A frequent question residents of Pembroke hear when visitors see our fresh water ponds is, “Can you fish in that pond?” The answer is an unequivocal - Yes! Over the past month the MetroWest Car Topper Opens, a fishing club located in Metro West Massachusetts, proved this to be true when they conducted fishing tournaments on Oldham and Stetson ponds.
The club sponsors tournaments across the area. As their name implies only car topper boats (Jon boats, kayaks, canoes) 15' and under are allowed. Boats can only use electric trolling motors and all boats must have a functioning aerated live well. All fish are caught and released. Other rules include type of bait used (lures only), fish counts (max five), type of fish (bass), time limits and more.
Big bass were taken during the Oldham Pond tournament. the 5.1 lbs winner is on the far left. Photos from Metrowest Car Topper Open Social Media. Used with permission.
On July 27, the Pembroke Town Landing on Oldham Pond was the site of an early launch of eager fishermen. By the end of the day around 49 keeper bass had been caught, the largest being 5.1 lbs. Winners are judged by largest fish and heaviest bag of five fish. The winner's bag weighed in at 16.9 lbs.
The Car Toppers were back in Pembroke on August 9, this time on Stetson pond. The prize winner topped out at 6.13 lbs, the bag at 17.11 lbs.
The bass were even bigger in Stetson pond, with be biggest weighing in at 6.13 lbs. Photo from Metrowest Car Topper Open Social Media. Used with permission.
MetroWest Car Topper Opens said they will be sure to be back on Pembroke ponds in the future, but no further tournaments are scheduled for Pembroke this year. The club is very active, sponsoring roughly fifteen tournaments a year. You don’t have to be a member to participate, but some tournaments may limit the number of boats allowed. The entrance fee is usually $25 per person which is distributed back in prizes.
Information on signing up for future tournaments can be found on the MetroWest Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1853660212106651
The big bass caught in Pembroke's ponds proves there is good fishing. In addition to these bass, the ponds are home to chain pickerel, crappy, yellow and white perch, bluegill and many other species. So, line up your rod, grab your tackle box and head down to the shore. The fish are waiting!
