dhami013

Was out on Western Branch last Saturday for the local Bass Jons tournament. It was the 2nd tournament I had ever fished. We took 5th place with a limit of 15.6. I was lucky enough to hook up with a guy who could slay some fish. The water was relatively clear so it was sight fishing all morning until the wind picked up. But even then we were just cruising up the banks and tossing brush hogs. The key was tossing em, let them sit for 10-15 seconds or so then you'd lift your rod tip and feel that bad boy on there. This was the first time I had ever sight fished and it was exciting! I've never had so many big fish get into the boat. Now I've got the fever for tournament fishing. Lots of fun. Here are some pics.

I've tried fishing jigs. Not too much but, what does the bite feel like? Is it like when you're fishing any other soft plastic?

If I had a hundred to blow on fishing, I'd get some yum f2 wooly bugs - killer for bed fishing in clear water. I'd get brush hogs, some flouro, some jigs, and a swim bait or two. If you're looking for a reel, I like anything abu garcia. Not too expensive and always going to last if you take care of it.

Got a tournament this weekend on Westernbranch, anyone have any insight on the water there?

I had a dream similar to that last week. I was fishing with my best friend and we were walking along this creek and the water was crystal clear and we were catching these huge monsters of I don't what.

It's a team tournament for Wednesday. I appreciate the input. I plan on keeping my equipment to a minimum. Just my tackle box and 2 poles. I'm pretty stoked to go out.

This Wednesday night I got a spot on a guy's boat to fish in a tournament. This is my first tournament. When I dropped a thread on the local forum for the area I stated that it was my first tournament and that I was looking to learn. And I got emails from a guy offering a spot. Any pointers? I've read several articles on etiquette and fishing in the back seat. But I want some insight from fellow anglers.

I currently manage a 5 acre lake and recommend the following: Keep a log of what you catch. Try to scope out other populations such as blue gill and crappie. Take out the smaller bass like you have been doing. Keep a log of how many you take out. Create bait fish structure. Go to your nearest dump or grocery store and ask or see if they have any spare pallets. (The wooden things the put cases of things on) Create structure for bass. Also read up on the internet on managing small lakes. There's tons of information on the internet.

Buzz baits are a thrill for top water. I like zara spooks or a good frog. The only thing is spooks and buzz baits aren't weedless and can get hung up.

I went out there again today, late in the day again. Skunked. Two guys were out there today and caught a 6# on live minnows. I'm not real familiar with the Norfolk or Chesapeake area and have no clue where to go.

Try a baby brush hog. Stellar bait.

If you're happy with your rod, keep using your rod. If not, get one. I got a nice 7ft abu garcia from BP and it wasn't too expensive and the sensitivity is pretty stellar. Try some new baits, something you've never tried before. Swim baits, or some different plastics. If you're not on to brush hogs yet, I would certainly get on it. Very good plastic. Green pumpkin is my favorite. Look at all your tackle and decide what you're lacking. Upgrading your arsenal can never hurt.

Nice fish, how were you rigging the brush hog? Can't wait to get on the water this weekend.

Thank you Sam, and all others for the good information and links. I don't think I'll have to worry too much about them living in the small lake.

Went out to Lake Smith with my roommate, first time I've been out there. My boat is unregistered and so is my trailer so I don't have it down at school with me. So we were beating the bank. I left my good rods in Fredericksburg with my boat so all I had was my ultralight. I tried everything. Lipless, bitsy minnows, small grubs, popper, creature bait, and wacky rigged. Granted I didn't get to venture around the area too much, I got there kinda late in the day. So I think the areas I was fishing were just really pressured. So I'm looking forward to heading out there again soon. Anyone ever fish there before?

Clear water = natural colored baits. But you'd be surprised what will work. Try experimenting a little.

I would try to talk to some of the local fisherman. Are you on the bank or?

Thanks for the article I appreciate it. Luckily they aren't inhabiting the dam so I won't have to worry about it being weakened.

Ha that's cause it was your bag out on the guy's property.

About a month I threw out a shaky head finesse worm and a baby brush hog. Caught a couple decent sized ones. So I don't think it's too early. But I would try jerk baits, those seem to be the trick.

Yeah I went out that same day, around the same place. I got kicked from a spot while wading through the water cause my friend left his bag on the man's property. Skunked as well.

Aighty I just didn't know if their eating habits would interfere with the nutrients needed by the fish.

Baby brush hog, green pumpkin C-rigged. Or you can try shaky head hand poured worms.

I have recently made a deal with a man to manage his private lake/pond in exchange to fish his water. I used to fish it back when I knew someone that lived there. But since that person moved I hadn't been able to fish it. Well the man agreed and so I got out on the water this weekend. Something I noticed since I hadn't been there in almost 2 years is that there are some beavers that have recently inhabited the pong. I'm wondering is this bad for the fish in any way? If so what measures should I take to get them re located?

After a heavy pour the water is always a little murkier. If the water is off colored, use something that'll stand out. Some chartreuse, pinks, reds, anything of that nature. Also if it's really murky use something that'll make some vibrations, rattles or something like that. You just have to try to appeal to the bass' senses. Sight, hearing, smell.