Forge Pond - 5/11/13
Spent the afternoon in my new canoe. First catch was a snapping turtle (photo not available). It destroyed my jig and luckily wasn't actually hooked and let go when it reached the surface. Took awhile to find where the fish were gathered but once I did they were craving nothing but top water baits. Caught a 1lb crappie on a Rebel Pop-R. Got a couple of nice attempts after but nothing hooked. Then I had something large snag my Rebel Frog. Unfortunately I got too agressive with it on my 8lb test line and it snapped off taking the lure. I was very happy to find it a short time later floating near where I had lost it. I tied it on my baitcaster with 17lb fluro and got another strike right away. Very fiesty small largemouth that made a huge leap throwing the lure. Overall a learning experience about top water techniques which I quickly have fallen in love with.
I don't think Forge is polluted. The Fireworks pond downstream is though. I caught a 2.75 Largemouth here on 4/15/13.