Hey guys,

Going to go fish a small pond in central mass this weekend for smalls. Now I'm just returning to fishing after about a ten year hiatus and pretty much have only gone after largemouths in a real weekend warrior manner. Now that I've gotten back into it, trying to read as much as I can and learn even more.

I've never fished for smalls, so what should I be throwing and how. I've heard that crayfish can make up 60% of their diet, does that seem to hold true up here in the north? The pond is about 190 acres with an average depth of about 23' and a couple of holes that are topo'd at 45-50' deep with real clear water. Seems to be some tight breaklines according to the topo. The bottom I'm told does have vegetation, but I cannot imagine there is much once the depth hits 30', but I could be wrong, this is why I ask. I have no idea where to start other than some breaklines, but not sure of what depth and what to throw. Don't know what the northern smallmouths prefer.

Any help you guys could lend would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, also supposed to be a good rainbow and browns population in the pond, any suggestions of how to set my girlfriend up so she can catch diner?? I brought home some fresh rainbows that I pulled out of the river last week and she couldn't believe how good they tasted. She's now itching to go out and catch her own! Can't beat that!!

i dont know if any of this helps but as far as ponds its always been a hit and a miss for me,in the ponds that i went into i was using a grub/jighead combo in rocky areas.for the pass couple of yrs now the only place i can catch smallies are in the merrimac with darting shads (plastic fish like lures) with great success along with along with  small torpidos.it is said by alot of people i talk with to have good luck with spinerbaits but i only get pickerel with those.now when i fish for smallies in rivers up north i set up  just like i would for lmb and have great  results but where i got theres no lmb.hope any of this helps.let us know how you make out.

What pond?  Could be in my neck of the woods.  I have had pretty good luck with smallies here and there, fishing Yum 3.5"crawbugs  t-rigged.

Big Alum.

Anyone know where in Western MA or central where I can get live crayfish, or am I going to drum them up myself? Got some plastics at Bass Pro today, but would love to have some yummy live ones in the arsenal also.