dhami013

Good Morning Gents, It's been a little while since I've been on the site but I know you all are a renowned source for information. Since I was 11 years old I've always done a 2-3 day trip on the Shenandoah for small mouth and large mouth alike. Since I'm an adult and have bills and responsibilities I don't get on the water as much as I would like. (I imagine this is true for everyone) This year however, I'm going. The only issue is, there was a significant fish kill on the South Fork of the Shenandoah back in 2014, I've done some research and called around and the population just isn't what I am looking for in regards to big fish smallies. (Back in 2013 was the last notable year and man did I crush it, best small mouth fishing of my entire life. I'm talking 4lbs+ all day for all 3 days) This year, I'm looking to venture to the New River. I've heard great things and it's something new. I was wondering if anyone has some information on some good 3 day-2 night floats I can do on the New River. Maybe some clues on where to put in and where to pull out. I'm doing some research on locations but I was curious if anyone has ever floated down the New River and if they had some suggestions. Thanks all, Tight lines.

Much appreciated. I've fished South Fork since I was about 11 years old and used to go every year until I was 18. I used to have that river system down to a science with using mainly 3 different crank baits. One set for each depth I encounter. Occasionally I will switch up to some plastics and some top waters but my biggest fish have come off of one of those 3 cranks.

Anyone fished the South Fork of the Shenandoah within the last year? Last time I was out there was back in 2013. I had read about some fish kills in 2014 and have been doing some research because I'm about to float down again early this summer. I just wanted to know how the population was doing. Back in 2013, by the time I went from mile 1-3 I had caught at least 6-7 4lb fish. Just didn't know if the Ol' Girl was still able to put out the same quality after that fish kill. I've heard there was a stint when people said the fishing was terrible. Just looking for some help.

For some reason I didn't get the email notification for replies on this topic and I had missed out on all these GREAT replies! I'm going out tomorrow morning to one of those ponds which is actually right next to where I work. Thank you everyone for replying back and helping a brother out, Sam especially, you always drop some great knowledge on us.

Hey y'all been awhile. I'm moving to Richmond, VA in the Museum district, was wondering if anyone knew some good spots to fish at? I may or may not have a canoe, so bank fishing for now. Any one know of some good spots in the city or just outside of it?

Those are some good looking fish. Glad you had a great day out.

If so where at and what's been working for ya? Got the day off tomorrow. Thinking about hitting maybe the rapp because it's nearby.

We went out there and picked up solid fish on various cranks and double tailed hula grubs in the watermelon color. The fishing is getting good out there.

For Curtis Lake, when you come in, go to the right at those stumps. Pitch jigs to the stumps on the shadows side or the side hiding from the wind. Picked up some 5lbs there.

If you have, what's working? Last summer around this time I killed it on a kvd 1.5 crank. Seeing if anyone had some tips. Thanks guys.

My heaviest set up is a 7ft Med. Hvy. Curado 200 e5.

I've thought about looking into BASS Federation but being a college student, I'm skeptical of those things called "dues." Ha. The local tournament series here on a lake about 15 mins away is almost always an open tournament so I go to those. Law school- eek, scary, difficult, and scary. I don't know about all that. Teaching has been a goal of mine since high school, my English teachers had such an incredible impact on me. I've heard many horror stories of people who had terrible teachers and it turned them away from it, I want to assist in changing that. Thank you for the well wishes, I'm sure I'll do fine where ever I end up. But back to the question, Sam, what kind of swim baits do you like to use, where, and why?

I've been doing well. Getting ready to graduate with a BA in English Literature. Hopefully looking into grad. school to teach English in high school. I haven't dabbled much with swim jigs. Mostly messed around here and there with swim baits like the ones Sam mentioned. I've seen tons of videos I was just curious as to what preferences some Virginia anglers might have for certain areas around here. Just kind of an open question to start a little something. Sonny, hope you've been doing well man. Fishing4SquidDuck or Bill as I call him will be moving down to Norfolk to live with me as he's transferring to ODU in the fall. I'm hoping we can hit the local tournament series around here. I fished it often my sophomore year, not too much junior year, and none this year. Most people have been rather reluctant to let non-boaters aboard. I guess in fear to share their favorite spots. I would go out on my own boat but I spent money on other things rather than a new engine for my jonboat and only have 55 and a 35lb thrust trolling motors, the lake is a little big to compete with that. But I can still go out on it. So we shall see. Thanks for the replies gents, you been out lately Sonny?

It's been way too long since I've been on this website, coming back to it tonight, while I'm in one of my night classes, I'm glad I did. As it is currently winter I know we're all looking forward to that spring bite. I am one of those people. I've been curious about and have looked into swim bait fishing. I know one other member on here, a close friend of mine, has been too. We've looked at all sorts of videos about fishing them, tail types, and all sorts of other things. But I want to know if there are some other swim bait enthusiasts in the central to southern VA area that have some preferences. What has worked for you? What conditions do you use them for? Favorite brands, techniques, so and so forth.

Dang! 94?! Care to share any details on what you were using?

Oh it's the Rapidan river by the way. The Locust Grove campus for Germana.

Quantico has lots of ponds and a lake to rent boats from.

Looking to put in there, I haven't done it in years. Was wondering if it was still accessable to put in there and float down to Ely's.

I've gone down the Shenandoah several times. We always went through Shenandoah outfitters, started at 1 and stopped at 8 I believe for the first night. I'm sure you could call the Shenandoah outfitters and ask what they recommend as well. As far as fishing goes if you plan to do any of that. Various cranks, hula grubs (watermelon. red flake), baby brush hogs, some jigs, and ultra light tackle and baits work well.

If so, could you link it? I haven't found one.

I'm gonna keep at it. Pick up a red and white and a green back to white belly. Maybe some other colors. We'll see, thanks for the input.

I'm starting to get into salt water fishing here in Norfolk. And after hearing great things I was curious about this Mirrolure, so I bought one. I bought the STTR 26. How in the world do you fish this thing? When kinda twitching it with a couple rod pops near the shore, it just looks like it has no action whatsoever. Just curious if someone could give me some pointers. Also what colors do you prefer?

Hampton roads area is my location. I have done well with black and blue jigs with green pumpkin, black w/ blue fleck, and blue trailers. I've also caught some fish using Siebert outdoors big o jig in pbnj with a falcon lake craw rage craw trailer. Try your own thing.

Right on. I'm new to fishing in brackish water so I'm trying my best to familiarize myself with the techniques and lures. I appreciate the feedback.

Told you.