8-19-2015: Quaboag Pond
Been "rutting" in the fishing schedule, working over the same bodies of water. This morning I decided to go someplace new that I haven't fished before.
Quaboag Pond has some nice fish in it, but there are not too many places I have visited that you can paddle about 100 yards off shore and still be in about 4 feet of water. The place is also filled with weeds. There were some good looking places along the West bank, lily pads and other good looking stuff. Paddled to it and found out the water was 2 feet deep and surface temperature was over 80 degrees. Algae was all over the place and that doesn't usual go hand in hand with a good fish population. Without a huge small baitfish population to eat the algae, the s*** actually robs the water of oxygen and that ain't good for any living creature. Hey, don't ask me - I read it somewhere.
Paddled North to the mouth of the Quaboag River. Water was a little deeper, a little cooler and void of the heavy concentrations of algae. Worked a Keitech Easy Shiner along a point. Cast the bait and I think the fish saw it coming and sat there with it's mouth open. As soon as I engaged the reel, the fish was pulling. Great fight and a new suprise.... I am pretty damn sure I just caught my first Smallmouth Bass. Bronze colored with no lateral line.... That's a Smallmouth!! 1 pound 10 oz!!. ( CORRECTION: My friends have told me that what I thought was a Smallmouth is actually a Largemouth. S#$@ - the hunt is still on.)
Worked the same bait along the point East of the river mouth and caught a second fish. He showed himself chasing baitfish. Threw my swimbait in his swirls and he ate it. 2 pounds 14 oz.
Paddled around and caught a third, and a final nice Largemouth near the mouth of the East Brookfield River at the Northeast side of the pond.
Wind kicked up, elbow was a little sore, headed back to the boat ramp and went home.
Paddled 5.07 miles.