MyFishFinder Forum
MFF US Northeast => Massachusetts => Topic started by: BLUEGILL WHISPERER on Mar 23, 2016, 12:08 PM
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I have caught Lake Trout and Salmon in Vermont through the ice but never through open water and never in Massachusetts. I'm planning on hitting Wachusett the third weekend in April and was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to catch Lakers and Salmon on live bait and artificials and or what gates to fish out of, any help is appreciated thank you.
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Krocodile spoons are good for lakers. Ive never had much luck with live bait, and dont much care for how it locks you to an area (unless u wanna move around with a bait rig). I have had much better luck walking the shorelines and tossing Krocs and other lures.
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Best advice is go early. Many a day spent there where all the action was sunrise to 11am.
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wear tick repellant
I have had luck with both lures (castmasters) and live bait (dead floated off the bottom)
no preference for gates this time of year, fish are in close
burp
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this place kills me...I can pull out a smallie almost on command. but lakers have NEVER paid me a visit...i have thrown alot of spoons around that place. THIS IS THE YEAR! plus Manitron is gonna put me on fish like we talked about ;D
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Just my preference, but I like the rt 70 side as it takes longer for the sun to hit the water so it stays dark a little longer... pretty much when the sun gets above you the action really stops... But I have taken Lakers there in July and august... small ones but none the less...
The salmon I have caught there have been incidentals caught while fishing for lakers. But you could always try on a windy day casting out a live shiners and letting the wind drift them, water bobbers work pretty good..
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Live bait use I use heavy shiners below an egg sinker. I prefer hardware though. Krocks are my favorite but I'll also throw a gold 3/4oz kastmaster. Krocks I buy the ones with the holographic refelection. You can only find them on ebay. blue and silver are my favorite although I have caught fish on all colors I throw. For Salmon I like the Chartuce with red tear drops on them. As for areas. RT 70 side Gate 6 and 8 are both good bets as well as scar hill Rd. RT110 Gate 35 is a good spot. You can get both lakers and salmon just about anywhere on the Chu. Why wait till the 3rd week. It opens a week from Saturday.
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Forgot. Like Jon says go early. 1st light is often best. 11:00 it can shut right off or get real slow. I have also done very well after work from say 5:30 till dark. Chances are you'll run into a lot of us out there. It will be the go to spot for at least the 1st month until the saltwater action picks up.
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this place kills me...I can pull out a smallie almost on command. but lakers have NEVER paid me a visit...i have thrown alot of spoons around that place. THIS IS THE YEAR! plus Manitron is gonna put me on fish like we talked about ;D
Matt, I will do my best to put you on the fish but Jeff and Kevin[ Lavaman] are the gurus. Take all the advice they give you and try to wrangle a meetup.
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this place kills me...I can pull out a smallie almost on command. but lakers have NEVER paid me a visit...i have thrown alot of spoons around that place. THIS IS THE YEAR! plus Manitron is gonna put me on fish like we talked about ;D
Speed up retrieve...lakers prefer things going fast when they hit. Also, add some scent. On LG some guys will put a small piece of sponge on the hook and lace it up with smelt oil. I prefer a particlar piece of small plastic.
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I mostly stick to metals at the Chu because I'm incapable of sitting still. I think at least half of the lakers I've caught have been on the drop especially in shallower water. I get tension on the line the second it hits the water then let the lure flutter towards the bottom. A surprising number of hits happen as the lure's falling.
I have a love hate thing with the Chu. …. she's lucky she's pretty
First post here BTW
Howdy y'all :afro:
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Welcome SkunkLuvver and Bluegill, I agree with the tips on here... I caught my very first laker ever last year in fall on a kastmaster and it was an amazing feeling...
I agree with the last post. Definitely a love hate thing. Longish drive and not even 1 fish can be frustrating, but it so awesome just to be there. Looking forward to my first spring laker this year and hopefully a smallie too. Hope to see you there.
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I hear ya on the drive Ash...2hrs for me if the cops are asleep...normally 2.5....but so worth it. This year I want to take a full day and target smallies there. Havent done that yet, only lakers so far.
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Wow... with that much driving, I should not complain. I drive half of that.
Let me know when you head out to target smallies. I want to get my first Chu smallie this year. Will take day off for fishing. Been trying to save vacation days for fishing this year :D
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Th Chu been handed me a good beating last year. Five trips and one 10" smallie to show for it. I haul trash out every trip so I kept going back figuring I'd get paid off, lol.
I've been looking for just one laker, and the big smallies, haven't found them yet, but you will know when I do. Been throwing goldens and perch, but just nose hooking them, not Carolina rigging them. Figuring that may be the problem. Also throwing Krocs and Kastmasters with no luck. Went with a friend the day after opener last year, he did ok with a Bomber long A jerkbait.
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Th Chu been handed me a good beating last year. Five trips and one 10" smallie to show for it. I haul trash out every trip so I kept going back figuring I'd get paid off, lol.
I've been looking for just one laker, and the big smallies, haven't found them yet, but you will know when I do. Been throwing goldens and perch, but just nose hooking them, not Carolina rigging them. Figuring that may be the problem. Also throwing Krocs and Kastmasters with no luck. Went with a friend the day after opener last year, he did ok with a Bomber long A jerkbait.
My best smallies there are on jerk baits. I like the rapala xraps for casting distance. Last fall I had a smallie come to the top f the water to catch my rapala as it hit water. Would have been a wild slow motion video if I had the equipment
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Jon and Ash. A sallie day sounds great this year. I get them every year but have not taken the time to target them exclusively in a couple years. I got a great spot in mind when the water warms up a little like mid May. Have done very well there on many times. ;) I'm in.
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Here's a good tip. Bring lots patients with you. My record skunking was 13yrs.. Caught 2 Lakers with Jeff a few years back. Since then 0. I'll still give it a few tries this year.
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Jon and Ash. A sallie day sounds great this year. I get them every year but have not taken the time to target them exclusively in a couple years. I got a great spot in mind when the water warms up a little like mid May. Have done very well there on many times. ;) I'm in.
What Jeff said,wait till the water warms up. Early season when the water is cold they arent much fun. Not a whole lot of fight in them due to water temps.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi247.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg121%2Fwillcooper4%2FFish%2520Pics%2FEarlySmallie_zpsurupivca.jpg&hash=45b78bb7e56c3cb5d047333b5d5d5663)
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Jon and Ash. A sallie day sounds great this year. I get them every year but have not taken the time to target them exclusively in a couple years. I got a great spot in mind when the water warms up a little like mid May. Have done very well there on many times. ;) I'm in.
Sounds good Jeff. Lets pick a good overcast day and murder them. I usually chace them on quabbin but have wanted to do so at the chu for some time.
Another tip...dont go when Ed goes!
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Another tip...dont go when Ed goes!
Best tip so far lol
Sorry Ed :P
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Another tip...dont go when Ed goes!
Ouch
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Ouch
For the record the last time I was down there and fished with you it seemed deader than the dead sea! All in good fun Ed!
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For the record the last time I was down there and fished with you it seemed deader than the dead sea! All in good fun Ed!
No other people caught fish that day.
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Coincidence? I think not Ed! The fish are scared of you!
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don't worry Ed they are scared of me too....never caught one, or seen one caught in all the times i have been!
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No other people caught fish that day.
You have to adopt the going in head 1st method to land them. Works for me ;D
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You have to adopt the going in head 1st method to land them. Works for me ;D
Hahah ill never forget when u got your PB a few years ago, that was a good trip for sure.
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Can't wait to get back up there.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2FLC_zps3e7928af.jpg&hash=f1e6da4cf166953893e6ec050b938c9f) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/LC_zps3e7928af.jpg.html)
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Can't wait to get back up there.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2FLC_zps3e7928af.jpg&hash=f1e6da4cf166953893e6ec050b938c9f) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/LC_zps3e7928af.jpg.html)
Gulp:-) That's a healthy looking fish...... Big water, big baits, big fish:-)
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Nice looking smallies Baitbucket and Tuna Meltdown
My best smallies there are on jerk baits. I like the rapala xraps for casting distance. Last fall I had a smallie come to the top f the water to catch my rapala as it hit water. Would have been a wild slow motion video if I had the equipment
That's a good tip Ice, thanks that is going to be my plan of attack this year.
I watched my buddy get a nice SM and rainbow right next to me on a bomber long A the day after the opener , but I was stubborn and kept throwing spinnerbaits and Zara Spooks.
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They love large suspending jerkbaits at Wachusett. I'll have one tied on this weekend when I'm up there. The Lucky Craft 128SP Slender pointer is my go to jerkbait. It's 3/4 ounces so it casts like a rocket. My buddy Sean and I had a 35 fish day (both smallies & largemouth) a few years ago in early May. It was by far one of my best trips ever to Wachusett.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2F942003_10200634923012072_1751724114_n_zpsa09a66ec.jpg&hash=ebd1e35a695fe8cc0bb6250b3c592bc9) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/942003_10200634923012072_1751724114_n_zpsa09a66ec.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2F931204_10200634914731865_1244275439_n_zps3bb2dd17.jpg&hash=f9474a7ff734bcc168341de071644538) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/931204_10200634914731865_1244275439_n_zps3bb2dd17.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2F248172_714691740280_198707190_n_zps87bbf75d.jpg&hash=3f06b680452e1f455908d75fda87a323) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/248172_714691740280_198707190_n_zps87bbf75d.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2F197744_714690452860_1465505482_n_zps5a6ec5e9.jpg&hash=eada17f92dd289c80ad00b77f1b741e5) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/197744_714690452860_1465505482_n_zps5a6ec5e9.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2F261921_10200634918011947_743401149_n_zps12cb0665.jpg&hash=e61ab5e3dc0a817327b72c1e04d70041) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/261921_10200634918011947_743401149_n_zps12cb0665.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2F482405_10200634925812142_64124601_n_zpsd950d2b2.jpg&hash=b9711206d5b9a679d0f5cc5fd3630b0c) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/482405_10200634925812142_64124601_n_zpsd950d2b2.jpg.html)
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Yup. You've got Chu bassin down. Nice pic's. See you out there
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Wow! Those some nice smallies!
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During may when spawning they hit pretty much anything u drop near the nest. Not out of hunger, but to defend the nest. Suspending jerk baits work well because u can suspend them right over the nest.
The negative to pulling them off their nests is that the small predatory fish will swoop in and eat the eggs while your reeling in the bass.
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During may when spawning they hit pretty much anything u drop near the nest. Not out of hunger, but to defend the nest. Suspending jerk baits work well because u can suspend them right over the nest.
The negative to pulling them off their nests is that the small predatory fish will swoop in and eat the eggs while your reeling in the bass.
They were not caught bed fishing. They were all caught blind casting a couple points and shoals during pre-spawn.
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They were not caught bed fishing. They were all caught blind casting a couple points and shoals during pre-spawn.
Yup thats a nasty pattern to fish 55 degrees of water temp and they will slay jerkbaits and I've had similar success with the pointers. I like that perch pattern you have but really miss the old one, that flatter finish more natural looking one.
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Are there bluegills in the Chu? If so any size to them?
I've caught some big ones at Quabbin in Area 3.
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Good luck to all of you that go up tomorrow. I'll be getting there late, afternoon or so. My plan is to cover a lot of water throwing crocodile spoons, Kastmasters, and big jerkbaits.
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Looking forward to it! Saturday is the day westher wise. Sunday will be tough.
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can't wait for tomorrow, just picked up bait. First light first bite
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My enthusiasm is being tempered with reports of large holdover stripers....decisions, decisions.
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I love opening day, lots of people, usually lots of catching. It's fun to see what other people are catching and using, almost as fun as catching them myself.
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My cousin caught this pig a couple years ago. No scale but it was definitely pushing 5-6lbs.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn211%2Fpmaloney86%2FB8C74C3E-5D99-4CF7-A2F4-EF9A48213453_zpso7zmxmkh.jpg&hash=79fc6d0c087eef38ed3dfbf28a566720) (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/pmaloney86/media/B8C74C3E-5D99-4CF7-A2F4-EF9A48213453_zpso7zmxmkh.jpg.html)
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It's a nice smallie. The weight, scale or no scale is not important to me at least.
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I'm stuck working. Lets see some opening day pics!!!!
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planned to hit it this morning. but woke up and saw the rain heading in and called it off. wasn't too excited to make the solo trip out there and get wet and cold... but also wanted to mention that I looked up the lucky craft pointer lures and found that cabelas online had a few different various types marked down from 16.00 to 5 bucks. picked up a couple to try out. they were selling out real fast one sold out before I even completed my order :-[
ive fished the chu a bunch but have never caught anything other than lakers. I would love to get some bass like have been posted any particular areas that are better for bass? also when using these jerkbaits how should I retrieve them?
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
and I apologize in advance if you go to cabelas because of the sale and spend 100 bucks like I did... :P
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Took the 2hr ride. Got rained on only a little. Reward....one salmon!
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi758.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx225%2Fjon006%2F20160402_070514.jpg&hash=cda1615b2fe7cad78e0976801d8416ff) (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/jon006/media/20160402_070514.jpg.html)
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that's awesome!
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Hey I recognize those rocks. LOL. You saved the day with the only action in our group was fun to watch the couple leaps. Great to see and fish with ya Jon.
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nice LANDLOCKED SALMON jon.
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Thanks BILL! Jeff good times as always. I am tempted to go tomorrow...
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I couldn't head up on opening day until the afternoon but it proved to be a good choice. I met my friend Sean up there and we decided to try a couple of our smallmouth spots. He had spent the morning fishing for lakers and only got two. We made it our spot at about 1:00 and the late morning rains had cleared out most of the opening day crowds. We were both throwing Lucky Craft Jerkbaits and it didn't take long for us to find the smallmouth. We didn't crush them but had a steady pick of quality fish for an hour or so. Here are the best 3.
On a side note, I was disgusted by the amount of trash I saw left behind by the "opening day" crowds. Bunch of d**n slobs. We came across a fire pit with asses still smoldering, an entire case of empty Miller lite beer and cans, as well as a ton of more trash along one section of shoreline. Stuff like this is going to ruin it for everyone. The DCR would love to just close the Res off to everyone. Another thing that my friend Sean noticed and was upset about is the lack of regard for the times your allowed to be fishing. It clearly says one hour before sunrise and one hour after sundown. Sean started walking in at 5:30 on Saturday as official sunrise was at 6:27. He walked 45 minutes into a spot to find at least a dozen guys who walked in illegally a lot earlier or perhaps the night before which is illegal. The whole "opening day" has become a joke in my opinion.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2Fpost-14533-0-05079200-1459638934_zpswstbmuce.jpeg&hash=96cc1c37eec2d3c000df361b34685022) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/post-14533-0-05079200-1459638934_zpswstbmuce.jpeg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2Fpost-14533-0-02243200-1459638869_zpsshlwq73b.jpeg&hash=347cbbcca781e7ae71669931acc3786e) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/post-14533-0-02243200-1459638869_zpsshlwq73b.jpeg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi994.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf61%2FTunaMeltdown%2Fpost-14533-0-35873800-1459638996_zpse7piurow.jpeg&hash=a5b8c710f31cc6d1d4e7082dff2003fa) (http://s994.photobucket.com/user/TunaMeltdown/media/post-14533-0-35873800-1459638996_zpse7piurow.jpeg.html)
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Some nice smallies. Congrats.
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I couldn't head up on opening day until the afternoon but it proved to be a good choice. I met my friend Sean up there and we decided to try a couple of our smallmouth spots. He had spent the morning fishing for lakers and only got two. We made it our spot at about 1:00 and the late morning rains had cleared out most of the opening day crowds. We were both throwing Lucky Craft Jerkbaits and it didn't take long for us to find the smallmouth. We didn't crush them but had a steady pick of quality fish for an hour or so. Here are the best 3.
On a side note, I was disgusted by the amount of trash I saw left behind by the "opening day" crowds. Bunch of d**n slobs. We came across a fire pit with asses still smoldering, an entire case of empty Miller lite beer and cans, as well as a ton of more trash along one section of shoreline. Stuff like this is going to ruin it for everyone. The DCR would love to just close the Res off to everyone. Another thing that my friend Sean noticed and was upset about is the lack of regard for the times your allowed to be fishing. It clearly says one hour before sunrise and one hour after sundown. Sean started walking in at 5:30 on Saturday as official sunrise was at 6:27. He walked 45 minutes into a spot to find at least a dozen guys who walked in illegally a lot earlier or perhaps the night before which is illegal. The whole "opening day" has become a joke in my opinion.
Your previous post about jerkbaits prompted me to bring a couple with me. I tossed one for about 30mins with no luck tho.
I agree with you on people breaking the regs they have in place. We had a ranger drive by and stop at every vehicle informing us we could head in at 5:26, no sooner. This was while he was on his way in to find other guys who snuck in. I walked past the gate at 5:26 and there wasnt a single person, they all went in early. After a 10-15 min walk we found numerous guys who were all ready set up and had lines out.
That being said, getting in early doesnt bother me a whole lot. I did pass several guys smoking, drinking beer, using lead, and leaving trash on the shore line. One guy had muck boots on and was walking out a good 3-5ft to get a little extra distance.
Its a shame, im sure they are looking for any reason to keep people out of there. And it seems a large majority are ok with knowingly giving them all the ammunition they need. Coincidentally, they will be the very first to start complaining if/when they implement stricter regs or prohibit fishing all together..
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good bass there, danny. they need to go back to the permit system so they know whos in there.
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Lots of things are illegal, sorry to hear some risked the massive 25.00 wrist slap to steal a spot. Way to go out and catch regardless.
Yeah, it's going to ruin it for those who follow the rules. I could care less as I went in the afternoon. The rain weeded out a lot of the fair weather crowd, all I saw was the trash they left behind.
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Yeah, it's going to ruin it for those who follow the rules.
Bingo. Shouldn't be the fine that keeps you out. Should be your morals as an angler.
Its a fairly selfish mindset if u ask me. Jeopardize not only your future chances of fishing there, but that of other fisherman, and future generations as well. For what? Getting a spot on miles of shore line thats nearly identical?
Personally I would feel horrible if i was knowingly contributing to a behavior that resulted in restrictions that may prevent my son or daughter from experiencing fishing the chu.
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If it were going to ruin it for others it would have a long time ago. This behavior is nothing new...but hey for the sake of whining and being dramatic.....
I dont think that alone would do it, but couple that with the litter, fires, cigarette butts, and they may have an argument. And guys doing it are providing them the ammo needed to make it stick.
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Always something to complain about I suppose. Wasted my time posting earlier. Deleted and moved on.
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I've noticed the trash at other waters in Mass. Where do these dirtballs come from? You have a beautiful state with 5000 lakes and reservoirs.
I've spent a lot of time filling up garbage bags when on vaca back in Mass. I've never seen so any bottles and cans on the lake bottoms of some of your lakes.
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I've noticed the trash at other waters in Mass. Where do these dirtballs come from?
I can't answer that question because I'd be profiling.
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I filled two trash bags last year. One of which for ALL 100 proof nips. Someone must have been hiding their problem! Hundreds of nips
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Nice looking fish Team Tuna, keep them pics coming!
Nice fish Jon! But you brought a salmon to a bass party...jk :P
I'm planning on a trip this coming Saturday, I hope.