East Brookfield Massachusetts Quaboag Pond is listed as 541 acres, but according to local bass angler, and Mass Division sponsor Jay Wallace the “Boag” offers anglers a wide range of bass holding cover. “Quaboag Pond is a shallow water fishery with heavy weed growth. Connected southerly to South Pond, while East Brookfield River flows into Quaboag on the east side, the Quaboag River flows out on the west side.”

Having lived near ‘Boag’ all his life, Wallace knows Quaboag like the back of his hand. And it was on Quaboag where Wallace developed his line of Boag Hog lead free jigs (www.BoagHogBaits.com). “Quaboag has several islands, some rocky areas, and the two rivers providing miles of winding vegetation including lily pads, milfoil, down timber and stumps,” says Wallace.

            It’s no wonder the USA Bassin Massachusetts Division was elated when they arrived May 26th to compete in the trails second of five seasonal tournaments. (www.USABassin.com) A morning survey of the anglers, predicted an early morning topwater bite, turning to a flipping jig and pig combination as the sun rose higher in the sky. USA Bassin Competitor Abe Kalechman revealed, “Largemouth bass spread throughout the entire lake, anywhere anglers find a variety of vegetation can be productive!” Adding, “If the bass in the Quaboag River are on we will see some heavy bags come weigh-in time!”

Two flights idled in numeric order as a full field of teams quickly spread throughout the 541 acres of pristine largemouth waters. Anglers worked a wide variety of baits in, through and over cover, as the water depth averaged six feet. Working the mouth of East Brookfield River, six boats were scattered along the shoreline and into the lily pad cove. Team Shea utilized their shallow water anchor and managed to land three largemouth bass, while the other five boats went fishless.

In the Adult/Youth race for the Annual Grizz Baits ‘Top Adult/Youth Team’ trophy, Gary and Kyle Walker’s 5-bass limit weighing 9.34 lbs, extended their lead to 15-points over Team Gasbarro. “Kyle fished flawlessly today, working his baits through the grass and down trees! I’m extremely proud of him,” replied Gary Walker.

As the weigh-in continued seventeen teams managed carrying a 5-bass limit to the scales. But, few teams were as excited as Mike Caudle and Courtney Caras, when the Weigh Master called out, “5-bass 12.32 lbs, Big Bass 3.49 lbs!” Immediately Caudle and Caras took over the tournament lead, including the optional Lunker pool.

Caudle and Caras relinquished their tournament and Lunker lead, when the scales were finally closed. Sliding to a third place Quaboag finish, the Male/Female Team found they were sitting in third place in the overall standings, and first place for the coveted USA Marine 2012 Top Male/Female Plaque.

Team Bartus brothers Joe and Greg were one of only eight teams to register double-digit weights. Anchoring their 10.11 lb 5-bass limit with a 4.00 lb Hog, they walked away with Quaboag Lunker honors and a pocket full of cash.

Fourth place with a total 5-bass limit weighing 11.78 lbs, Nitro Z-6 teammates Matt and Dave Payne earned their first payday of the season. Working weightless senko’s along outside weed lines. “Our Z-6 front deck is huge with plenty of room for both of us to flip and pitch,” claimed Matt Payne.

Edging out Caudle and Caras by a mere .12 lbs, Kalechman and Parker finished the day in second place with 12.44 lbs. Registering the tournaments second largest lunker at 3.60 lbs. The bridesmaid team said they had their limit within the first hour of the tournament.

“I must have lost at least six to eight jigs today, and never landed a single pike! Half-ounce jigs along the outside weed line produced bass all day long, except when a pike decided to eat the jig,” laughed Kalechman.

According to Abe Kalechman, he spent most of the day within the 541 acres of Quaboag Pond. “After attaining a small limited I made a run up the Quaboag River thinking I could increase our weight with a six pound or larger largemouth.” Unfortunately for team Kalechman and Parker several other teams were under the same assumption. “The Quaboag River was just to low not allowing us to venture into the thick backwater haunts.”

            Crowned the Quaboag Champions Team Boutin and Braese managed to out distance Kalechman and Parker with a 1.01 lb margin. “We had a terrible practice and never caught a keeper bass,” announce Ron Boutin. Culling throughout the day Darren Braese flipped three-eighth ounce jig and pigs, while Ron Boutin worked a variety of reaction baits to secure their winning limit.

The Quaboag Champs anchored their 5-bass limit with a largemouth weighing 3.37 lbs, followed with a 3.08 smallmouth. “I can not remember when a smallmouth was last caught in Quaboag Pond,” replied Trail sponsor Jay Wallace of Boag Hog Baits.

            Thanks to the abundant and generous USA Bassin Massachusetts Division sponsors, 50% of the field received cash and or prizes.

God Bless and Best Bassin

Decoteau June 2012