My first trip to Stillwater Pond near Torrington, CT today and had a bit of a scare. Accidentally hooked a snapping turtle on a wacky rig, but luckily he was only skin-hooked in the upper mouth and was able to free himself after a minute.

Other than a surprise catch (which I hope to never repeat), it was a really fun day on the water. Stillwater Pond is about a hundred acres and includes a nice variety of rock, logs, submerged vegetation, and clear water with today's catch including largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and bluegill. It was a bit tricky trying to find the fish today since it's been so hot here in Connecticut the past few days, but I found a nice pattern in the north end of the pond with a #3 Mepps Comet combo spinner and 3" paddletail swimbait.

If you're planning to hit Stillwater Pond this summer, I'd recommend starting in the northern, weedy area and either picking it apart with a heavy creature bait or a spinnerbait type presentation you can burn in and around cover to get the fish to react. Tight lines and I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend! Gear used:

• Mepps #3 Comet combo

• 5" Gary Yamamoto Senko

• Mepps #3 Bronze Slammer