Sbennett9

Hey man, Have at it! Live bait is a good break away from constantly casting and retrieving the same unsuccessful crankbaits over and over again. Especially in ponds it can be one heck of a time if you're with good friends and cold drinks. To each his own, just follow the rules of your local regulatory organization and enjoy the sport. After all, at the end of the day we all strive to enjoy time out on the water correct?

Space monkey hands down. One of the best producing plastics I've used. Regardless of color I love the action and apparently the bass do too!

You are not wrong by doing what you did. Living in the same area I can definitely agree it is a HUGE problem. However, the correct measure of action is to report first... When I run into people I am sure to tell them that they are committing game and fisheries violations and if they continue to do so there could be ramifications. Most will release the catch but I have run off my fair share of those that dare to repeat....The hook thing is pretty funny tho I won't lie!

I have a smaller one in a bluegill pattern and have yet to use it. Will be trying it out this week hopefully with the nice weather we'll be having. In ponds in the midatlantic do you all think there is any color better than bluegill? It seems to be main forage in the area

Anyone can dominate a pond using soft plastics. Don't get stuck on one bait but don't switch every five casts. Take your time and like they said, stay quiet! What works for me is almost always a texas rigged worm. Don't ignore spinnerbaits though!

Is live target worth the money? They seem so realistic but in a real world application does it make difference?

Depending on where you live there are alot of ponds that can yield some pretty big fish. Especially if you are relegated to the bank. Also the reserviors have boats available for rental at a decent price.

I'll be sure to let you know if I find anything out. May try to drop a jon boat in during the upcoming weeks. we shall see

Would really like to come. Would definitely need a seat on someone's boat tho!

Anyone know if it is legal to fish Ruffin's Pond? I'm assuming it is because of the VDGIF posting about its snakehead population but I'd like to know before I commit to checking it out. Anyone with any advice would be great.

My partner and I talk on the water with anglers all the time. Never interrupting them but especially when passing by. Being friendly not only on the water but in general is just a character trait of mine....Whether the answer they give is truthful or not i decipher from what they throw. You'd be shocked how many people will lie straight to your face. I tell everyone the truth but the details can be give or take. To all of you out there talking with younger anglers and sharing learned skills I applaud you. I wish I ran into more guys like you!

ww2farmer is dead on in his list. Every one of those baits are necessities in my boat. If you want to narrow the list a little I would says a stick worm style bait is the most versatile. Depending on your style crankbaits in the 1.5-2.5 range can really pay off but I put most of my work in on the soft plastic side of things. Worms of varying sizes and colors work pretty much year round and my personal favorite is a texas rigged craw or creature type bait. Catch fish all day with them.

The carp thing I disagree with. Some of my best days have been with carp nearby. I have never had issues with them and seeing as they aren't predatory of bass I would assume that they don't either.

Anyone with any suggestons for Aquia creek? I will be fishing out of a jon boat on it and plan to go in the next week or two.

Yeah "the ponds" in Burke sounds particularly interesting. pm me with the info please! As far as everything else that you people have given me so far it is a good start. I'll be sure to fill everyone in with progress

Its a lot of the neighborhood ponds and such in neighborhoods off of braddock road. Is there a lot of bank space on those you mentioned above? And if I had to chose one or two to try out which would you suggest?

Anyone want to help a college student out with some ponds I can fish from the bank in Fairfax? Had issue with being run off for not living in neighborhoods. Tell me all of Fairfax isn't this bad....

Mine would be to top the 8lb LM section and get into some smallies somewhere. Also I really would like to win a tournament since it is my first year fishing them

Yeah I definitely understand that! As a college student I still don't do extremely well with computers so you're not alone. Either way it is a very good thingt o start off with and maybe I can expand it on paper

That is one awesome map. Is there a way to edit it and add notes?

What's everyone's favorite way to fish the space monkey? I have only ever fished in texas rigged but apparently its a pretty versatile bait?

Anyone ever use the flipping the bird topwater that imitates a bird? Always thought it would be a good idea to make a bird lure. Anyone have any luck with it?

Hello all, Been finding info on here for at least a year now. Finally joined and am definitely enjoying it. I'm newer to the NOVA area and have spent most of my bank time in Spotsylvania. Would love to find some ponds near Fairfax to drop in from time to time.

Welcome from Fairfax! If you're ever looking for someone to hit the shoreline with let me know. Not too familiar with the area and always looking for a hole or two to pull fish out of!

Welcome from Fairfax! If you ever need to find someone to hit the water with let me know. Always down to get out on the water!