Quabbin
First trip to Quabbin this year. Went to Gate 43, water was extremely low for this time of year. Water was also very cold. Never got above the 40s all day. We trolled with planer boards and down riggers, targeting salmon. Fishing was on the slow side, we ended up with 2 salmon, about 20 inches each. 1 laker, about 4 lbs and 2 smallmouth bass, about 3 lbs. All fish caught trolling on the surface and down to about 8 feet. The highlight of the day happened when we were in about 11 feet of water, along a drop-off. The down rigger we had set at 6 feet went off and my brother grabbed the rod. The fish immediately came up to the surface and attempted to jump. I say attempted because it was so big it just barely came out of the water. It was a smallmouth bass, the biggest I have seen in over 50 years of fishing. My personal best smallmouth was a hair under 6 lbs and I have caught many between 4 and 5 . This fish was a lot bigger. Unfortunately, she threw the hook on the first jump, leaving my brother and I staring, open mouthed, at each other. We gave her a rest and tried again later for her but to no avail. That's OK though, I know where she hangs. Next time!