quabbin gate 31 bass

[google]

hey,

does anyone fish here a lot?

im going soon and I was wondering if anybody has any tips or bait recommendations? I went before and used superflukes around weedy areas and did alright, but I want to catch a lot of fish this time!

Also, if you know of any good spots please let me know because I have the map of it. thanks!!

[wees]

I've only been to quabbin twice and both times I started at fishing area 3 at the boat ramp.  I've caught mostly smallmouth.  About half I caught on texas-rigged plastic worms and had good action with spinners.  I know this is far from where you're launching from but I've had good luck between Walker pond  and Walker Hill.  I'd post a link to a map but I'm not allowed to yet (too few posts).  

Good luck and let us know how you did.  I'm curious about what it's like on the north side of the reservoir.

[google]

hey thanks a lot for the advice. i could go to either 43 or 31 and im thinking i might go to 43, seems like people like it better there

[Crestliner2008]

I usually fish out of Gate #31 two or three times a week. What species are you targetting? Do you have your own boat or renting? Do you have a sonar?

I am mainly a smallmouth fisherman, specializing in targeting the bigger females, after the spawn. This is usually around this time frame, but the darn cold weather we've been having is keeping the water temps below 70 degrees. This doesn't allow an adequate thermocline to set-up; consequently, the smallies are doing a lot more roaming, vertically throughout the water column.

Assuming you have a sonar on your own boat, I'd recommend trying some shallow points for starters and work progressively deeper. Keep on the look out for bait balls, in the 25' depths on any drop offs or humps you find.

Early in the morning, the top water bite can be pretty good, but after the sun displaces the thermals with a steady breeze, your best bet would be to target those off-shore structures and humps that you see, using your sonar. Don't waste time on any one of them, unless they show bait. And if you "accidentally" hook into a small perch, drop anchor and use your drop shot. You'll be happy you did.

[google]

im mostly fishing for bass. ive never been beyond that sign that says 2 if you know what im talking about. do you know of any good spots that youll share?  

[google]

oh by the way im renting a boat so i dont have any sonars or anything

[Crestliner2008]

Take a 50' - 75' length of 1/4" nylon rope. Tie a 1/2 lb. weight, of your choosing, to one end. Tie a large loop in the other end. Then tie a series of overhand knots, at 15', 20' 25' 30' & 35'.

When you tie these knots, put a short piece of different colored ribbon in each knot (so that you will remember which knot means what depth). Put the loop end around your wrist, so you don't loose it overboard when you using it!  

This is what is known as a "poor man's depth sounder". A very effective tool, which I used for many, many years, when I use to rent boats up there. You'll learn a lot about the Quabbin when you use this depth line.

Get to know the bottom configuration in those areas you fish, using this device. Find humps 50 - 100 yards off-shore, using this device. Anchor when you find a dramatic rise in the bottom (a hump). Then cast some tube jigs and/or drop shot and/or Senkos. You'll do just fine. Good Luck!  

[wees]

Crestliner, that's some great information. So the big ones are around these humps?

And any idea how to anchor when renting a boat at quabbin? They don't provide them. How much weight do you think you need to make your own?

I'm planning on heading out to quabbin this weekend we'll see if I can follow your instructions and land some quality fish.

[Crestliner2008]

Crestliner, that's some great information. So the big ones are around these humps?

And any idea how to anchor when renting a boat at quabbin? They don't provide them. How much weight do you think you need to make your own?

I'm planning on heading out to quabbin this weekend we'll see if I can follow your instructions and land some quality fish.

Whether or not the big ones are anywhere, is solely dependent on if that particular structure you're working, attracts baitfish. In this case, it's huge schools of perch.

Go to any marina and buy an inexpensive slip ring, fluke type anchor. They will know what size is needed for a rental rig at the Quabbin. Get a 3' length of heavy chain from a hardware store along with a couple of screw together cleats to put on each end. Buy 100' of 3/8" nylon anchor line (best buy at WalMarts). Attach the chain to the anchor and the rope to the chain. Always take an anchor with you on the Quabbin. If/when you get the anchor hung up on a stump, you just start the engine and run 180 degree circle around the hung anchor. Don't go too fast! Or you may swamp it! By doing this, the slip ring will move to the bottom of the anchor and it will come free. In the past 12 years, I've never lost an anchor up there using this type of anchor and this technique.

You need to stay in one position while you fish a structure. The bass are constantly moving back & forth, chasing the bait. You can't possibly stay on them by being mobile. Anchor and let them come to you. Work a spot for 20 min. or so, then go find another spot, and so forth. You need to put your time in, in order to be successful up there. Good Luck.

[wees]

Once again excellent and detailed information crestliner.  Thank you!  I will definitely try it out.  I'm tired of drifting around and ending up stuck on rocks near the shore.