Eastern Ma & New England Area Fishing Reports

[MassYak85]

I got a couple of those Keitech Mono Spin Tungsten jigs to try a few weeks back. You guys ever tried them. I have one rigged on my spinning rod right now with a little 2" craw and it looks awesome but I haven't fished it yet. 

["hamma"]

10 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

I got a couple of those Keitech Mono Spin Tungsten jigs to try a few weeks back. You guys ever tried them. I have one rigged on my spinning rod right now with a little 2" craw and it looks awesome but I haven't fished it yet. 

I've not used any of these but it sounds like a viable option, as small and slow often is the ticket this time of year. Johns point about color and even lighter  weighted jigs is a good point as well, and worth exploration. If you have never stitched, or doodled, which for the most part was a western technique many years ago, look into them. They work wonders this time of year especially down on the cape or other sandy bottomed waters. Dragging is another good slow technique in cold water but you need a slow drift, via a slight breeze to do it right. Steve Carty, taught me this back in 94 with one of his small reapers on a jighead.  Thank You Steve!, I miss your baits, and conversations....And I found the small hair jig with a uncle josh 101 trailer to be even better. I'd imagine your new jig/craw combo would work as well, as it sounds smaller and a good option for any of the techniques mentioned. Just be sure to smother any offering with a scent. Any negative que at all will deter a hit, especially in colder waters, as bass will inspect a lure a bit longer before striking, due to a slower metabolism. The scent will offer a better chance at a hit, and often will actually initiate one in my opinion. Give your keitech jig a shot,..cant hurt.

[MassYak85]

Thanks for the tips! I have heard of stitching before but never really gave it a go. Not sure if I'll get a chance this season though. Looks like temperatures are going to start staying in the thirties during the day time next week and onward. Some skim ice might start forming on the ponds I fish before I even get done with finals.

Fine with me though. If I get to ice fish over winter break I'll be pretty happy. 

[Janderson45]

On November 30, 2016 at 7:28 PM, MassYak85 said:

Question for any of you guys who use jigs. When the water gets this cold, do you go small or big with your jigs? Like a 3/32 kietech jig, or a 3/4 football? They are slow right now for sure so would a tiny one be more likely to draw a bite since it's so subtle, or should I use a bigger one since they will want to conserve energy and take advantage of a larger meal? 

Or should I just keep chucking my hudd 68 and crawling it on the bottom until it bounces off the ice?

I really want to try the Picasso Fx shock blade:

they don't sell it with a tungsten head though, so technically illegal in mass waters, bummer.  I may try to construct some of my own with tungsten swimjig heads, they look like they'd work really well around here in cold water.. Maybe not super cold water, but I'm still catching them on a regular bladed jig (chatterbait), one with feathers I think would work even better, and could be retrieved very slowly in deeper water.  

[je1946]

3 hours ago, Janderson45 said:

I really want to try the Picasso Fx shock blade:

they don't sell it with a tungsten head though, so technically illegal in mass waters, bummer.  I may try to construct some of my own with tungsten swimjig heads, they look like they'd work really well around here in cold water.. Maybe not super cold water, but I'm still catching them on a regular bladed jig (chatterbait), one with feathers I think would work even better, and could be retrieved very slowly in deeper water.  

You could probably do the same with a scrounger head

 

[MassYak85]

5 hours ago, Janderson45 said:

I really want to try the Picasso Fx shock blade:

they don't sell it with a tungsten head though, so technically illegal in mass waters, bummer.  I may try to construct some of my own with tungsten swimjig heads, they look like they'd work really well around here in cold water.. Maybe not super cold water, but I'm still catching them on a regular bladed jig (chatterbait), one with feathers I think would work even better, and could be retrieved very slowly in deeper water.  

I almost bought one of those, they look amazing, but at 15 bucks a pop I decided against it. 

 

Also, I am still somewhat confused about the lead law even after all this time. I have transitioned all my sinkers over to tungsten or brass, but IMO the law isn't super clear about the different types of lures. It calls out lead bass jigs ("jigs which are painted, "skirted", or otherwise covered with rubber or other substance.") as not okay. But the it also lists examples of lures that ARE okay, like spinnerbaits. I just don't know where they draw the line. Does the addition of the blade excuse it, or it technically still a jig. And where does that leave things like underspins? Which are basiclaly spinnerbaits with an inverted and much smaller wire arm. Interestingly enough they also say weighted flies are still okay. I have some flies, and there's a point where the difference between a lead fly and a 1/32 hairjig are almost the same thing.

[Janderson45]

3 hours ago, je1946 said:

You could probably do the same with a scrounger head

 

Scroungers are good, and I have used them before, actually love them in colder water too.. But this blade puts off a ton of vibration and flash, even more so than a scrounger.  Have you fished bladed jigs before?  In stained water they can really do some damage, they come through vegatation better and generally give off more thump than a spinner bait, but otherwise are pretty similar.  

 

1 hour ago, MassYak85 said:

I almost bought one of those, they look amazing, but at 15 bucks a pop I decided against it. 

 

Also, I am still somewhat confused about the lead law even after all this time. I have transitioned all my sinkers over to tungsten or brass, but IMO the law isn't super clear about the different types of lures. It calls out lead bass jigs ("jigs which are painted, "skirted", or otherwise covered with rubber or other substance.") as not okay. But the it also lists examples of lures that ARE okay, like spinnerbaits. I just don't know where they draw the line. Does the addition of the blade excuse it, or it technically still a jig. And where does that leave things like underspins? Which are basiclaly spinnerbaits with an inverted and much smaller wire arm. Interestingly enough they also say weighted flies are still okay. I have some flies, and there's a point where the difference between a lead fly and a 1/32 hairjig are almost the same thing.

I hear you on that.. I fish all tungsten whenever I can, like you I changed out all of my terminal tackle weights for tungsten, spent quite a bit of money stocking up on tungsten over the past few years... Because this is a true "lead jig head" on this bait, I'd rather air on the side of caution and figure out a tungsten alternative, but you are absolutely right, it is not that clearly spelled out.  I view this bait as essentially a lead swim jig with a blade added, lead swim jigs are illegal, so naturally I'm looking for a tungsten alternative.. But you are right, lead headed spinnerbaits are still legal.

When looking at the laws and issues with some common sense, I think most of the issue with the loons was lead terminal tackle, like bullet weights, not full sized lead bass jigs complete with skirt and blade-- wouldn't think a loon would try to ingest that with a relatively small mouth, but what do I know. 

Nevermind the fact that loons are only prevelant in a select few Massachusetts water bodies... But I'm just trying to follow the rules to the best of my ability ?

[je1946]

Just took a look at TW and the Picasso Fx and hair jig.  I know tungsten is pricey but I can't see paying that for a hair jig.  Insane IMHO. It's nothing to go tru 1/2 dozen hair jigs in the rocks and gravel, at $14 a pop I'd lose my mind.  

I have tried the bladed jigs and as U stated gd in stained water,  don't think I've had a sniff in clear water, but you know how it is with a new bait and the confidence thing.  

[MassYak85]

8 minutes ago, je1946 said:

Just took a look at TW and the Picasso Fx and hair jig.  I know tungsten is pricey but I can't see paying that for a hair jig.  Insane IMHO.  I have tried the bladed jigs and as U stated gd in stained water,  don't think I've had a sniff in clear water, but you know how it is with a new bait and the confidence thing.  

 They aren't even tungsten, that's what makes the price completely crazy. They are charging you 8 bucks for the feathers pretty much. The standard shock blade is half the price. 

 

I have a starter fly tying kit and might try my hand at a few jigs over the winter, it would be a lot cheaper than a lot of these hand tied ones available online. By the way @Janderson45, do you know any tungsten bladed jig companies? I haven't seen any and have been using the revenge viberator, which is lead, and I haven't really found anything to replace it with. I guess I could always try putting a blade on a tungsten swim jig but I also haven't found a tungsten swim jig I like yet. 

[je1946]

8 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

 They aren't even tungsten, that's what makes the price completely crazy. They are charging you 8 bucks for the feathers pretty much. The standard shock blade is half the price. 

 

I have a starter fly tying kit and might try my hand at a few jigs over the winter, it would be a lot cheaper than a lot of these hand tied ones available online. By the way @Janderson45, do you know any tungsten bladed jig companies? I haven't seen any and have been using the revenge viberator, which is lead, and I haven't really found anything to replace it with. I guess I could always try putting a blade on a tungsten swim jig but I also haven't found a tungsten swim jig I like yet. 

I think Hamma and I have talked about going back to tying our own.  I've seen some of his stuff and like it a lot.  He showed me some crayfish immitations and they looked pretty nice. Another hair jig I like is the Pacatacarocco Fuzzball great colors and gd hooks.could try putting one of those on a blade

[MassYak85]

Yea I want to try a few feather or hair ones for the colder water and if I like doing it enough might start with some other types. If I end up with anything nice I'll post some pictures. 

[je1946]

Just now, MassYak85 said:

Yea I want to try a few feather or hair ones for the colder water and if I like doing it enough might start with some other types. If I end up with anything nice I'll post some pictures. 

Please do. 

 

[MassYak85]

Just now, je1946 said:

Please do. 

 

Also, where do you guys buy tying materials. I have some, but not enough to do the patterns I'm thinking of like a bluegill or perch. 

[je1946]

17 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

Also, where do you guys buy tying materials. I have some, but not enough to do the patterns I'm thinking of like a bluegill or perch. 

There's a fly tying shop in Pepperell, Ma.  or buy on the net. 

 

[Mr. Aquarium]

caught 4 bass and few yellow perch yesterday. fished the afternoon. 2 ponds. first pond was a smallie spot. few yellas and lost one smallie. the bite wasnt good so i dragged my yak to a new spot. this being the 3rd time fishing it. wish i fished here all day. 

4 largemouths all on jigs.   biggest being 1.14lbs lost a giant.  pitched the jig to a tree. felt the fish hit i set the hook and the line snapped.  the rod came back and hit me in the face. i was in shock and awe. i havent felt a fish like this in  a while.  

all 3 times ive fished this spot i've either hooked into some big bass or had a few hit!   IM ON A MISSION THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!

saturday! i fished a new spot. caught 2 bass and a pickerel. biggest being 1.12

 

["hamma"]

On 12/3/2016 at 9:11 PM, MassYak85 said:

Also, where do you guys buy tying materials. I have some, but not enough to do the patterns I'm thinking of like a bluegill or perch. 

 Theres bears den, in Norton or Taunton right off 495 from the bay rd exit,.that does have a website, they do also have shop hours on the site, if you live closeby I recommend checking the shop out, they are LOADED with materials and anything else for the fly fisherman. Its where I get my materials and the people there are quite friendly and willing to help. Im pretty sure they have different hours for winter so check it out. If you need it and they dont have it? im sure they will seek to get it for you

 As far as the lead ban and certain jigs? Any jig under a inch long, or under 1 oz in weight must be lead free. If the bladed jigs you are refering to are longer than a inch long (including the hooks bend) then they comply. At least,..thats how I remember it

 And it was the loons being poisoned by lead that started this whole deal. They use small gravel in their bellies to aid in digestion some how, and were picking up lead weights within the gravel. Prompting the new legislation.  

  Eventhough theres few loons east of Quabbin, ya know how this state is. Ive met some shore trout anglers that were fishing at long pond Plymouth that were checked for lead sinkers, even little pond as well. So, they are checking. But I dont think they'd bother you with a bladed jig seeing as the jigs blade alone is substantial in size, again ya know how this state is, one bad a.m. for a ranger and u may get the shaft . So id measure the bladed jig to be sure.

 If need be, give me a couple scroungers and I'll tie them up for ya, I have some materials, the vise and time. That way your not getting all the stuff to produce them, to "test" them out,...if they work? then go get the gear,...if they dont? your not out all money/time invested. just a few jigs.

 Thanks for the kind words John

[MassYak85]

Thanks for the advice! I can't find anywhere where it specifically states the < 1 inch part of the law though. If that is the case that makes a whole lot more sense as I'm pretty sure loons aren't going to be swallowing 4 inch long bladed jigs by accident haha. 

The whole law states:  "Lead Sinkers, Lead Weights, and Lead Jigs Weighing Less Than an Ounce. Any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohibited for use in all inland waters of the Commonwealth. The term lead sinker shall not include any other sinkers, weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle including, but not limited to, artificial lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead-core or other weighted fishing lines."

I would have to think you could argue a bladed jig as an artifical lure, no? Especially if they excuse spinnerbaits as they are getting pretty close. Shorten and straighten the spinnerbait arm and you have an inline spinner, which they also exclude, and attach the blade directly without the wire and you have what would be a silly "bladed jig". It just seems to me there is way too much "guesswork" involved in the law for them to realistically enforce it for anything other than lead sinkers, plain lead jigs, or lead weighted hooks. 

["hamma"]

I'd think the blade itself would exclude the lure altogether, same with underspins, again,.."I'd think",....also, I have yet to see a ranger checking anglers on bass waters yet. Trout waters? oh yeah, but bass lakes? not one as of yet.

 As Im tying my own bass, hair, and maribou jigs. Im also thinking of pouring my own non-lead jigs. Im compiling the info and have yet to find a mold that creates bladed jigs, If I do end up making my own jigs I will seek out the info for a bladed jig and let ya know what I come up with.

[Janderson45]

Bears den is awesome!!

Thanks for the clarification on the 1" clause Hamma, i hadn't seen that before..

scroungers i've found to actually work pretty darn good for me in clear cold water with just a plastic swimbait trailer.. I'm interested in the chatter bait/ feather combination for cold stained water.  

If I could send you a few tungsten bladed jigs do you think you could tie them up with some nice feathers?  I'd pay you for your efforts via paypal obviously... shoot me a PM if you're interested. 

[MassYak85]

Do any of you guys ice fish? Weather is starting to look pretty nice for ice making. 

[DogBone_384]

Funny you say Ice fishing. The waters I drove by today were skimmed over.  I've never ice fished, but bought some stuff in Kittery on closeout last Spring with the intention of giving it a go this winter.

Sine it's pretty well ice out and we have more time to read, I found this while buying my '17 license: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/education-events/masswildlife-news/masswildlife-monthly-august-2015.html#pondmaps

["hamma"]

  SWEET! its about time,...lol I understand the issue of available funding to do so, and am grateful for any upgrades the states F&W dept offer.

  The old maps were a bit outdated, and not really very accurate, I checked out the Chauncy lake map, and it looked 100% better than the older version. Thanks for the link Dogbone.

[DogBone_384]

Only doing my part in trying to keep MA bass nervous.

[Cyacnba]

Really glad I went to the Charles River today. I had both quantity and quality, which rarely happens to me. The quality bass were caught on football jigs while the quantity, on a LC Pointer SP. It was exciting to catch my first fish on a jerkbait. Caught around 12 and lost like 3 or 4. Biggest one of the day weighted 4.7lb, followed by 4.3lb, and a couple more between 2 and 3lb.

[MassYak85]

NICE! I imagine by the time I get home this weekend after finals the lakes will pretty much all have at least some skim ice on them. If not I will probably try my luck with some football jigs and jerkbaits myself. 

On 12/10/2016 at 9:38 PM, DogBone_384 said:

Funny you say Ice fishing. The waters I drove by today were skimmed over.  I've never ice fished, but bought some stuff in Kittery on closeout last Spring with the intention of giving it a go this winter.

Sine it's pretty well ice out and we have more time to read, I found this while buying my '17 license: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/education-events/masswildlife-news/masswildlife-monthly-august-2015.html#pondmaps

Definitely try! There are guys in Western Mass who have already fished safe ice! (granted some of the more hardcore guys consider 2-3 inches perfectly fine, I like 4+ myself). 

Also nice to see those new maps. Some of the maps they have are dangerously inaccurate.