Keeping It Reel

Good afternoon everyone, I'm new to sign up and post on these forums, but I've been reading fishing reports for the past 4-5 years now. I've gained a vast knowledge of different lures and get excited with all the fat belly pictures that are posted each year prespawn. I've done a lot of research on the Quabbin, but sometimes research doesn't beat experience. I'm writing here asking for advise on the Quabbin. My childhood friend and I have been fishing for the past 15+ years, but we live in Eastern MA where most of the water had shallow and muddy bottoms, not ideal for our smallmouth friends. 3 years ago, we finally ventured over to the Quabbin to check out all the hype, loaded the car up and headed West at 3:30 AM. We both take work off to go on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush, so it's a special trip we only made once that year. Most of my jigs were intended for largemouth and had difficulty finding the bottom in certain areas. We each got a few smallies, but I still swear that we just got lucky This first year, we launched the boat out of area 3 and had most luck just around the corner from the boat launch. It was enough to hold me over, but kept me itching to want to go back the next year... Which we did! After reading many stories on here, I got a bit more educated on better lures to use to target the smallies and brought twice the amount of gear the second time around. This time, we ventured over to area 2 and tried our luck up that way. The weather was beautiful and the waters were calm, what more can you ask for? Oh right, some fish in the net! Well, the morning came and went with no bites. The afternoon we posted in a shady shallower area and I spotted a fat largemouth around the weeds so I put on the largest spinner bait I had and she nailed it first cast! It was my PB largemouth at 4.75 and made up for no morning action. Unfortunately, the Quabbin got the best of us that day as my largemouth was the only fish we were able to net. Our egos took a bit hit that day, big enough to end up not going back the following year. Our major downfall was not knowing the area or having an idea of where to target, also not having a sonar didn't help us either. Another year has passed and we're ready to give it a go one more time, hoping not to strike out for the third year. We're older, a bit more wiser, but much more prepared this time! We have a great Chirp sonar to use this time as well as an extensive option of baits (can't wait to throw out my Zman TRD!). We're going to head out one day on the last week in May. I'm not looking to steal anyone's spot or take all the secrets, but if we strike out again this time, I don't foresee taking another trip, which breaks my heart to say. Any tips/advise that you're willing to part ways with, please PM me. Do you prefer area 2 or 3 for early fishing? Any areas to keep an eye on as we travel around with the sonar? I really appreciate anything you may have to help my childhood friend and I put a smallie in the net this month. I can't wait to share my trip with you all at the end of the month at let you know how we made out! I thank you in advance for anyone who is willing to take the time to speak with me, I promise it'll stay just between him and I! -Keeping it Reel (Jim)