's always ready for the record fish of the century!


]]>

Today, Don, Scott and I decided to take a day off (well deserved after working all week end long) and go to West Brookfield for some largemouth fishing.

Today was beautiful and hot, since lily pads are not yet spread out on the river, the bass are still hiding in shallow covers and in the river and it is difficult to find them. We did not get lucky at all in the river but we started to catch a few bass in the main pond. Actually, Scott was the man to beat today as he caught more bass than Don or me! Want proof? Check it out below:

Largemouth #1 for Scott...lucky shot...

Largemouth #2 for Scott...luck is in you today?

Largemouth #3 for Scott...YEAH, YOU CAN SMILE ABOUT IT!!

Fortunately for Don and I, we each caught a largemouth, nothing to break a record, but some healthy fish:

Here is mine

And Don's Largemouth...

Note that "almost" all the bass were caught using plastic Zoom lizard 6 inches long, watermelon color. No success on spinnerbaits or senkos this week...I believe that Scott caught his first largemouth bass using a red spoon on a 30 pound test line....YES THIS IS TRUE!!! Scott's always ready for the record fish of the century!


]]> <![CDATA[Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 31...Rainy Day, Yuk!]]>

Today wasn't a day to spend outside, we probably went through 20 showers and basically spent the day in our rain gears. Gate 31 was a first for me, Don went the previous week already where he caught 3 nice smallmouth bass within a few hours (and he broke my smallmouth record of the year!) so we decided to give it a shot for a full day.

Gate 31 is located of route 122, it is really easy to access coming from East (route 202) or West (route 202 or route 122).

There are some great dropoffs, an average of 20 to 30 feet deep which is perfect to fish for smallmouth bass. Here are 2 spots we tried:

...but the wind really picked up and showers came over to say hi as Don can prove on that picture!

Yep, the weather really turned for the worse...

We did not get lucky really, we caught around 8 smallies, all on Senkos. Here is a video of Don catching one of them:

We also missed 3 nice fish: one could have been a largemouth bass that Don alsmost caught in shallows waters (real clear waters, around 4'-5' deep), the 2 other ones were smallmouth.

The largest smallie for the day broke my line when I got it near the boat...well, I thought I could grab him like pro anglers do...BIG MISTAKE! Don offered the net, I said no, and I paid the price! That fish could have been a smallmouth record breaker for me so far this year!! Ouch!

Quabbin is such a gorgeous place, take your kid(s) on a boat (rentals available), and go enjoy a nice day on Quabbin! There is a lot to watch like these cool duckies (does anyone know what these are?? Leave a comment if you do, thanks!):

Wrapping up the day...

We did not have a great day, but still good some luck. I want to go back at Gate 31 when the sun is really out, the bass probably move for closer from shore (since they were not here today!!) and we should have a great fishing day...I guess we'll figure this out really soon ;-)


]]>

Today wasn't a day to spend outside, we probably went through 20 showers and basically spent the day in our rain gears. Gate 31 was a first for me, Don went the previous week already where he caught 3 nice smallmouth bass within a few hours (and he broke my smallmouth record of the year!) so we decided to give it a shot for a full day.

Gate 31 is located of route 122, it is really easy to access coming from East (route 202) or West (route 202 or route 122).

There are some great dropoffs, an average of 20 to 30 feet deep which is perfect to fish for smallmouth bass. Here are 2 spots we tried:

...but the wind really picked up and showers came over to say hi as Don can prove on that picture!

Yep, the weather really turned for the worse...

We did not get lucky really, we caught around 8 smallies, all on Senkos. Here is a video of Don catching one of them:

We also missed 3 nice fish: one could have been a largemouth bass that Don alsmost caught in shallows waters (real clear waters, around 4'-5' deep), the 2 other ones were smallmouth.

The largest smallie for the day broke my line when I got it near the boat...well, I thought I could grab him like pro anglers do...BIG MISTAKE! Don offered the net, I said no, and I paid the price! That fish could have been a smallmouth record breaker for me so far this year!! Ouch!

Quabbin is such a gorgeous place, take your kid(s) on a boat (rentals available), and go enjoy a nice day on Quabbin! There is a lot to watch like these cool duckies (does anyone know what these are?? Leave a comment if you do, thanks!):

Wrapping up the day...

We did not have a great day, but still good some luck. I want to go back at Gate 31 when the sun is really out, the bass probably move for closer from shore (since they were not here today!!) and we should have a great fishing day...I guess we'll figure this out really soon ;-)


]]> <![CDATA[Update: New Smallmouth Record of the Year!]]>

We're on! Don beat my record for the largest smallmouth of the year!

Don went fishing on Monday (Memorial Day) to Quabbin Gate 31, great area for smallmouth bass. Don told me that he missed a few smallies but accomplished to beat my smallmouth record so far this year: a 2.8lbs Smallmouth! And he was not lying, we've got the picture!!

Ok, that's only 0.1lb better than the one i caught 2 weeks ago on the other side of Quabbin, but hey, that's larger than what i caught. All I have to say is "Congratulations Don!" and I will try to get the Champion Belt back really soon!!


]]>

We're on! Don beat my record for the largest smallmouth of the year!

Don went fishing on Monday (Memorial Day) to Quabbin Gate 31, great area for smallmouth bass. Don told me that he missed a few smallies but accomplished to beat my smallmouth record so far this year: a 2.8lbs Smallmouth! And he was not lying, we've got the picture!!

Ok, that's only 0.1lb better than the one i caught 2 weeks ago on the other side of Quabbin, but hey, that's larger than what i caught. All I have to say is "Congratulations Don!" and I will try to get the Champion Belt back really soon!!


]]> <![CDATA[Morning at the West Brookfield SouthPond - Afternoon at Quaboag]]>

With a 3 days long (Memorial Day) week end, Don and I could have picked the best day of any of the 3 days...but it did not go that smooth since I could only go on Saturday and the weather wasn't great. We went to Quacumquasit (South) Pond in the morning and moved to the Quaboag river around Noon time.

SouthPond - Pond or Lake?

The Quacumquasit (South) Pond is really nice pond (lake?). It goes as deep as 70 feet, lots of sand (really cool beach) and does not have really any structure (too bad). You can fish for trout (some guys were catching trout from the beach!), bass, big pikes (there was recently a record size pike pulled off the water), lots of fish to play with.

Boat Ramp - Launch Area

The boat area is bit tricky: look at the 2 pictures below, you should definitely take your time and maybe have someone outside the truck to help you go down smoothly the first time you get there.

Also, watch out for the duckies down there! These 2 ducks were enjoying a day at the beach and did not feel moving one inch!!

3 hours of fishing: a few hits - no catch

We haven't been lucky that morning, maybe we should have tried fishing for trout because the other fishermen on shore and on boats where pulling them out all morning long! We tried using spinnerbaits, plastic Yamamoto Senko worms and even watermelon lizards, and...nothing. Several hits there and there (which could have been from trout actually) but that was it. So we decided to get the boat back on the trailer and move a few miles down the road, back to Quaboag pond for the afternoon.

Stormy weather on Quaboag: could we get lucky?

We moved up on the Quaboag river to try to locate some lilipad areas like this one and use our plastic to find the largemouth bass:

We did not get any right away, but we were getting nice hits on watermelon plastic lizards. Still the hits were not bringing any fish in the boat. We took a quick lunch break and the weather started to get really stormy, which i was exciting about because it was probably going to wake up the bass.

The weather cleared up 30mn later; since we are well-equipped now (not like the first few years!!!), rain is not a problem anymore for us (but not for the few guys in t-shirts flying by on the river, trying to reach the boat ramp as fast as possible!!!). As long as we do not forget our rain gear, of course (which has happened to me once)!

Bass are FINALLY hitting!

Not sure if the thunderstorm helped (i believe it did), but the bass started to hit our lizards. The wind picked up a bit also and helped us drifting down the river quickly, offering opportunities to cast in so many different spots. We missed quite a few fish in the afternoon, lots of keepers (god damn it!), but here are some pictures of the ones we got on board:

Bass caught by Don


Bass caught by me


Conclusion: bad start - good finish!

Another day when we only catch fish late morning, and all afternoon long! I am not sure if this the time of the year, luck or the weather, but I like it! No need to wake up anymore when the sun rises, I can sleep in a few more hours and enjoy a great day of fishing and, a nice evening out without falling asleep at the dinner table!! We ended up catching around 10 to 12 bass which isn't bad considering the fact that we did not catch one fish at the South Pond. Oh, one other thing I do not want to forget mentionning: South Pond is a beautiful place, but the nice beach, sand and clean water make it a great spot for swimmers, beachers, jet skis and other water activities....So, go there early in the morning (if you want to catch some trouts!) or forget about it!


]]>

With a 3 days long (Memorial Day) week end, Don and I could have picked the best day of any of the 3 days...but it did not go that smooth since I could only go on Saturday and the weather wasn't great. We went to Quacumquasit (South) Pond in the morning and moved to the Quaboag river around Noon time.

SouthPond - Pond or Lake?

The Quacumquasit (South) Pond is really nice pond (lake?). It goes as deep as 70 feet, lots of sand (really cool beach) and does not have really any structure (too bad). You can fish for trout (some guys were catching trout from the beach!), bass, big pikes (there was recently a record size pike pulled off the water), lots of fish to play with.

Boat Ramp - Launch Area

The boat area is bit tricky: look at the 2 pictures below, you should definitely take your time and maybe have someone outside the truck to help you go down smoothly the first time you get there.

Also, watch out for the duckies down there! These 2 ducks were enjoying a day at the beach and did not feel moving one inch!!

3 hours of fishing: a few hits - no catch

We haven't been lucky that morning, maybe we should have tried fishing for trout because the other fishermen on shore and on boats where pulling them out all morning long! We tried using spinnerbaits, plastic Yamamoto Senko worms and even watermelon lizards, and...nothing. Several hits there and there (which could have been from trout actually) but that was it. So we decided to get the boat back on the trailer and move a few miles down the road, back to Quaboag pond for the afternoon.

Stormy weather on Quaboag: could we get lucky?

We moved up on the Quaboag river to try to locate some lilipad areas like this one and use our plastic to find the largemouth bass:

We did not get any right away, but we were getting nice hits on watermelon plastic lizards. Still the hits were not bringing any fish in the boat. We took a quick lunch break and the weather started to get really stormy, which i was exciting about because it was probably going to wake up the bass.

The weather cleared up 30mn later; since we are well-equipped now (not like the first few years!!!), rain is not a problem anymore for us (but not for the few guys in t-shirts flying by on the river, trying to reach the boat ramp as fast as possible!!!). As long as we do not forget our rain gear, of course (which has happened to me once)!

Bass are FINALLY hitting!

Not sure if the thunderstorm helped (i believe it did), but the bass started to hit our lizards. The wind picked up a bit also and helped us drifting down the river quickly, offering opportunities to cast in so many different spots. We missed quite a few fish in the afternoon, lots of keepers (god damn it!), but here are some pictures of the ones we got on board:

Bass caught by Don


Bass caught by me


Conclusion: bad start - good finish!

Another day when we only catch fish late morning, and all afternoon long! I am not sure if this the time of the year, luck or the weather, but I like it! No need to wake up anymore when the sun rises, I can sleep in a few more hours and enjoy a great day of fishing and, a nice evening out without falling asleep at the dinner table!! We ended up catching around 10 to 12 bass which isn't bad considering the fact that we did not catch one fish at the South Pond. Oh, one other thing I do not want to forget mentionning: South Pond is a beautiful place, but the nice beach, sand and clean water make it a great spot for swimmers, beachers, jet skis and other water activities....So, go there early in the morning (if you want to catch some trouts!) or forget about it!


]]> <![CDATA[Quabbin Reservoir - Slow Morning, Bad Weather, but it paid off]]>

Back to the Quabbin reservoir this week...we could have gone fishing somewhere else (Quaboag river) but it seems that fishing isn't that good so far this year, maybe because of the weather we've got so far in May, lots of rain. I drove by the river via Route 148 in the morning and the water is really high for the season, so that could be it, the bass are still in deepest part of the river and have not yet moved up. Well, hopefully within the next few weeks we can try going over there, with higher temperatures and the water warming up, the fish should start becoming a lot more active and aggressive...we have some great memories of fishing the river, we caught lots of nice bass at Quaboag in the past few years and our largest pickerels.

7:00AM: we meet again...and on time!

I reached Gate 43 right at 7:00AM, so Don, I don't want to hear anything! I was NOT late! These damn state patrollers have the tendency to slow me down on the Mass Pike...I have nothing against them, they do their job, it's just that I think the 65 speed limit on the highway in 2006 is ridiculous...OK, I'll stop there.

7:30AM: we're on the way...but what's going with the engine today!?

As you already know, the engine has been causing Don a few headaches...well, we are not sure if this the reason why, but maybe because we had a lot of humidity in the air this month (it rained 6 days in a row, and not small showers, hurricane style showers!) but the engine was dying on me every time I would put it on neutral...really odd. When running full speed, we had no problem, but it would not idle properly....God knows what really happened. Don is going to put some dry gas in it and we'll see how next week goes. I'll write an update about it.

7:45Am: Windy Morning...what the Hell!

Ok, I am not crazy about rain showers, but worse is the wind! Plus when you are the one managing the throlling engine, it stinks big time! The weather was beautiful, but we knew this was not going to last with that powerful wind pushing heavy clouds to our direction....

It's getting cloudy....

And there is it....get your rain suit out!

Actually it did not rain, but I wish it did, because the fishing was horrible! We did hit the 2 or 3 sections we are usually lucky with and we did not catch one single fish until probably late-morning...And these smallies were nothing to be excited about.

10:45AM: Time for a strategy meeting...

Don suggested that we move up to a spot we actually never fished, because every time we would get there it is always crowded. I was totally okay movin' away from the dam (ie:damn hehe) area and try to reach more tree or island cover because the wind was killing us.

11:00AM: Let's move on!

Wonder how it looks like when we go full speed (okay, 20 miles per hour top!) on Quabbin?? Don looks really concentrated, doesn't he? Well, you actually have to, shallow waters run at you within seconds and if you don't pay attention, well, you'll probably leave a propeller behind for sure!



11:15AM: Where we Never Fished...

As expected, we were not the only ones (AGAIN!) trying to fish the area. There were two boats, one was actually moving out slowly, but the other seemed not ready to move yet! The guys were really smart, as you probably figure out when looking at the picture below (check out the video also), there is a pretty intense stream of water coming down and the bass are probably hunting outside of the active zone, just waiting for baits to come by...and these guys were right on the spot!

We patiently waited for a 1/2 hour before they left. We really wanted to cast our baits within the same area, not really caring about its surroundings...and that was a big mistake!

11:50AM: First nice Smallmouth Bass for Don!

I cannot believe we did not take a picture of that smallmouth, it was probably around 1.75lb, really a nice fish that Don caught on the left side area (see the picture below) using a plastic worm...you cannot go wrong using plastic worms all season long!

So the guys finally left and we got the chance to fish on that magical spot. We caught one or two bass, and missed quite a few as well, we could not hooked them up correctly, but, it appeared that the bass were right there as expected, feeding on anything that came by them, only plastic. Interesting thing: we did not get ONE hit on spinnerbaits.


12:30PM: Time for lunch

We took our lunch break (thanks Brenda for the awesome sandwitches, as always!!) and one boat came by. Since we are nice guys, we moved out from the hot spot and stayed outside to let others get in and get a chance to fish it...

1:20PM: Big Rocks can hide Big Bass!

So, the boat was finally leaving the area and we decided to get back to fishing...Don spotted a shallow water area near the big rock (see the photo above?)...and wahoo, we got the adrenaline back in our bodies!!


A 3.8lb largemouth bass, so far the largest of the season! And believe or not, but Don kept casting right back on the area for almost one hour, missed another BIG one and caught 2 smaller ones...Big rocks DO hide big fish!

2:25PM: Where is my luck today..."Don, What About a Last Cast?"

I am not complaining, I had caught a few bass so far that day, but missed quite a few in a row and nice ones...i was able to get them close from the boat, nice keepers, but they would fight hard and get away. Don and I decided we had a lot of fun and it was time to call it a day...But I decided to through my lizard in the the water one last time, and BOOM! Big hit, lots of pressure, but a miss...Damn it, what the Hell today!? Reeled back in, and throw again in the same area...and BOOM! Again, that time, he is hooked, and giving me a great figh! A nice smallie, 2.7lb which will make my day! That smallmouth was waiting for baits to go by. You cannot really see it on the picture below, but its stomach was ready to pop! And it gives me a count for the largest smallie so far this year!

2:30pm: Largest Small & Large mouth Bass so far!

Not a bad day at all...I guess there was no need to wake up at 5:20AM, because we did not catch any fish until late morning...that gives me an idea...

"Hey Don, You Care If We Meet at 10:30AM Next Week?"

HAHAHHAHAH, just kidding!!!


]]>

Back to the Quabbin reservoir this week...we could have gone fishing somewhere else (Quaboag river) but it seems that fishing isn't that good so far this year, maybe because of the weather we've got so far in May, lots of rain. I drove by the river via Route 148 in the morning and the water is really high for the season, so that could be it, the bass are still in deepest part of the river and have not yet moved up. Well, hopefully within the next few weeks we can try going over there, with higher temperatures and the water warming up, the fish should start becoming a lot more active and aggressive...we have some great memories of fishing the river, we caught lots of nice bass at Quaboag in the past few years and our largest pickerels.

7:00AM: we meet again...and on time!

I reached Gate 43 right at 7:00AM, so Don, I don't want to hear anything! I was NOT late! These damn state patrollers have the tendency to slow me down on the Mass Pike...I have nothing against them, they do their job, it's just that I think the 65 speed limit on the highway in 2006 is ridiculous...OK, I'll stop there.

7:30AM: we're on the way...but what's going with the engine today!?

As you already know, the engine has been causing Don a few headaches...well, we are not sure if this the reason why, but maybe because we had a lot of humidity in the air this month (it rained 6 days in a row, and not small showers, hurricane style showers!) but the engine was dying on me every time I would put it on neutral...really odd. When running full speed, we had no problem, but it would not idle properly....God knows what really happened. Don is going to put some dry gas in it and we'll see how next week goes. I'll write an update about it.

7:45Am: Windy Morning...what the Hell!

Ok, I am not crazy about rain showers, but worse is the wind! Plus when you are the one managing the throlling engine, it stinks big time! The weather was beautiful, but we knew this was not going to last with that powerful wind pushing heavy clouds to our direction....

It's getting cloudy....

And there is it....get your rain suit out!

Actually it did not rain, but I wish it did, because the fishing was horrible! We did hit the 2 or 3 sections we are usually lucky with and we did not catch one single fish until probably late-morning...And these smallies were nothing to be excited about.

10:45AM: Time for a strategy meeting...

Don suggested that we move up to a spot we actually never fished, because every time we would get there it is always crowded. I was totally okay movin' away from the dam (ie:damn hehe) area and try to reach more tree or island cover because the wind was killing us.

11:00AM: Let's move on!

Wonder how it looks like when we go full speed (okay, 20 miles per hour top!) on Quabbin?? Don looks really concentrated, doesn't he? Well, you actually have to, shallow waters run at you within seconds and if you don't pay attention, well, you'll probably leave a propeller behind for sure!



11:15AM: Where we Never Fished...

As expected, we were not the only ones (AGAIN!) trying to fish the area. There were two boats, one was actually moving out slowly, but the other seemed not ready to move yet! The guys were really smart, as you probably figure out when looking at the picture below (check out the video also), there is a pretty intense stream of water coming down and the bass are probably hunting outside of the active zone, just waiting for baits to come by...and these guys were right on the spot!

We patiently waited for a 1/2 hour before they left. We really wanted to cast our baits within the same area, not really caring about its surroundings...and that was a big mistake!

11:50AM: First nice Smallmouth Bass for Don!

I cannot believe we did not take a picture of that smallmouth, it was probably around 1.75lb, really a nice fish that Don caught on the left side area (see the picture below) using a plastic worm...you cannot go wrong using plastic worms all season long!

So the guys finally left and we got the chance to fish on that magical spot. We caught one or two bass, and missed quite a few as well, we could not hooked them up correctly, but, it appeared that the bass were right there as expected, feeding on anything that came by them, only plastic. Interesting thing: we did not get ONE hit on spinnerbaits.


12:30PM: Time for lunch

We took our lunch break (thanks Brenda for the awesome sandwitches, as always!!) and one boat came by. Since we are nice guys, we moved out from the hot spot and stayed outside to let others get in and get a chance to fish it...

1:20PM: Big Rocks can hide Big Bass!

So, the boat was finally leaving the area and we decided to get back to fishing...Don spotted a shallow water area near the big rock (see the photo above?)...and wahoo, we got the adrenaline back in our bodies!!


A 3.8lb largemouth bass, so far the largest of the season! And believe or not, but Don kept casting right back on the area for almost one hour, missed another BIG one and caught 2 smaller ones...Big rocks DO hide big fish!

2:25PM: Where is my luck today..."Don, What About a Last Cast?"

I am not complaining, I had caught a few bass so far that day, but missed quite a few in a row and nice ones...i was able to get them close from the boat, nice keepers, but they would fight hard and get away. Don and I decided we had a lot of fun and it was time to call it a day...But I decided to through my lizard in the the water one last time, and BOOM! Big hit, lots of pressure, but a miss...Damn it, what the Hell today!? Reeled back in, and throw again in the same area...and BOOM! Again, that time, he is hooked, and giving me a great figh! A nice smallie, 2.7lb which will make my day! That smallmouth was waiting for baits to go by. You cannot really see it on the picture below, but its stomach was ready to pop! And it gives me a count for the largest smallie so far this year!

2:30pm: Largest Small & Large mouth Bass so far!

Not a bad day at all...I guess there was no need to wake up at 5:20AM, because we did not catch any fish until late morning...that gives me an idea...

"Hey Don, You Care If We Meet at 10:30AM Next Week?"

HAHAHHAHAH, just kidding!!!


]]> <![CDATA[Over 40 fish...and One Turtle!]]>

Let's fish Pottapaug Pond at Quabbin

This week, Don and I went fishing the Pottapaug Pond located at Quabbin Reservoir Gate 43.

It's a really nice lake, it offers great largemouth fishing in low deep water areas with lots of lily pads (starting June). Saturday (May 6th) morning was amazing, a beautiful day, cool but not "too" cold...Unfortunately, it became overcast, then cloudy then rainy and cooler, and when you planned for a nice day and wear shorts, well, that stinks...

7:45AM: Looking for the right spot

We launched the boat without any problem (so far so good this year!), but the problem of the boat launching area at the Pottapaug Pond is that it is surrounded with shallow waters...and...for the first time of the season, even though we were as careful as we usually are, the propeller took a hit :-( Nothing major (a little loss of speed) and Don will have to try straighten it out.

When you get on waters you have not fished for a long time, it's always diffcult deciding where to go, because you could have got lucky at on so many different spots. We had a good feeling about a point area that leads into shallow waters, so we decided to start there:

8:10AM: Picking the right lure...

Even though it's still early Spring, the water is already warming up and fish are starting to hit lures, so we grabbed our spinnerbaits and joined perch rapala crankbaits:

These are great lures, we have caught quite a few fish with it. Don actually fished with the Perch lure and I had a gold spinnerbait on. After a few casts, it seemed that we were at the right spot: fish were hitting like crazy. I decided to move to a lizard, my favorite plastic lure.

8:30AM - 1st Largemouth of the season for me!

Finally, I got a fish specie Don has not yet caught this season! Remember, Don has caught the first trout, the first smallmouth, the first laker....where would he stop? Well, right there, right now! It felt really good, believe me!

That largemouth grabbed the lizard while it was resting at the bottom of shallow waters. That's really the trick when fishing with a lizard, give it some really slow action and let the the bass feed as slowly as they want!


9:00AM - We are on a roll

This was the beginning of a crazy 3 hours! Don and I probably caught 20 to 25 fish, from all sizes, but Don really caught most of them and many different types... f3cd4d3cbbd73ebfdaea38648efba81c It was INSANE and really funny! I do not have pictures of all of them, but here are a few:

11:30AM - Another Largemouth for me!

Wahoo! Even though the weather turned for the worse (showers, then rain, then cold, then rainsuits on ;-)), I was Xtremely happy to catch another decent 2lb largemouth:

We were fishing a very nice area, around 5 to 7 feet deep, lots of coverage for bass and the lizard was doing a great job. Don finally switched to it and...BING! Here is a picture of his 1.75lb largemouth:

12:55AM - Rainsuits on, Time to eat!

At that point of time, we both hated the weatherman. It was really cold and showers turned to somewhat heavy rain, basically not the conditions that were planned the night before. Hey I don't want to be a bad mouth on weathermen, but man, how can you plan a sunny 70 degrees weather when it rains straight for 4 hours!!

1:45PM - A bet that did not pay off

We decided to leave the area where we had great success (ok, my fault!) to reach a different area of the lake. Well, unfortunately, we did not succeed on that strategy. We caught a few pickerels (again! By that time of the day we probably had caught like 30 to 35 of them!) and...a snapping turtle - well, I did! I was retrieving my line, fishing with my lizard when I felt I hit something...

The turtle was swimming in shallow water and my not-so-weedless-anymore lizard got stuck on the right front leg of the turtle. Don't worry, the hook did not get deep at all, it seems to me that the snapping turtle's skin is like thick leather (sorry I have no experience with snapping turtles :-))...thing is, the turtle was swimming away from us, so I could not easily use the pliers to free her! Don alerted me like 3 times that the snapping turtle has the ability to expand its neck quite much and could bite me: well it tried and it FAILED! Close enough...but there is a good end to that story: she was freed and swam away.

3PM - End of Day

Not bad at all, we caught 4 largemouth bass, with 3 keepers, around 30 pickerels, pumpkin seeds, crapies, white bass...a snapping turtle! Well, is that not a list!

What about next week? If the weather holds on (I won't trust the weatherman this time), we'll fish at Quaboag in West Brookfield


]]>

Let's fish Pottapaug Pond at Quabbin

This week, Don and I went fishing the Pottapaug Pond located at Quabbin Reservoir Gate 43.

It's a really nice lake, it offers great largemouth fishing in low deep water areas with lots of lily pads (starting June). Saturday (May 6th) morning was amazing, a beautiful day, cool but not "too" cold...Unfortunately, it became overcast, then cloudy then rainy and cooler, and when you planned for a nice day and wear shorts, well, that stinks...

7:45AM: Looking for the right spot

We launched the boat without any problem (so far so good this year!), but the problem of the boat launching area at the Pottapaug Pond is that it is surrounded with shallow waters...and...for the first time of the season, even though we were as careful as we usually are, the propeller took a hit :-( Nothing major (a little loss of speed) and Don will have to try straighten it out.

When you get on waters you have not fished for a long time, it's always diffcult deciding where to go, because you could have got lucky at on so many different spots. We had a good feeling about a point area that leads into shallow waters, so we decided to start there:

8:10AM: Picking the right lure...

Even though it's still early Spring, the water is already warming up and fish are starting to hit lures, so we grabbed our spinnerbaits and joined perch rapala crankbaits:

These are great lures, we have caught quite a few fish with it. Don actually fished with the Perch lure and I had a gold spinnerbait on. After a few casts, it seemed that we were at the right spot: fish were hitting like crazy. I decided to move to a lizard, my favorite plastic lure.

8:30AM - 1st Largemouth of the season for me!

Finally, I got a fish specie Don has not yet caught this season! Remember, Don has caught the first trout, the first smallmouth, the first laker....where would he stop? Well, right there, right now! It felt really good, believe me!

That largemouth grabbed the lizard while it was resting at the bottom of shallow waters. That's really the trick when fishing with a lizard, give it some really slow action and let the the bass feed as slowly as they want!


9:00AM - We are on a roll

This was the beginning of a crazy 3 hours! Don and I probably caught 20 to 25 fish, from all sizes, but Don really caught most of them and many different types... f3cd4d3cbbd73ebfdaea38648efba81c It was INSANE and really funny! I do not have pictures of all of them, but here are a few:

11:30AM - Another Largemouth for me!

Wahoo! Even though the weather turned for the worse (showers, then rain, then cold, then rainsuits on ;-)), I was Xtremely happy to catch another decent 2lb largemouth:

We were fishing a very nice area, around 5 to 7 feet deep, lots of coverage for bass and the lizard was doing a great job. Don finally switched to it and...BING! Here is a picture of his 1.75lb largemouth:

12:55AM - Rainsuits on, Time to eat!

At that point of time, we both hated the weatherman. It was really cold and showers turned to somewhat heavy rain, basically not the conditions that were planned the night before. Hey I don't want to be a bad mouth on weathermen, but man, how can you plan a sunny 70 degrees weather when it rains straight for 4 hours!!

1:45PM - A bet that did not pay off

We decided to leave the area where we had great success (ok, my fault!) to reach a different area of the lake. Well, unfortunately, we did not succeed on that strategy. We caught a few pickerels (again! By that time of the day we probably had caught like 30 to 35 of them!) and...a snapping turtle - well, I did! I was retrieving my line, fishing with my lizard when I felt I hit something...

The turtle was swimming in shallow water and my not-so-weedless-anymore lizard got stuck on the right front leg of the turtle. Don't worry, the hook did not get deep at all, it seems to me that the snapping turtle's skin is like thick leather (sorry I have no experience with snapping turtles :-))...thing is, the turtle was swimming away from us, so I could not easily use the pliers to free her! Don alerted me like 3 times that the snapping turtle has the ability to expand its neck quite much and could bite me: well it tried and it FAILED! Close enough...but there is a good end to that story: she was freed and swam away.

3PM - End of Day

Not bad at all, we caught 4 largemouth bass, with 3 keepers, around 30 pickerels, pumpkin seeds, crapies, white bass...a snapping turtle! Well, is that not a list!

What about next week? If the weather holds on (I won't trust the weatherman this time), we'll fish at Quaboag in West Brookfield


]]> <![CDATA[Quabbin Reservoir - 3 Smallmouth and...a laker!]]>

Let's Go Fishing at Quabbin!

For the first time to the 2006 season, Don and I went fishing to Quabbin. If you are not from the area, the Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States (412 billion gallon of water!!) and is the source of drinking water for over 2 million people. Click on the following link if you want to learn more about the quabbin reservoir history.

This is a beautiful place, as you can see ;-)

Meeting at 8AM...well, 3mn late ;-)

We decided to meet around 8am on Saturday morning at gate 43, which is the gate we most often go to. From that gate, you can fish the reservoir or you also have the option of launching your boat into the Pottapaug Pond which has some great largemouth fishing (we plan on going in the next few weeks, so I'll post something about it).

Gate 43 was quite busy, probably 10 to 15 boats already in the water by the time we got to the parking lot. There is a "fishing" fee at Quabbin: $2.00/person + $4.00/vehicle.

If you do not own boat, you can rent one half day or for a full day: Full day: (Boat Motor) $30.00 + $4.00/vehicle = $34.00 Half day: (Boat Motor) $10.00 + $4.00/vehicle = $14.00 This is really a good deal to take your kids, family or buddies out for fishing.

8:30AM - Launching the boat...

We launched the boat really quickly, we probably deserve a Master of Sciences in "Boat Launching"...and the engine started without any problem. So here we are, leaving the boat launch area, cruisin' on Quabbin:

We weather was gorgeous, but chilly and breezy. I advise anyone: if the local weather man announces a 10mph wind (or more) and a outdoor temperature of ~40 degrees, wear some Winter clothing! The wind carries the cold and humidity from the water and it ends up feeling like 30 degrees or less on the boat! Damn cold!

9AM - It's Time for the Fishing Strategy of the the Day!

Don and I usually fish specific areas from Gate 43, where we've been lucky in the past. Early in the season, we want to hit places we know well, it's difficult enough to catch any fish in early Spring, so go where you know the fish is! Later on in the season, we try exploring new areas.

We ran first using silver spinnerbaits and tiger crankbaits. We knew we had to go deep and reel back really slowly. After the first hour, even though we had not caught any fish, we saw a few following our baits back to the boat which made us realize that we were using the right lures, but these smallies were not ready to attack.

10 AM - Too windy...I Hate fighting the Wind ;-)

The wind was blowing a lot so we decided to move up from the dam area and cruise down alongside drop offs, the wind carrying us down.

We had the pleasure to see 2 bald eagles: one of the eagles seemed to be sitting the nest and the other one was a few trees away:

This was quite a beautiful wild scenery...

11:15AM - Here we go! First Smallmouth of the Year!

This year, Don is really on fire, I have to admit this. First time fishing at the Swift River, and Don caught the first three trouts of the season, now at Quabbin, he catches the first smallmouth bass. What's left for me?! I guess the 1st largemouth, Pike, Pickerel, Walleye, Salmon or Laker...hmmm...wait a mn and read below, this one will get off my list really soon! Anyway, kuddos Don, you did it, first smallmouth for you (around 1.25 pound):

12:30AM - Lunch time

The wind stopped blowing us around...that's actually really odd but common for the Quabbin reservoir: the wind usually blows all morning long and then stops by Noon time. The wind also switches directions like crazy...try figuring this one out ;-) So we did not think twice, as hungry as we were, it was time to eat and try to get back to fishing quickly to enjoy the rest of the day.

1:15PM - A few hits and finally I catch my fish of the season!

FINALLY! YES, F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!. We reached another dam area, with depth around 30 to 40 feet deep. So, while Don was napping ;-), I switched from a spinnerbait to a 6" pumpkin lizard on a Gamakatsu Jobee Pro Hook, let the line go deep and wait for some action. That smallie was not big, probably not even a pound, but it felt good catching a fish on my new rod and reel. I also caught another one later on, around the same size, nothing to get excited about.

Fishing on Plastic Worms for...Lakers??

Since the plastic lizard seemed working for me, Don decided to go back to the "old goodies": a 6" long Watermelon Yamamoto Senko...and there it is: we did not expect the following to happen:

Yep, a LAKER! 22 inches long, probably 4 or 5 pounds, a "monster" (I know, you can probably hear me saying it 10 times, I got excited, sorry!) caught on a "plastic worm"...well, go figure this one out as well! In the past few years of fishing, we heard stories from guys catching lakers jigging a plastic worm, but to be honest, I thought there were myths! Well, Don did it AND took away another fish of my list! Thanks Don, I REALLY appreciate it...hehe ;-)

2:50pm - Let's Call it Quit with 3 Smallmouth Bass and One Laker

Not bad at all for the first day at Quabbin. Honestly, I was not expecting much (from myself for sure), but we did pretty well, better off than the previous years on the first day out on the reservoir. A total of 3 smallies and a laker (BTW - Don missed a big fish, could have a been a salmon for what I know!), and a few sunburns ;-)


]]>

Let's Go Fishing at Quabbin!

For the first time to the 2006 season, Don and I went fishing to Quabbin. If you are not from the area, the Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States (412 billion gallon of water!!) and is the source of drinking water for over 2 million people. Click on the following link if you want to learn more about the quabbin reservoir history.

This is a beautiful place, as you can see ;-)

Meeting at 8AM...well, 3mn late ;-)

We decided to meet around 8am on Saturday morning at gate 43, which is the gate we most often go to. From that gate, you can fish the reservoir or you also have the option of launching your boat into the Pottapaug Pond which has some great largemouth fishing (we plan on going in the next few weeks, so I'll post something about it).

Gate 43 was quite busy, probably 10 to 15 boats already in the water by the time we got to the parking lot. There is a "fishing" fee at Quabbin: $2.00/person + $4.00/vehicle.

If you do not own boat, you can rent one half day or for a full day: Full day: (Boat Motor) $30.00 + $4.00/vehicle = $34.00 Half day: (Boat Motor) $10.00 + $4.00/vehicle = $14.00 This is really a good deal to take your kids, family or buddies out for fishing.

8:30AM - Launching the boat...

We launched the boat really quickly, we probably deserve a Master of Sciences in "Boat Launching"...and the engine started without any problem. So here we are, leaving the boat launch area, cruisin' on Quabbin:

We weather was gorgeous, but chilly and breezy. I advise anyone: if the local weather man announces a 10mph wind (or more) and a outdoor temperature of ~40 degrees, wear some Winter clothing! The wind carries the cold and humidity from the water and it ends up feeling like 30 degrees or less on the boat! Damn cold!

9AM - It's Time for the Fishing Strategy of the the Day!

Don and I usually fish specific areas from Gate 43, where we've been lucky in the past. Early in the season, we want to hit places we know well, it's difficult enough to catch any fish in early Spring, so go where you know the fish is! Later on in the season, we try exploring new areas.

We ran first using silver spinnerbaits and tiger crankbaits. We knew we had to go deep and reel back really slowly. After the first hour, even though we had not caught any fish, we saw a few following our baits back to the boat which made us realize that we were using the right lures, but these smallies were not ready to attack.

10 AM - Too windy...I Hate fighting the Wind ;-)

The wind was blowing a lot so we decided to move up from the dam area and cruise down alongside drop offs, the wind carrying us down.

We had the pleasure to see 2 bald eagles: one of the eagles seemed to be sitting the nest and the other one was a few trees away:

This was quite a beautiful wild scenery...

11:15AM - Here we go! First Smallmouth of the Year!

This year, Don is really on fire, I have to admit this. First time fishing at the Swift River, and Don caught the first three trouts of the season, now at Quabbin, he catches the first smallmouth bass. What's left for me?! I guess the 1st largemouth, Pike, Pickerel, Walleye, Salmon or Laker...hmmm...wait a mn and read below, this one will get off my list really soon! Anyway, kuddos Don, you did it, first smallmouth for you (around 1.25 pound):

12:30AM - Lunch time

The wind stopped blowing us around...that's actually really odd but common for the Quabbin reservoir: the wind usually blows all morning long and then stops by Noon time. The wind also switches directions like crazy...try figuring this one out ;-) So we did not think twice, as hungry as we were, it was time to eat and try to get back to fishing quickly to enjoy the rest of the day.

1:15PM - A few hits and finally I catch my fish of the season!

FINALLY! YES, F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!. We reached another dam area, with depth around 30 to 40 feet deep. So, while Don was napping ;-), I switched from a spinnerbait to a 6" pumpkin lizard on a Gamakatsu Jobee Pro Hook, let the line go deep and wait for some action. That smallie was not big, probably not even a pound, but it felt good catching a fish on my new rod and reel. I also caught another one later on, around the same size, nothing to get excited about.

Fishing on Plastic Worms for...Lakers??

Since the plastic lizard seemed working for me, Don decided to go back to the "old goodies": a 6" long Watermelon Yamamoto Senko...and there it is: we did not expect the following to happen:

Yep, a LAKER! 22 inches long, probably 4 or 5 pounds, a "monster" (I know, you can probably hear me saying it 10 times, I got excited, sorry!) caught on a "plastic worm"...well, go figure this one out as well! In the past few years of fishing, we heard stories from guys catching lakers jigging a plastic worm, but to be honest, I thought there were myths! Well, Don did it AND took away another fish of my list! Thanks Don, I REALLY appreciate it...hehe ;-)

2:50pm - Let's Call it Quit with 3 Smallmouth Bass and One Laker

Not bad at all for the first day at Quabbin. Honestly, I was not expecting much (from myself for sure), but we did pretty well, better off than the previous years on the first day out on the reservoir. A total of 3 smallies and a laker (BTW - Don missed a big fish, could have a been a salmon for what I know!), and a few sunburns ;-)


]]> <![CDATA[No fishing this week end...]]>

Don and I won't be fishing this week end, the weather is not that great and it's too early in the season to go out on the water and not having a good time.

The Sylvan Fishing Boat Is Back!

The Good news is that Don's Sylvan boat is back! Yeahhhhhhhhh!! It should take only a few days for the team at the dealer shop to get it back together, finally!

I Had a Dream...

...That in 2006, I'll catch a big fish...a BIG one.

Well, since I won't be catching anything this week end ;-), I thought I would post the pictures of the largest small and largemouth bass we caught last year:

2005 Largemouth Bass

2005 Smallmouth Bass

Of course, Don caught both of them, which makes me a real loser right? I swear I can catch some nice fish too, I guess I'll need to prove myself. I do not remember actually how large these fish were, pictures never come up nice on top of it. This year I decided to use a Nikon Coolpix S1, it's a 5 megapixels, the pictures are really coming out amazing.... Anyway, we usually take the measurements of the fish we catch: we have a digital fishing scale to weight them (if you fish a lot and do not own one...buy one! You'll know exactely how big the fish you catch are, it's so easy to use and relatively cheap). Unfortunately, we let the digital scale out on the sun a few times, and the digital display does not really like that: you get a black screen and therefore you cannot read any number! We figured out an easy solution: drop in the cooler for a few mn with our soda cans! It simply needs to cool down a bit before using it again. Basically, both times, we were not able to weight the bass, but that largemouth was over 4lbs for sure, because Don caught another one 5mn later that looked half the size of the one on the picture and it weighted around 3.5lbs.


]]>

Don and I won't be fishing this week end, the weather is not that great and it's too early in the season to go out on the water and not having a good time.

The Sylvan Fishing Boat Is Back!

The Good news is that Don's Sylvan boat is back! Yeahhhhhhhhh!! It should take only a few days for the team at the dealer shop to get it back together, finally!

I Had a Dream...

...That in 2006, I'll catch a big fish...a BIG one.

Well, since I won't be catching anything this week end ;-), I thought I would post the pictures of the largest small and largemouth bass we caught last year:

2005 Largemouth Bass

2005 Smallmouth Bass

Of course, Don caught both of them, which makes me a real loser right? I swear I can catch some nice fish too, I guess I'll need to prove myself. I do not remember actually how large these fish were, pictures never come up nice on top of it. This year I decided to use a Nikon Coolpix S1, it's a 5 megapixels, the pictures are really coming out amazing.... Anyway, we usually take the measurements of the fish we catch: we have a digital fishing scale to weight them (if you fish a lot and do not own one...buy one! You'll know exactely how big the fish you catch are, it's so easy to use and relatively cheap). Unfortunately, we let the digital scale out on the sun a few times, and the digital display does not really like that: you get a black screen and therefore you cannot read any number! We figured out an easy solution: drop in the cooler for a few mn with our soda cans! It simply needs to cool down a bit before using it again. Basically, both times, we were not able to weight the bass, but that largemouth was over 4lbs for sure, because Don caught another one 5mn later that looked half the size of the one on the picture and it weighted around 3.5lbs.


]]> <![CDATA[Spring is back, so is Fishing!]]>

Well, well...I had been waiting for this day for over 5 months: back on a river with my favorite fishing partner, my brand new BassPro XPS 7' rod equipped with its brand new Quantum Energy PTi-A (review to come soon...), listening to the wild and having a great time. Don I decided that our opening day would be that Saturday 15th of April 2006: we would hit the Swift River for the first fishing day of the year! Actually there was one real reason for choosing the Swift: Don sent his boat for carpet replacement, and the boat has not yet been shipped back to him (I won'get into more details, Don has been enough frustrated about it, no need to add more oil to the fire)...

We are lucky because Don was able to register his canoe on Friday afternoon, and to be totally honest, kayaks or canoes are best on the Swift river. A few years ago, Don had added a bracket on the back of the canoe to which he can fix a Minn Kota trolling motor on. This is the best setup ever! Ok, we don't get any workout, but it gives you plenty of time to concentrate on the fishing and troll up and down the river.

9AM: The Canoe Launch

We got to the launch area around 9AM, which was pretty late, but this early during the season, who cares what time you get on the water, it's all about having a good time and NOT freezing your butt off with the cool morning temperatures! It only took us a few mn to get the canoe ready:

Then we had to get "inside" the canoe, and I guess we had forgotten that a canoe isn't as stable as a 17 footer boat! So after avoiding twice to get an early bath in a 30 degrees water, we were on our way. I wanted to handle the boat, well, I like playing with that trolling motor! We decided to hit the river down to the dam area. Don went fishing this area last year and had some luck catching a few largemouth bass and a trout. Let's see what we can catch today!

9:30AM: Time to start fishing

On Don's advices, we decided to troll, which was relaxing....Ok, time for the first Don's Fishing Advice:
"Trouts usually follow a lure but do not hit right away. If you cast and retrieve, there is a great chance that the trout will follow the lure up to your boat but it will turn away when it sees you...before having a chance to grab that lure."

Well, believe it or not, this happened to me later on during the day...I was not really sure what to use on the river, i own a few Mepps spoons for trouts, i believe i bought one of the kits Mepps a while back. Don quickly decided to use a Gold and rainbow Rooters Tail, as always, making decisions which pay off BIG time!

rainbow rooters tail

I did not have one, so I kept my Mepps Gold Aglia.

10:30AM: The First Trout!

On the way down to the dam, Don felt a hit and a few seconds later, that was it: "I got one!"...oh you have no idea how i like to hear that phrase! The trout was "wayyyy" back behind us since we were trolling, so Don had plently of time to enjoy retrieving his first fish of the season. Here is a picture:

first trout

We decided not to keep the trout, simply because we had not plan on doing so. You can catch as many as 3 trouts per head, that's your count on the Swift River.

11AM: Second Trout...Don: 2 Me: 0

Trolling on the way back up, Don caught his second trout of the day, and a larger one, around 16". I made a quick video, you've got to check out the Don's professionalism on that catch! Hand in the water first, grad the trout by the belly, she's out of the water, that's it....WAHOOOO!!! This is the way to it kids, the ONLY way!



On the first catch, we tried the net...and that was not a good idea! The first trout tangled itself in the net, was quite a mess...and if you pay attention on the picture above, you can see the green net floating on the water...oops, too much excitement I guess! Since that trout was really nice and Don had caught his second trout in less than 1 hour, we decided to keep it for lunch.

second trout
We were a bit anxious about lunch, because even though that trout was of a nice size, that would not really feed two grown men! Lucky enough for me, Don knows how to catch fish!

12:30AM: Third Trout for Don...I officially suck!

At this point, I knew I was in trouble: you can't come back on 3 trouts! Don was having a great day, no question about it: we have never caught as many trouts as he did since we have been fishing together. That trout was hiding in weeds, in a very active area of the river: the water was quite fast, and we knew it was going to be a good spot coming up on the area. Since my Mepps really stank all morning, I let Don give me his feedback on what to use and he suggested a gold spoon. I do not have a picture of it, the closest I found is that Shorty Gold Spoon, something really simple, but the Gold color was king in that clear water.

1:30PM: Captain Switch

Back to the launch area, we decided to keep going for a little bit more time: trying to catch a third trout. We decided to switch positions, Don would handle the trolling motor of the canoe. It sounds stupid but hear me out: in order to switch, you have to reach shore, get out of the canoe, and get back in it...well it is not "that" easy after sitting in it for 5 hours! For the third time of the day, we almost took a bath, actually I did! Don't get me wrong: canoeing IS fun! hehe...

2:15pm: I Missed a Trout!

We didn't get lucky at all going up the Swift River, the river is unbelievably beautiful , you can actually see trouts swimming around you, but if you can see it, you ain't catching it!

Swift River - Up

We decided to call it a day, and not even 100 feet away from the boat launch, I missed one! As i previously wrote and as Don said, casting and retrieving is not the best way to fish for trouts: they have a tendency to follow the lure for some time before hitting it hard, and that's what happened to me. I swear the trout had its mouth wide opened after my lure 3 feet away from the canoe! Of course, she got scared seeing the canoe and turned its back at me...damn!

Fishing Day 1: 3 Trouts, not bad at all!

In conclusion, this first fishing day was great, weather was beautiful, kind of warm, we had a great time on the Swift River, and trouts were hitting...on Don's Rooters Tail ONLY!! We are a very good late lunch, we certainly enjoy the trouts!

But the most important is: next time I'll do better! Well, at least I'll try! ;-)


]]>

Well, well...I had been waiting for this day for over 5 months: back on a river with my favorite fishing partner, my brand new BassPro XPS 7' rod equipped with its brand new Quantum Energy PTi-A (review to come soon...), listening to the wild and having a great time. Don I decided that our opening day would be that Saturday 15th of April 2006: we would hit the Swift River for the first fishing day of the year! Actually there was one real reason for choosing the Swift: Don sent his boat for carpet replacement, and the boat has not yet been shipped back to him (I won'get into more details, Don has been enough frustrated about it, no need to add more oil to the fire)...

We are lucky because Don was able to register his canoe on Friday afternoon, and to be totally honest, kayaks or canoes are best on the Swift river. A few years ago, Don had added a bracket on the back of the canoe to which he can fix a Minn Kota trolling motor on. This is the best setup ever! Ok, we don't get any workout, but it gives you plenty of time to concentrate on the fishing and troll up and down the river.

9AM: The Canoe Launch

We got to the launch area around 9AM, which was pretty late, but this early during the season, who cares what time you get on the water, it's all about having a good time and NOT freezing your butt off with the cool morning temperatures! It only took us a few mn to get the canoe ready:

Then we had to get "inside" the canoe, and I guess we had forgotten that a canoe isn't as stable as a 17 footer boat! So after avoiding twice to get an early bath in a 30 degrees water, we were on our way. I wanted to handle the boat, well, I like playing with that trolling motor! We decided to hit the river down to the dam area. Don went fishing this area last year and had some luck catching a few largemouth bass and a trout. Let's see what we can catch today!

9:30AM: Time to start fishing

On Don's advices, we decided to troll, which was relaxing....Ok, time for the first Don's Fishing Advice:
"Trouts usually follow a lure but do not hit right away. If you cast and retrieve, there is a great chance that the trout will follow the lure up to your boat but it will turn away when it sees you...before having a chance to grab that lure."

Well, believe it or not, this happened to me later on during the day...I was not really sure what to use on the river, i own a few Mepps spoons for trouts, i believe i bought one of the kits Mepps a while back. Don quickly decided to use a Gold and rainbow Rooters Tail, as always, making decisions which pay off BIG time!

rainbow rooters tail

I did not have one, so I kept my Mepps Gold Aglia.

10:30AM: The First Trout!

On the way down to the dam, Don felt a hit and a few seconds later, that was it: "I got one!"...oh you have no idea how i like to hear that phrase! The trout was "wayyyy" back behind us since we were trolling, so Don had plently of time to enjoy retrieving his first fish of the season. Here is a picture:

first trout

We decided not to keep the trout, simply because we had not plan on doing so. You can catch as many as 3 trouts per head, that's your count on the Swift River.

11AM: Second Trout...Don: 2 Me: 0

Trolling on the way back up, Don caught his second trout of the day, and a larger one, around 16". I made a quick video, you've got to check out the Don's professionalism on that catch! Hand in the water first, grad the trout by the belly, she's out of the water, that's it....WAHOOOO!!! This is the way to it kids, the ONLY way!



On the first catch, we tried the net...and that was not a good idea! The first trout tangled itself in the net, was quite a mess...and if you pay attention on the picture above, you can see the green net floating on the water...oops, too much excitement I guess! Since that trout was really nice and Don had caught his second trout in less than 1 hour, we decided to keep it for lunch.

second trout
We were a bit anxious about lunch, because even though that trout was of a nice size, that would not really feed two grown men! Lucky enough for me, Don knows how to catch fish!

12:30AM: Third Trout for Don...I officially suck!

At this point, I knew I was in trouble: you can't come back on 3 trouts! Don was having a great day, no question about it: we have never caught as many trouts as he did since we have been fishing together. That trout was hiding in weeds, in a very active area of the river: the water was quite fast, and we knew it was going to be a good spot coming up on the area. Since my Mepps really stank all morning, I let Don give me his feedback on what to use and he suggested a gold spoon. I do not have a picture of it, the closest I found is that Shorty Gold Spoon, something really simple, but the Gold color was king in that clear water.

1:30PM: Captain Switch

Back to the launch area, we decided to keep going for a little bit more time: trying to catch a third trout. We decided to switch positions, Don would handle the trolling motor of the canoe. It sounds stupid but hear me out: in order to switch, you have to reach shore, get out of the canoe, and get back in it...well it is not "that" easy after sitting in it for 5 hours! For the third time of the day, we almost took a bath, actually I did! Don't get me wrong: canoeing IS fun! hehe...

2:15pm: I Missed a Trout!

We didn't get lucky at all going up the Swift River, the river is unbelievably beautiful , you can actually see trouts swimming around you, but if you can see it, you ain't catching it!

Swift River - Up

We decided to call it a day, and not even 100 feet away from the boat launch, I missed one! As i previously wrote and as Don said, casting and retrieving is not the best way to fish for trouts: they have a tendency to follow the lure for some time before hitting it hard, and that's what happened to me. I swear the trout had its mouth wide opened after my lure 3 feet away from the canoe! Of course, she got scared seeing the canoe and turned its back at me...damn!

Fishing Day 1: 3 Trouts, not bad at all!

In conclusion, this first fishing day was great, weather was beautiful, kind of warm, we had a great time on the Swift River, and trouts were hitting...on Don's Rooters Tail ONLY!! We are a very good late lunch, we certainly enjoy the trouts!

But the most important is: next time I'll do better! Well, at least I'll try! ;-)


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