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I have been on the river a lot in the past few days. Water temps have been yo-yoing between the low 50's into the low 60's. This is really changing the mood of the fish. The most stable pattern has been to fish ditches and hard cover. The grass is coming in nicely, but has not developed a definitive edge. When the fish retreat, they move to deeper scattered grass and other cover, making them a bit more difficult to track down on the colder water temps.
One of the new features on my Skeeter is the emergency ladder in the back! A simple fall overboard is the number one boating accident "event" that leads to the most fatalities. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that in 2006, 275 persons died in 721 boating accidents that began with or involved a fall overboard. While some of these accidents involved other factors, being able to quickly get back in the boat - without help.
"A fall into the water can turn into a life-threatening situation very quickly," said BoatU.S. Foundation President Ruth Wood, "It doesn't take long for exhaustion or hypothermia to drain the life out of you. Boaters and anglers need to be prepared, especially if you are alone. It can happen to you."
To see a complete report on the tests as well as video of the ladders in action that will help you select the right one for your boat, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation
Potomac River guide Capt. John Sisson reports the old bridge pilings above the Wilson Bridge still present a potential hazard! BE CAREFUL!
Warmer water temps have allowed the fish to move up to the drop edges and stay on the flats. Fish are moving up to last year's grass on main river flats and creek mouth points. This is an excellent time to get away from the crowds and find new fish. These fish will stage in these areas for a few weeks, then move toward spawning flats as nighttime lows are not as low and the days are getting longer, keeping us warmer later.
For the cold snap, I have relied on several soft plastics presentations. I either cast to ditches, pitch to wood and skip under docks!! Mann's Stingray 3” avocado grub is my favorite, then Mizmo tubes, then drop shots. The best way to fish a Mizmo tube with an insert tube head. I have been using the Gerkin head for 6 years! Made with a Mustad Ultra Point hook...it has a wire weed guard and an elongated lead head…this makes the bait glide. The Gerkin tube head, now owned by R&R Custom Baits can be found at Dance's Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling…804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. The key this time of the year with all baits is to slow down. Stop when you can. For extended periods! This is where fish attractants come in handy. I like Jack's Juice because it really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!
The two best hard baits are the suspending jerkbait and the lipless crank. I prefer the Lucky Craft here! The Pointer 78 and the 100 are fantastic. I use 10-12 pound test…MONO!!! I don't like fluorocarbon. The line sinks…that's OK, but it sinks the entire length of the line. This makes it harder to set the hook, and to keep the fish from feeling all of the line in the water…. just my preference. Note that outgoing tides generally bring warmer water, especially as you get closer to DC. When that happens, you can be a bit more aggressive. Also take note of water clarity to determine speed and colors. Around Blue Plains and other warmer (55+) shallow…up to 6 feet…areas with clear water, I use suspending jerkbaits. The Lucky Craft Pointer is the best around! I like the 78, but will use the 100 in water that isn't as clear or a bit deeper. Keeping the bait in one spot for a long time is best! 10-pound test!!!! This allows the bait to run deeper and to stay in one spot for a while. When I get low water near drops and clear water after the water arms a few degrees in the mid day, I like to toss the Lucky Craft Pointer and let it sit as long as 20 seconds! Tough to do, but worth the wait. If it's windy, use the spinning rod!!!!
The Lucky Craft LVR D-7 is a heavier lipless bait with a thinner profile. It puts out a lot of vibration at a very slow speed. I drag it on the bottom. If there is grass, I rip it free with a short snap and the bait is balanced to fall straight down without flipping over. REDS!!!! And craw patterns are best!
Also try cranking, or spinnerbaits. You need to keep your bait in close contact with the bottom. Slow is the key! I do better with cranks on clear water sunny days and the spinnerbait when the water is stained and skies are gray and chop on the water. Try slow rolling a Mann's 3/8 Classic Spinnerbait, Colorado/Willow blades along the bottom. This bait has gold blades, white skirt. I cast it, let it fall to the bottom, then reel as slowly as possible to just keep the bait moving as slowly as possible, in constant contact with the bottom. Still using 17-pound test. All of the bites, including the cranks have been light. The fish really aren't even jumping when hooked. Been catching light colored bass with a bit of silt on their bellies. For my rods, the Ultra Strike, 2iG rods are perfect. The med/hvy 6'6” rod is my spinnerbait rod.
Slowly crank tighter wiggle cranks: reds, craws, and chartreuse with a brown back. After getting snagged and penetrating many fish, all hooks get dull! I recommend replacing with Mustad Ultra Point trebles. BTW! The BEST split ring pliers ever, from Texas Tackle!http://texastackle.com/pliers.htm none like it anywhere! For cranks, I like the 7” medium action rod like the 2iG Ultra Strike, perfect to feel cover and hookset! It's not too limber or too stiff to keep you from landing fish.
How many of you bought a baitcasting reel, tried it and gave up! Apparently there are a lot of you out there! Don't give up, learn how to use them! Start with a decent reel, $120-140 on up. Then practice…but what do you practice? Check out my free videos (http://www.monkeysee.com/channel/show/89) and you'll learn how to cast…if you can cast, but with only one hand, you can learn how to use your other hand too!
Fish are moving shallow. I like the Mann's Baby 1-Minus! This bait works year round and can be slowly cranked in shallow water.
For drop shots, Mann's Hardnose green pumpkin finesse worm is the best. The bait's tough head stays on the hook and the soft-bodied pencil point tail does a whole lot of shaking! I also like this worm for the shakey head application. I use the plain lead Gerkin jig heads for shaky head fishing…heat the head and coat with BROWN vinyl powdered coat available from lurecraft.com. It's also a good choice for the split shot rig. For the drop shot and the split shot rigs, I am using a 2/0 Mustad Ultra Lite Mega Bite hook. I like to use an 8-inch leader on my drop shot. The Carolina rig is pretty good now too! In Spoils and Smoots and in areas close to deep water! BTW I have found the PERFECT drop shot tool! The FISHING Butler (Fishingbutler.com) secures drop shot weights to your rod when putting away! No VELCRO or rubber bands! This device is adjustable and can also be used to secure rods to each other.
A “casting call” will take place at The Boathouse at Fletcher's Cove…www.fletcherscove.com, Sunday, April 27, 11:00am - 3:00p. www.nationalcastingcall.com. Industry experts will instruct parents and children alike, and give everyone a chance to fish and learn more about fishing and the environment. Highlights include sturgeon petting, a Junior Ranger Badge program, fly tying instruction and hands-on exhibits from participating partners: The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), in conjunction with The National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) and Guest Services, Inc. present an engaging all ages event sponsored by The National Park Service, The American Sportfishing Association, Discovery Creek, Discover Fly Fishing, The Future Fisherman Foundation, Family Tyes, The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, Living Classrooms Foundation, L.L. Bean, Orvis, Patagonia, Trout Unlimited, and The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
There's confusion over what licenses are required to guide on the Tidal Potomac River. I worked very closely with the PRFC this summer to come up with a grid of requirements to comply with DC, MD, VA and the PRFC on the Tidal Potomac. If you would like a copy, let me know! I support Capt. Ken Penrod's efforts to see to it that these rules are enforced!
It's a good time to pour some great finesse worms and other soft plastics with precise and easy to use molds from lurecraft.com. They have all of the supplies and plastic mixes for floating and for softness. Go on-line to find out more! (www.lurecraft.com 1-800-925-9088 for a free catalog). Make straight tail finesse worms for shakey head fishing, drop shots, and split shots! They can even make a mold for your design! Take a look at some of the baits I have made on: www.nationalbass.com (articles/lure-craft.htm)…call now to put your orders in! 1-800-925-9088
My Sportsman's Magazine article will focus on bouncing back after injuries! Three big name pros underwent off-season surgeries to make comebacks this season. Brauer, Hibdon and Wilks tell their stories. Look for my Tournament Talk column in Woods & Waters. This month I look at pros and seminars! It's not just or extra income either! Check www.woodsandwatersmagazine.com. A limited FREE supply at Belle Haven Marina and at Bowes and Arrows.
Senior BASSMASTER writer, Robert Montgomery has taken decades of writing and fishing experience with the best in the fishing business and compiled it into one huge E-Book. Ratio's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS contains nearly 300 VERY specific tips from pros to help you catch more fish! I found a TON of great tips to help me. Get RONTICO's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS here: www.killer-bass-fishing-secrets.com. It's only $19.95…about a nickel a tip! Well worth it! The site has some FREE tips!
MIZMO tubes, Punisher Jigs, and most of the Lucky Craft and Mann's baits are now in Bass Pro Shops latest catalog…look for them!
New to the river? Get a pro-quality map for fishing the Potomac and for other Virginia waters map from GMCO: www.gmcomaps.com. They list popular locations and hidden dangers of navigating the Potomac.
Captain Steve Chaconas/National Bass Guide Service/SEOPA
" Take me fishing!"
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