Paradise Pond, Princeton, MA
First launch of my kayak and first fishing trip since '97. Been way to long. Got up and got out and arrive at the pond at 0600. It was really pretty, steam rising off the water. Got the kayak in the water and loaded up the gear and set out. I drive by this pond all the time when I am our cruising on my Harley, so it was the first place for me to go. Never looked like it had that many weeds in it from the road, but no big deal. Paddled around a bit getting the feel for the kayak, then started to fishing. Caught a pickerel on a willow leaf spinner bait, white and chartreuse. Started throwing a swimbait into the weeds along the sunny side of one of the islands and got my first largemouth!!! and she was a beauty!! Don't know how much she weighed, don't really care.... she was big though and bent my rod nicely!! Then caught a couple more pickerel and the bass number two. Little smaller but still a nice fish. One more pickerel after that and the day was done.
Learned that after sitting in a sit-in kayak for 6 hours, your legs don't work so well, stumbled flogged around at the landing near my truck and got wet up to my ass....LOL.
Great first day with my new kayak and my first day back fishing after 17 years.
You can access the water from three or four different locations along the West side of the pond shortly after turning onto Rte 31 from Rte 140. The bank can be fairly steep at some of the locations, so be careful hauling your kayak down the banks to the water. Many people visit this pond to throw sticks into the water so their dog can go fetch it and bring it back, then they just leave the stick laying on the ground. Round sticks and downward sloping banks are a good recipe for busting your ass when you are carrying your kayak or pulling it out of the water. I usually use the the second access point. Parking is on the side of the road, but the spot is wide enough so you can get your truck back off the rode some. The walk with the kayak is very short and the shore area is rather large and flat offering easy entry into your kayak. It's a good place to go!!
Now that's how to Christen the new yak on the maiden voyage - with a big bass!
nothing like getting your rod bent after a long layoff! I also have taken a few spils getting out of the Kayak. Nice fishing trip!