Eastern Ma & New England Area Fishing Reports

[LadiMopar]

1 hour ago, Mr. Aquarium said:

If I see a neon green sweatshirt Ill say hi. Hopefully there wont be to many LOL

If the neon green camo hoodie is attached to a gal with a long ponytail and a RAM hat you've most likely found me! And l don't figure there will be too many who fit that description. Should I also mention that a crankbait rod is probably fat compared to me? LOL!!!!

 

Have you tried Mayo's handpoured baits? Brian does some amazing soft plastics, and his prices are amazing too! One of the days he's doing a Hawg tank demo of his IT bait which is a real interesting creature type bait. Like a long whispy craw with great action. He's always the first booth in the main hall.  https://www.mayosbaits.com

[Mr. Aquarium]

of course I have, his baits are awesome!!!  I really love the samatis craw  for my jig trailers! they are by far my favorite! 

I need a good creature bait!!! ill check out his! 

his frogs are awesome!! 

[MassYak85]

1 hour ago, LadiMopar said:

If the neon green camo hoodie is attached to a gal with a long ponytail and a RAM hat you've most likely found me! And l don't figure there will be too many who fit that description. Should I also mention that a crankbait rod is probably fat compared to me? LOL!!!!

 

Have you tried Mayo's handpoured baits? Brian does some amazing soft plastics, and his prices are amazing too! One of the days he's doing a Hawg tank demo of his IT bait which is a real interesting creature type bait. Like a long whispy craw with great action. He's always the first booth in the main hall.  https://www.mayosbaits.com

Those have been on my list to try for a while, prices are definitely great, especially considering the customization they offer for orders. Any recommendations if I place an order?

[LadiMopar]

2 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

Those have been on my list to try for a while, prices are definitely great, especially considering the customization they offer for orders. Any recommendations if I place an order?

Everyone I've given the IT bait to has loved them; I tend to lean towards the 3.5 inch version. They can be used just as they are or if you're really looking to bag a big girl I've run them as trailers on a jig or spinnerbait.

 

As Mr Aquarium mentioned the frogs are fabulous. 

 

I also really like the Super Craw trailers, but to be honest I can't say I've ever been completely disappointed by any of his baits. They are well made, and deliciously soft without a ton of oil on them. I've also found they don't bleed out their color like many low cost/quality plastics do after sitting in the heat.

 

Hope this helps a little. ?

[DogBone_384]

Forecast is for low 40’s tomorrow... do I hit the show in Boxboro or look for open water .... oh, the decisions I have to make...

[MassYak85]

1 hour ago, DogBone_384 said:

Forecast is for low 40’s tomorrow... do I hit the show in Boxboro or look for open water .... oh, the decisions I have to make...

Is there still open water on the cape? It would insane if someone could catch an open water fish in February, might be able to on the first before the temperatures plunge again. 

[LadiMopar]

3 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

Forecast is for low 40’s tomorrow... do I hit the show in Boxboro or look for open water .... oh, the decisions I have to make...

Show was wonderful today, put the down payment on the new Dorado! ? But if you're not in need of anything you could get elsewhere I'd vote for open water. Just my 2 cents.

[DogBone_384]

Congrats on your Dorado.  It looks like an aircraft carrier! 

 

I really don't need anything.  We'll see what happens tomorrow morning.

[je1946]

3 hours ago, LadiMopar said:

Show was wonderful today, put the down payment on the new Dorado! ? But if you're not in need of anything you could get elsewhere I'd vote for open water. Just my 2 cents.

Glad you enjoyed the show, did you meet up with any of the NE bassers? Congrats on your new ride.

[DogBone_384]

15 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

Is there still open water on the cape? It would insane if someone could catch an open water fish in February

I caught fish here in open water every month last year.

 

It’s a tough goal, but worth it.

[LadiMopar]

11 hours ago, je1946 said:

Glad you enjoyed the show, did you meet up with any of the NE bassers? Congrats on your new ride.

 

Sorry you missed the show it would have been good to see you.  "Haggard" from Kittery made it down after dealing with a temporary loss of heat at his place and I think I saw @Mr. Aquarium whiz by me while I was in the NEBassin booth. Looked for him in the booth he mentioned he might be at, but like a double digit bass in New England he disappeared into heavy cover never to be seen again! ?

 

14 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

Congrats on your Dorado.  It looks like an aircraft carrier! 

 

I really don't need anything.  We'll see what happens tomorrow morning.

 

ROFLMAO!!!! Now that you mention it @DogBone_384 you're right, the Dorado does look a bit like an aircraft carrier! ? They had one I could inspect up close and personal and in keeping with military reference...it's built like a tank! Bought mine with the motor drive option and at a hefty 125 lbs I'm sure I'll need it. Can't imagine paddling it. Eeek! 

 

Just some first impressions: The new higher backed seat (7 inches taller than original) was mighty comfy. Looking forward to maybe being able to put some extra time in with less back strain; the cockpit storage options seem to be quite generous; rear tank well is a lot bigger than my Lure 10; battery box/integrated wiring system looks pretty stout and is well thought out (nice and neat/nothing to get hung up on); and the LED lights are incredibly bright! Hope small planes don't mistake me for a landing strip at O'dark thirty!!!! ? Lastly, the peddle drive unit looks and feels as solid as their advertising implied, but maybe you can share some of your thoughts @DogBone_384 on that. New, out of the box equipment can be a tad deceiving. Would appreciate any feedback on your experience with it, like is it as easy to get in/out as they show it to be? How long does it take you to get it locked and loaded? Will I need to remove it to get it on the trailer? Thanks in advance.

 

If you got out on the water today I hope it was relaxing and productive.

 

?

 

 

[DogBone_384]

 

On 1/27/2019 at 11:44 AM, LadiMopar said:

maybe you can share some of your thoughts

I didn’t go to the show, nor did I get out in search of open water.  My daughter’s TJ Wrangler has a short somewhere in the reverse light circuit.  I fabricated my own switch and eliminated the factory wiring.  She’s a college freshman and can’t have her Jeep on campus.  I have the time to work on it.

 

FeelFree’s (FF) overdrive is well built.  All the allen bolts around the pedals and height adjuster require regular inspection/tightening.  My 1st year Overdrive (OD) experienced a couple teathing problems but FF’s customer service is top notch.  My right pedal’s threads stripped out and a gasket at the propeller failed.  Both items were replaced 2nd day shipping.

 

Pedalling normally, I get almost 4 mph.  My 11.5 probably weighs about 100 pounds with the OD installed.

 

The rudder works well and needs to be lifted from it’s mount if the kayak’s lifted at all for transport.  I bent the top plate once.  I bought two, one as a spare.  FF sells spare parts cheap.

 

If your rudder steering control is the same as mine, the blue ‘elastic’ used as a tensioner is crap. I’m working on my own mod.  My steering control has a tensioner nut that needs occasional adjustment to keep the steering smooth.  The rudder and steering mechanism is the only weak spot, but it’s not terrible.  I think FF did a pretty good job with it, especially because it’s a retro fit.

 

Buy a spare wheel kit.  The axle shaft is plastic and wears out after two seasons, especially when ported over beach like sand.  I fish two or three days a week, so My kayaks get a lot of use.  I use a scupper cart if I need to haul it any distance or over rough terrain.

 

I’m on my third axle on my ‘14 Lure and have a spare ready for my ‘17.  Sign up for Austin Kayak’s newsletter and you’ll get 15% coupons from time to time.

 

I can get in/out of my Lure as easy as pie.  If my Lure’s in my pickup’s bed, it’s pretty well ready to go.  If I put it on my ladder racks, it takes me less than 15 minutes to install the seat, OD, rod holders, tools, and Lowrance.

 

If you fish shallow, weedy, ponds, be prepared to leave the OD in the UP position.  The prop is 1’ under your hull and collects weeds.  It’s easy to clean up.  Buy a paddle with a thick, stiff, shaft.  It’s a big boat and a cheap paddle flexes badly.

 

That’s about all I can come up with.  The OD is good enough that my ‘14 Lure gets little use these days.

[MassYak85]

Stopped by the show with my dad earlier. Lots of great vendors, I picked up a couple spinnerbaits at Rocky Ledge, some craws at Samatis, and a pack of Miyagi Swimmers at Beast Coast's booth. Cool to see Mike Bucca and his booth too, those 11" Bullshads are HUGE! Congrats on the new tank kayak @LadiMopar ?. That is one hefty kayak for sure, but more often than not I wish I had peddle drive when I'm out fishing in my Ascend. 

[DogBone_384]

1 hour ago, MassYak85 said:

I wish I had peddle drive when I'm out fishing in my Ascend. 

I sold my Ascend 128T to help buy my Lure Overdrive ....  Expensive, but worth it.

[DogBone_384]

3 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

 

That trailer’s gonna look good with a FeelFree Dorado on it!

[LadiMopar]

4 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

Congrats on the new tank kayak @LadiMopar ?. That is one hefty kayak for sure, but more often than not I wish I had peddle drive when I'm out fishing in my Ascend. 

Glad you got to the show and hope your dad had fun too! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm obviously very excited about the new "tank", I mean yak. ?

 

And @DogBone_384 I agree the trailer will look outstanding with a Fire Camo Dorado riding on it...although it got a lot of long looks with the Lure 10 on it; oh wait, it was the Big Brown RAM that was getting those admiring stares! ?

And many thanks to you for the detailed input regarding the OD  etc. If you have the retro fit version then mine will be different. Dorado has the new 8 ball rudder control system and beaver tail rudder. Will certainly keep everything you mentioned in mind going forward, and it's good to know that FF customer service is easy to deal with. A lot fewer moving parts on the Lure 10 so haven't had to replace anything. I did find that I had to tighten the Allen screws in the seat this season; figure it was due to riding on the trailer over these smooth as silk MA roads. Asphalt? What asphalt???

 

Sorry your daughter's Jeep is having an issue. Hope it doesn't turn into a serious electrical thing. My well worn RAM hat is off to you for tackling it yourself. Electrical was a big enough pain in the rear back in the day when I turned a wrench for a living. My moto now-a-days is "let the dealer handle it". Of course the fact that both of my RAMs have the best warranty they offer has a !little to do with my "new" philosophy. None of that 5 yr., 100k crap for me...mine ends in 2098 (no that's not a typo) or 999,999 miles...which ever comes first. Woohoo!

 

[Mr. Aquarium]

@LadiMopar congrats on the new beast. I was looking for ya but couldnt find you in the crowd. IT WAS PACKED!!!! 
spent a good amount, mostly at the Samatis baits.  Bought a swimbait, some jigs, spinner baits annd a lot of plastics.  Sunday I  did the gun safety class for my LTC, it was a great weekend

[DogBone_384]

19 hours ago, LadiMopar said:

Sorry your daughter's Jeep is having an issue. Hope it doesn't turn into a serious electrical thing.

No worries on Kat's Jeep.  It's an '04 TJ Wrangler ... I'd rather work on that than anything new.  As far as an 'electrical thing', Jeeps are known for them and it's not a problem.  Car wiring is my specialty. I worked in the car stereo industry from the '80's until the early '00's.  I bypassed the OEM circuit and wired my own.

 

Anyone start a countdown to open water yet?

19 hours ago, LadiMopar said:

both of my RAMs have the best warranty

 

I like Dodge trucks, especially their motors, but their chronic rusting problems keep me from them.  I've driven Toyota trucks since '99, totaling over 500,000 miles and have never repaired one.

[DogBone_384]

19 hours ago, LadiMopar said:

My moto now-a-days is "let the dealer handle it".

I refuse to bring any of our cars to a dealer unless absolutely necessary.  Short of body work, tires, and the few things I'd need a dealer's programming machine for, I still turn my own wrenches.

 

Especially with labor rates well north of $100/hour...

[LadiMopar]

3 minutes ago, DogBone_384 said:

I refuse to bring any of our cars to a dealer unless absolutely necessary.  Short of body work, tires, and the few things I'd need a dealer's programming machine for, I still turn my own wrenches.

 

Especially with labor rates well north of $100/hour...

I envy you the ability to still turn your own wrenches....and maybe this is TMI or just plain nuts but I stand as close to the shop floor as I can get away with, just so I can smell the oil, rubber and tranny fluid smell. If someone created a Ode de Mopar Garage scent in a bottle I'd buy stock in it. ?

 

And that fancy warranty I have...means I pay for nothing but expendables. Oil, brakes etc. They even cover the rental or towing if I were ever to need it. I also do quite a bit of cross country driving by myself, soooo if I get stuck in South Dakota I have no worries.

[DogBone_384]

I'm lucky, short of a lift and a tire machine, I have about all the tools and experience necessary to build or fix anything. 

 

Same goes for electrical and carpentry.  I can do some plumbing, but dislike it enough and have coworkers that are licensed plumbers on the side that I don't.

 

[LadiMopar]

3 hours ago, Mr. Aquarium said:

@LadiMopar congrats on the new beast. I was looking for ya but couldnt find you in the crowd. IT WAS PACKED!!!! 
spent a good amount, mostly at the Samatis baits.  Bought a swimbait, some jigs, spinner baits annd a lot of plastics.  Sunday I  did the gun safety class for my LTC, it was a great weekend

Thanks for the congrats, and I'm sorry we didn't manage to connect...the place really was packed. I'm 95% sure it was you I saw whizzing by (abt 20 minutes after the doors opened) but I was being wooed by NEBassin into finally joining the Central MA kayak tourney trail.

7 minutes ago, DogBone_384 said:

I'm lucky, short of a lift and a tire machine, I have about all the tools and experience necessary to build or fix anything. 

 

Same goes for electrical and carpentry.  I can do some plumbing, but dislike it enough and have coworkers that are licensed plumbers on the side that I don't.

 

I'm just jealous now...?

[Mr. Aquarium]

1 hour ago, LadiMopar said:

Thanks for the congrats, and I'm sorry we didn't manage to connect...the place really was packed. I'm 95% sure it was you I saw whizzing by (abt 20 minutes after the doors opened) but I was being wooed by NEBassin into finally joining the Central MA kayak tourney trail.

 

Thats awesome. I stuck around the Samatis baits booth for a bit. I was with  my deaf buddy, If you saw someone signing it was most likely me. I got there just as the doors open.  CANT WAIT TO USE MY NEW BAITS!!!! SPRING NEEDS TO HURRY UP!!!!

[DogBone_384]

Mr. Aquarium and I are planning on drilling through the ice and coercing some fish up for fresh air on Saturday.

 

Tomorrow's recon day, working Plymouth and the south shore. .... will post our final destination tomorrow afternoon.

 

Any and all are invited..... just leave your kayaks home!

[DogBone_384]

I hot called into work this morning so no fishing today. 

 

Here are the conditions I found:

• Hedges Pond is about 1/3 open.  The remainder is 1” or less.
• Long Pond is mostly covered with thin ice.  I woudln’t test it out.
• Island Pond looked thicker than Hedges but was posted PRIVATE.
• Orchard Pond is the same as Island.
• Little and Lout Pond are 3-4” thick.  A couple crews were ice fishing Little Pond when I drove by.
• Jacobs Pond is 6” thick.  There were a couple crews ice fishing it while I was there.

 

Mr. Aquarium scouted different locations and came up with the same assessment as I did.  Deep waters are still marginal and shallow ponds are safe.

 

I put three tip-ups through the ice at Jacobs for an hour or so and jigged through one more hole.  I didn’t catch anything but one guy put two bass in his bucket while I was there and another crew pulled up a 3+ pound bass prior to my arrival.

 

With the upcoming forecast, Plymouth might just have some open water.