First trip to the Quabbin - Any tips welcomed

Heading out to the quabbin friday. going to rent a boat. Targeting bass.

Any tips on where to rent and what time to get there? I plan on being there by 530.
Looks like theres 3 places you can rent. Do they sell out quick?

Any tips on spots and or baits please send them along.

Thanks in advance for the help!
Dan

You won't have any problem renting a boat this time of the year, especially on a weekday. If you are coming from the east you should try either gate 31 or gate 43. Both rent boats and have excellent bass fishing. Gate 8 also rents boats but would be further for you to drive and is generally considered better for trout and salmon, even though there is excellent bass fishing there as well. I fish gate 43 most because it is closest to me. You can actually access all of the same water from either gate 31 or 43. Not so for gate 8 as there is no access to the eastern side of the reservoir from that gate. I have done very well with green pumpkin colored Senkos for both Lm and Sm in the Spring. I don't fish there after May simply because of the boat sealing process. Once I break the seal I go elsewhere until the next Spring. I know you are after Bass but Salmon fishing usually starts picking up now and they can be caught right at the dam at gate 43.

I like gate 43. I haven't been out there since the Spring. I was going last Friday but the weather turned us off and we bagged the trip. Talking to some guys I know that fish there more frequently it's really been hit or miss lately and the most frequent tip I've been getting is to be looking for them in 20-30 ft of water. If you've never rented a boat there, be warned the place is huge and once you're away from the rental area it'll all look the same. There are a couple of signs but thats it. Just pay attention to where you are. Also, if you have a trolling motor, bring it. Good luck

If looking for bass try gate 31 or 43.Gate 31 has a bit more protection from the wind. I like 43. in a rental boat it can be tough if windy the waves can get 2-3'. maybe bring a bucket or drift sock.
At 43 you can also fish Pottapaug which is smaller. Like stated carry a map or use gps on phone. if you go to far you can get turned around.
I usually don't travel to far from ramp.There is fish everywhere. it takes time to learn and since the sealing procedure i haven't been back.
Live bait: use crayfish
Lures: use soft plastics,top-water,jigs. The normal stuff.
I've seen big fish caught from shore at 43. Enjoy and post your trip.

If looking for bass try gate 31 or 43.Gate 31 has a bit more protection from the wind. I like 43. in a rental boat it can be tough if windy the waves can get 2-3'. maybe bring a bucket or drift sock.
At 43 you can also fish Pottapaug which is smaller. Like stated carry a map or use gps on phone. if you go to far you can get turned around.
I usually don't travel to far from ramp.There is fish everywhere. it takes time to learn and since the sealing procedure i haven't been back.
Live bait: use crayfish
Lures: use soft plastics,top-water,jigs. The normal stuff.
I've seen big fish caught from shore at 43. Enjoy and post your trip.

good call on the phone gps Jay. I actually used mine there this year. I shoulda thought of that.

Went to the quabbin 4 days ago gate 8 is my favorite went just for bass this time. most of the bass have moved out of the coves into deeper water find a sand bar and fish off that. caught some pigs tho and a nice 5 pound laker.