Big Al23

There is a "no wake" in the Charles River in the section Grampa mentioned. Although it is very wide, it is a no wake area because of the rowing programs that are always on the river. This area of the Charles is quite a distance from the Mystic River and I would suggest fishing the Charles more than the Mystic. The area near the ramp was good fishing when I was there years ago and also up near the Museum of Science. The no wake really hurts runnning to spots.

Castaway SB4 from TW. Last one they had. I know it is a standard Castaway but a good price and a nice rod for other techniques.

Don, I don't know what winter is like there but right now up here in Mass the water temps are in the 40's. The largemouth are still hitting spinnerbaits. A couple of lures you should have no matter where you fish are a jig and a grub. Jigs will catch fish almost anytime, anywhere. My favorite plastic is a 5" Kalin grub rigged weedless on a Slider Spider jighead. I catch a lot of fish with it and the smallies love it. It's a great sport no matter what age you get into it! Good luck.

Thought I would get as lot more responses here.

There's a pic of a Peacock caught in Webster Lake here in Mass. Supposedly someone brought it up here and put it in there. Don't think it will live though. Sure are beautiful fish.

I've always used top waters, grubs rigged weedless or spinnerbaits when fishing from shore. This way I don't lose any cranks or divers that are expensive.

Gald to see you enjoy bass fishing! Welcome!

Unlike a largemouth, a smallie will attack a lure because it invaded its domain and because it's a natural response no matter the size as these guys above have said. The only time I've seen smallies ignore a bait is when they are on the beds but they still will hit the lure to keep it away from the bed, sometimes with the tail.

Thanks, I don't think I'll get there this year.

Where do you fish the Nashua for smallies? I've only caught largies there from the section above the dam where they just built the new ramp.

Welcome aboard!

In the near future, maybe a couple of years away, we are thinking of moving to NC. We would be looking in the Raleigh area. I see Falls Lake is north of Raleigh and would like some opinions on this lake and/or other lakes in the area. I would love to be near a nice smallie lake. I would appreciate any input on towns or cities to live. Thanks Al

I love ugly fish!

I use both. I just switched from a baitcaster to spinning for jig fishing, not because of the reel but because of the rod. I have a 6'6" Avid MH spinning that I decided to try a jig on. Well, the first day I was really sticking the jig in the bass. When using my Dobyns 683C casting setup I was not getting the hookset and losing fish. So, sometimes it is the rod you will feel comfortable with. When fishing moving baits, cranks and s/b's, I like the control of a baitcaster. If you try both, I think you'll agree a baitcaster is the way to go. I use spinning for small plastics, senkos, grubs, tubes and any weightless plastics I may put on. Topwater baits usually go on my baitcaster but sometimes I'll use a spinning setup with a lighter bait like a Rebel Pop R.

Congrats, nice fish!

Best of luck and be safe!

J, Like I said, I don't doubt the fish. Great catch for sure! Oh yea, I am jealous.

Tenn or KY

Looks like that fish was transposed to that pic. Look at the second pic, the guys left arm does not line up with the left hand. I do believe it is a real fish just not with the rest of that pic

Nice catch! pound for pound, smallies are more exciting than largies for sure. You'll be looking for that 4 lber next.

The last 2 digits are the year of manufacture on most boats. 1987. If this is not correct and you think it is earlier, then probably the 84 in the middle of the VIN.

I too gave up Shimano's when I got better at casting. The disadvantage of the VBS is you have to open the side plate to adjust it. Daiwas Magforce is an advantage there. The Magforce Z is smoother than the V but, the V will outcast the Z, IMO

I have a PT 190 and had the dealer I bought it from put the extra battery tray in. He had to move the cranking battery tray and turned the TM batteries perpendicular to the cranking battery in order to fit all 3. I don't know if your 175 has the same compartment size.

That reel got a good review on TT. They originally sold for $200. The reason they are discounted is the new XT model which is lighter and has the carbon handle. Still, if you like the reel, it is a good price.

There is only one place that has the best Chowder..........Noname! If you don't know Boston, it is the name of the restaurant. The Noname. Their Seafood chowder is the pinnacle of all chowders. Man, could I go for a bowl right now!