"hamma"

This "pet" is king of the domain,.. anything that moves, introduced to its environment,..is considered food.

If there is open waters on the cape, and favorable conditions, you can come fish a day with me A-Jay,.. it's only about an hour away. Im praying for a mild winter to keep the boats motor from being winterized to facilitate such ventures. But you know the weather over here ,.so we'll see

Check into some technique specific rods, I have 3 that are designated "flipping" rods, and they perform just as they should. Shimano is one good company that will "designate", others will as well. There are many good rods out there from the cheap, to extra expensive, figure out what you are ready to spend and look around. If you go the heavy fast, med heavy fast or "action" route you "may" find a decent rod for flipping and pitching. But if you seek out a rod designed for the technique desired, you most likely wont be disappointed. The first rod I bought for flipping is a heavy fast action rod thats not a "technique designated" rod, and it was too heavy, as It didnt load up well for a pitch. I now use it for frogging techniques, which its better suited for.

sweet little rig Scaleface!

Hi Jay ! And welcome to this site,... and New England. You are fortunate enough to be in Plymouth as (I beleive) there are some of the better Massachusetts waters there. And the canal is close for stripers,... (which will be gone soon) If you have any questions you can PM me. Keep ya line wet!

Although the manns stretch 1- has the "summertime" wide wobble, its been my over thick weeds favorite, as its rattles are loud enough to pull fish from far away, and it does stay very shallow. I like the baby sized stretch model, as it works the same as the full sized model, with 1 less treble. Does anyone know if any of the above mentioned lures have a tighter wobble,..say,... for fall? when the weeds are as tall as they get and the waters cooled down? The baby stretch 1- works in fall, but a tighter wobble, will draw more hits as winter closes in (IMHO)

I love topwater fishing, and with those conditions I'd go for it. My go to would be a pop-r, but, if its going to be raining Id have buzzbait ready as well. So to answer the question "am I on track here"? Id say yes, but as your most likely well aware, anything can change in an instant while bass fishing. And,.. I have a jig at the ready every time I go fishing. I feel its an effective lure year round, not just for numbers of fish, but the big girls as well. But to state a lure to "just" fish? Thats a rarity for me anytime of year, my deck has 5 or more rods ready to go whenever I head out.

Go with it.,.. You've done your "homework" and so far seem to be right on course for the metaphorical golden "star" on your forehead.,.lol When things change, and you know they will, react in a manner condusive to the "new" conditions. Stay on them. It's very easy to get into a groove while on the bite, and when that bite drops. loose contact of what the fish are now reacting to, and! to what extent. You've been there before, We all have. Im sure you (papajoe) and many others understand where Im going with this, but fir those who dont???,....... Like,... they are shallow now and "somewhat' agreeable for you during tough conditions, when the change comes? did they back off the shoreline, or have they just stayed local and shut off? did they drop MUCH deeper and now are keying in on one specific forage? or have they moved out and suspended over deep water? and so on. You know the scenerio. Keeping consistency is the never ending quest of the truly diehard bass angler. And to do so is a exceptional accomplishment and should be recognized. BUT,..When you come to that crossroad, a elated feeling comes to mind, and even the slightest hesitation or "moment of celebration" is all it takes to loose track of your consistent performance. You've got things pinned down, change comes, and many are on such a natural "high" from their previous success, they didnt even think of what can come next. And this occurs so often for many of us,.. So,...if your riding a successful bite during tough times, go with it, but be ready for the next bite, or lack there of. Envision what they "may" do next, play out the possibilities in your mind. Have a gameplan ready, and I hope you find continued success. As I know how it feels to be successful when its tough, then loose track of them, when they become more agreeable, or not. Which is quite aggravating. You know that change came, and being as times were tough and you "had" your way during that time, now you see others lipping fish around you, but you cant seem to buy a bite. I found that when ,..or if,.. you loose track? clear your mind, forget what they "were" doing, completely, no matter how hard you "had their number" ..letting that previous success go, and erasing any thoughts on what they were hitting, or doing,.. and starting from scratch will eventually bring you to whats going on now. If the change comes, and you react correctly, and are still on them? You sir,.. get the golden star. Congrats, on the bigger fish Papajoe! I hope it continues for you

Being a New England native myself I can tell you that if you have the right gear, a bait you know, and clear concentration this can be accomplished. One of my favorite deep diving cranks is a berkley frenzy. I like it due to its action, its floating ability, and track record for hits. Getting caught in weeds can be frustrating, but If you, hesitate for a 5 count, reel up line slack while pointing the rod tip down, and snap the rod up sharply, It should clear the weeds. As for ripping lipless crankbaits? repeat the actions stated above but do so when you feel the lure starting to tick the weedtops. This can be very effective as it imitates a baitfish fleeing predation. The weeds up here in New England are no different than anywhere else. In some cases they may not be as thick, but they definatly attract fish the same.

Cut the frog off the line, tie on a black/blue 1/4 oz bass jig and add trailer of choice (jig and pig) preferrably with a rattle,..soak it with scent,...cast it out and before it hits the pads be already reeling, and keep reeling, maybe stopping on a large pad, here or there,..when the fish blows up on it and misses, if the jig didnt already fall thru the hole made,..wiggle that jig between the next 2 pads so it falls under,... jig it a couple times. Watch the line for the "tick". Keep ya line wet!

I started my 3 daughters with a jerkbait, Off the boat is one reason, but in reality you can fish them year round ,. your'e not sliding them up a single hook, replacing them every other fish, and its visual for them to see. They all caught fish first time, and want to go again. Now if we were to fish off shore??? I'd go with a texas rig, not only for the same reasons Catt explained. But that weedless ability offers less tree hanging of lures, more "tight" to shore presentations, and it would force them to "feel" the hit. As for spinning vs casting gear? For many years all my bass fishing was done via spinning gear, I did buy a baitcaster and after three years of aggrevation I gave up as I had no one to teach me how to cast it correctly. When I joined a bass club, I now had teachers, and I did learn. I use baitcasting and spinning in unisin. The right lure for the right gear mentality. Spinnerbaits and casting/flippin jigs, med. and deep diving cranks, most jerkbaits and heavier weighted worms get baitcasting. Anything thats even kinda light for baitcasting gets a spinning rod as the clear waters up here dictate long casts. I could use baitcasters for some of the lures I toss with spinning, but its a distance driven thought. I can also skip with both but prefer spinning. Casting with a flipping rod I came up with a modified sidearmed pitch/skip thats deadly, that I use from time to time. But most skipping is done with a spinning rod. Grubs, topwaters, 4" worms, and anything weighting a 1/4 oz. or under ,...All spinning gear. Now,..that being said. Although many lures are "proprely" fished with spinning or casting, You can use either as long as your comfortable with it. Your success rate may differ a bit, but if your just beginning who cares. That discussion comes more into play "if" your tourney fishing. example #1: I can skip a jig and pig on both spinning or casting, and I do so fishing mono exclusively. If I were to get back into tourney fishing? Id fish braid on the spinning gear, just because I get further skips with spinning. Example #2: as of now I fish topwaters with a old under 6 foot spinning rod and mono,..my favorite rod, If back in tournies? id still use it, but just for "lighter" tops, and heavier ones would get a 6'6" or 7' baitcaster. Reasons for this is,...when tourney fishing my determination and falling into the thoughts of "having the right stuff", really kicks in. Im going to give my best shot at it. When funfishing its more for my enjoyment and I'm not so gungho! Can you fish everything with a spinning rod? of course,.. but, in some instances that heavy lure with stout hooks will fish better, suited to a casting rod. Whether you fish spinning, or casting, or both,..I respect your choice, and applaud however you catch your fish. Keep ya line wet!

I would add a shad patterned jerkbait as well, I like the rapala x-raps. And,... I dont go fishing without a jig usually black/blue with a trailer colored as well. Unless you can find one around the lake somewhere and copy its coloring.

I have a small handheld gps that I use to "re-trace" my tracks back out of shallows and to the ramp. Which works well as I didnt have a gps mounted on the boat, I do now. The only way to feel confident is to go there and go there often, and learn whats safe and what isnt. Living down south you have alot of tree stumps to deal with in those "impoundments" being flooded, and Im sure thats no fun, especially with a new glass rig. I have a deep v tracker, and up here its boulders that mainly get in the way.,..they dont budge at all. Not many skegs are perfectly clean and straight up here unless the owner is a seasoned angler. Just be careful till you know where you are, and where your going, Lake depth maps will help, but they usually dont show stumps, unless its a full on field of them. Keep fishing,.. not in fear but in caution. Take care, and enjoy that new rig!

I might get 1 or 2 on a normal full day but thats only when im not really paying attention. Then there are some days im just "off" and I get several. It all comes down to adjustments, and experience. After a couple seasons you should have them minimized. If your using a old reel, it could just use some DVT servicing (mike does a awesome job) He turned 2 reels "bought in 93" of mine I thought were all done,.. to like new.

Me either,..its like a poison ivy itch you just cant reach. You know "its coming",...lol (pardon the pun),..that itch? will be scratched. I just hope while were out there "scratchin away" we not only get to make new memories, of the exceptional fall colors, favorable temps, and yahoo free open waters, but we all get to hook into some of those fattened up, acrobatic, and beautifully colored defiant bronzebacks. This is like an "addiction", much like the drug addicts around here, that get free meth clinics. We should have free smallie clinics!,...lol ,...Like one on pickwick, dale hollow, kezar, and erie. ,...lol,...I'd be found on their doorsteps every fall, wiping my mouth with my sleeve, slightly shivering, all wide eyed, and attention lost. Begging them to admit me,.. "c'mon, man!! ,... please!,...hook me up, I need my fix",...lmao

Awesome catch J !!,..Congrats! Thats an impressive fish. On the subject or re-catching bass? My dearly departed bass fishing buddy and I fished a local lake alot, he on his coleman crawdad, and me on my boat. We had caught a mutual bass multiple times that we named Henry (after another departed friend), Henry has a tumor on his tail that is the size of a golfball. We had tracked Henry's weight starting at 7+ right on up to the last time I caught him at 10.4 (about 5 years ago). I have since moved to a different part of the state and haven't fished that lake since my last weighing of Henry. I hope he's still prowling the lake, and whats really interesting is. Henry is caught in any 1 of 3 different "spots" on the lake. They are not far from each other, and Im assuming it's got to do with wind direction and Henry's forage reacting to said wind direction.

Theres a tackle shop in merideth just off rt3 not far from the winnepesaukee boat ramp,... heading south its part way up the hill,..I think its maple st,. and mill st's connection. They had some maps there. and some of the general stores in the area might have some as well. As for largemouth? the western end of little squam, and squaw, and deep coves. Smallies? they are everywhere. potato and perch islands area, and anywhere around long island is usually decent, But again, be careful. even on the trolling motor, trim the primary motor up some. The water is usually crystal clear and the shallow rocks that are submerged can be decieving.

Thanks Turkey Sandwich,...I couldnt agree with you more. I use the perch patterened jerkbait early in the mornings, then switch over to the olive green around 9 or 10ish as the morning patterns fade, for the rest of he day., I think that solid greenish flash really gets them hopping on it with the sun being up so, hits it just right. One thing everyone seems to be missing is, as these smallies feed up for winter, they are getting fatter, stronger, and can litterally wear you out during a good day of fishing, the longer the season goes on. They fight like frieght trains on the run, they jump to show you how fat they've gotten, and then it's a fight till you get your thumb on the lower jaw. Almost like they are challenging you to succeed. While doing a triple gainer with a full double twist, in mid air mind you, they look at you, and size you up as if to say,..."this is what I got to beat?',.."he's got a fight on his hands now!",... and its on. That right there is the one reason I wait to winterize my boat til the last minute. With those mild winters maybe not at all.That hightened, energy filled battle, has got to be the pinnicle of smallie fishing. They are as fat as they are going to be that year, and ready to battle because of it. And do they ever battle. Set your drags right ,..otherwise plan on loosing some lures. I actually set my drag for the hit, and then back the drag down a bit once I have them hooked, to let them fight the rod and line. after I let them go? I reset the reels drag, ready for the next hit. Shimano's fighting drag reels really shine doing this, as It has a lever to "set" for the hit, after you've loosened the drag for the fight, when it comes time to reset the drag, its is as easy as moving the drag lever back to its original "setting" Works wonders and I rarley loose a hooked fish God I love smallie fishing in Fall. It just rules Keep ya line wet

Thank you robeng,..and yes it is just like spring. But just a bit better in my opinion. Because the longer the weather stays mild, the longer this season holds on, with no springtime activities going on, jet skiers, pleasure boaters etc: which is actually opposite of springs progression. Plus,..Im lucky to be close to cape cod as some of the freshwater lakes and ponds out there dont even get ice thru mild winters and I can fish right thru til spring.,..So I pray for mild winters,....lmao ,..Not so I dont have to shovel another 100 inches of snow, I just need to keep the boat accessable no matter how much snow I get.,.. and yes I've gotten some dang crazy looks at the gas station with my boat in tow as Im filling its fuel tank, and its snowing. And,.. Ive broken thru 10 feet of ice or more, from shore to open water at the ramp so I can launch the boat. Im sure some southern anglers never have to do those chores, And probably think Im nuts, they're "kinda" right, cuz all the most intelligent and respectable people are nuts,...lmao Hey! ,..Now,...fishing is what I do, its my thing, I dont let weather determine "everything" pertaining to it, that I can rectify anyways.,...lol,...It may determine fish activity, but my activity ?,..its got a battle on its hands with this guy. I've been smelt fishing, in sub zero temps, sitting on a dock having a blast, cooking up food on a portable gas grill, and sipping on some fine spirits. Weather dosent deter me!

when they were jumping, they were getting hit on by bass, the bass were keying in on that baitfish and nothing else.,..you got lucky on that first cast to get one, be grateful, most anglers get skunked when bass are "keying" in on baitfish. as the bass have locked on that size, scent, flash, etc: of said baitfish ,..whatever it may be.,..and usually if you can "match" that baitfish's size, scent, flash, etc: you might get a few hits. but its also usually limited.

I havent fished it at all this year, but.,.... I recommend that you buy a lake depth map. This lake is known for its dangerous rockpiles, rocky shoals, and reefs. And depending on where you are and where your heading you can be in 100 ft of water cruising along and within 15 yards be in 2ft of water, wondering why your lower unit is no longer on the motor. This is very important, get a lake map, be careful, and follow the dotted "boat lanes" on it. Its so easy, even with a map, to get disorientated and get yourself in trouble there. I've been fishing there for over 20 years now, and still bring and follow my map,...everytime! As for fishing? probably the best smallie lake in all of New England, at least for numbers of smallies anyways,..but some of the big ones there, probably push state record size. I had a blow up, on a pop-r over deep water next to a "just submerged" boulder that was giant. Came out of the water like a great white after a seal, and as I watched my pop-r shoot if in a different direction, I muttered to myself,...God! why ?,.why ? Pop-r's, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, grubs on jigheads, crankbaits, plastics,..they all work. there's smallies all over this place, trick is,..among all the areas to fish ,..you need to find the good ones. Even the ramp area, whether theres current or not has good smallies. Even little squam, has decent fishing with some impressive largemouth. theres more buckets up in the weedy northeastern area of squam itself. But the majority of the lake is loaded, and I mean packed with smallies. If you dont catch any? theres something wrong. Have fun and good luck, and whats the # 1 rule for squam???? bring a map! use it! if not your screwed! Keep ya line wet!

since you guys have different boats than mine, Im wondering if you are now using both motors. I use 2 on my boat as I have the room for 2 batteries and can reach both motors from my single seat, as I can put the seat anywhere. With that said,.. its a godsend using 2 motors. If you can, try it.

My silver buddy trips are usually when the fall bite slows, as the water cools down a bit and winter is evidently on its way soon. But in some waters I fish the gold modeled silver buddy and it just out shines its silver brother. But, I digress,..my point being,.. I let the fish tell me when to switch over to it. The surface temps sometimes drastically change with our freaky weather patterns. So I avoid the surface temps dictating my choice of lure. Because 2 feet under the surface its often still a bit warmer Maybe, its a old fart thing, being that I've fished some years in dec/jan with still open waters, with cold surface temps, and the fish are still hitting like their still in a active fall mode.Then other years the Fall bite slowed just around halloween, and ice was in before thanksgiving. I just hope I get to fish this fall at all, boats ready, im ready, all I need is someone to fish with. Anyone wanting to go pm me.

I imagine its the available shade, with the tall trees/pads, and logs to boot. This will most likely hold more forage, therefore bass,.. than the sunbeaten northern shore. Small ponds do seem to follow suit, as to most fish being in one area. Since the diversity of a larger body of water isn't available,.Favorable predator locations are limited.. But if you can find one that has good shoreline access in the said area? Thats a gem, as all you really need is a couple lures, your fishing license, and a rod. And your good to go, no boat to prep, just one rod, and you can bankfish, and be on the decent fish Just a guess, about the southern shore, could also be a spot that receives a prevailing wind direction as well. Like a small pond in a slight valley, with the winds coming from the north mostly etc, again another guess. Keep ya line wet!

Im out,.. 2 doctors appointments wed. Hopefully I can get out there before the 15th.