je1946

I've never seen a smallie that didn't have red eyes

This is utterly tucking it to the non-resident, the fees are already ridiculously high to begin with. Tell the residents to stop fertilizing their lawns which is a major contributor to the weed problem.

Still to early and water is too cold for bass to be spawning.

Do you own a boat or are you fishing from shore?

Always a pleasure Mike. Absolutely, looking forward to this spring and the Q opener although I just do wkdays there. As soon as the weather breaks I'm going to haul the Q boat out. Bought a new Lund Renegade 19ft with a 115 Merc. and I see you have the Ranger aluminum, nice boat. Yes it would be good to see if we could get a group to the Q

Quabbin opens the 3rd Sat in April every yr. The only thing that would delay the opener is if it's still iced in.

Look on tackle warehouse there's comments on that rod.

I live just down the street from Mascuppic. It still is locked up solid.

I'm in. Usually have Fishing Rhino with me. Didn't make it one day last yr. Just renewed my Q boat trailer and boat registrations, and as soon as weather turns I'll take the shrink wrap off and have her ready to go. Will be interesting to see what the guidelines will be and if they will open usual date (3rd Sat in April) Stay tuned.

You can also use shrink tube. Usually saves a few baits. Losing baits and rigs is all part of it.

Lake Mascuppic on the Tyngsboro, Dracut line isn't too far from you and has a good ramp but no dock.

That part of the lake is loaded with stumps, I've done well top waters early and late. jigs, wacky rigged worms, hula grubs. Everything you fish with the exception of topwaters should be rigged weedless due to the stumps. There's good sized largies and sm there.

Congrats on your new rig Mike. Enjoy.

I've owned Lund boats all my life and I highly recommend them, zero issues. I've owned Mercury and Evinrudes, I'd go with a merc very few issues other than routine maintenance.

depending on water temp Blade baits. Ned, Jerkbaits, tubes, underspins. S l o w presentation, frequent pauses, I would look for the first deep drop and if nothing go deeper