Way to go Roy!
IF I lived in MA too... & my Striper (Large) season didn't start 'till mid/ late May... then for sure I'd play around with Sweetwater Smallies & Salmon early on too!...
But considering Striper season down here runs from late March to mid- December... no time for Freshwater pursuits here in my quest for my "50!"
But: those Smallies sure can fight, no doubt about that!

Glad you're giving 'em what for!
