June 5

 

Out with Jason for something like our 14th annual trip to Quabbin. Jason is an accomplished hunter and every year I ask him if he filled his slingshot limit as well as bow, shotgun and the other weapons hunters use. To call him a "smallie guy" too, would be a gross exaggeration. He does this once-a-year trip. And when you put a rod in his hands, he's dangerous.

 

 

 

 

Jason was generous enough to let me catch a few too:

 

 

 

 

June 7

 

Finally connected with Derek, a fellow member of BassResource.com, and we had a most agreeable day: the weather was great, we found a reasonable number of smallmouth, and Derek didn't throw me out of the boat for the crummy jokes I told. Derek is not only a more than competent fisherman, he's a classy guy.

 

 

 

Two results of Derek's net handling:

 

 

 

The top baits during both trips were Ned rigs and soft jerk baits. Others were thrown - topwater, spinnerbaits, Duo Realis Spin Bait 80 - but the smallies were underenthused about these menu items. Did not see as many beds as usual for this time of year. Highest water temp in the areas we fished: 72º. 

 

I'm thinking the smallmouth will be susceptible to my low-tech style of fishing for another month.

 

Catch you later, 

 

Will Wetline

Wonderful to fish with you Michael. Thanks for the invitation!