VABasser

I'm drooling thinking of topwater bass in January, but I'm back at VT now. Have fun guys, post up some pics. Don't rub it in too hard though, I might start crying

Its early May I think. Finals are right around then so those prevent me from going

If its on the Potomac I'm down. I don't get done with school until early to mid May though so it'd have to be after that. But count me in as a boater

After posting that I started thinking to myself, "why would there be bowfin fry swimming around in winter?" Haha

Bowfin maybe? Thats just a guess

Boys, we all know that is what's drawing us there. Tell the truth, how many are you gonna pick up? ;D

If he agreed to and didn't put it inside doesn't he have to take responsibility? That sucks man, thats why I always take pretty much anything of value out of my boat since I can't store it in my garage.

Just a heads up for anyone who cares. I was flying into Dulles from Orlando today and we went over the Potomac. Pretty cool seeing it from the air like that (besides satellite imagery) but anyways all the creeks appeared to be iced over but the main river was free. I had planned to get out and do some scouting and maybe a little fishing but I guess that will have to wait. They are predicting some days in the 40's next week but I dont know if that will be enough to melt it. What do you guys think?

Rob, I fished them quite a bit this past summer on the Potomac and definitely caught some good fish on them. I used one of the older green Curados with 12lb Yo Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft or 12 lb P-line CXX along with a 6-6 Shimano Compre I believe and never broke a fish off with that. Although I know I fish alot lighter line than most on the Potomac. As far as getting backlashes, yeah with wind it can be tough to throw them. Big-O has a good suggestion and it does help with casting distance/backlashes, but once the grass gets semi-thick on the Potomac and there are cut up chunks of it floating everywhere, the weight on the hook collects all of it and makes it unfishable. So I had to quit fishing it on a swimbait hook.

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I'll take a look at these and decide, might go with a couple different brands.

Ok, I need some suggestions. I'm doing the usual offseason load up on gear and am looking at expanding my spook type of bait selection. In the past I have only used the Heddon Spook, but I am sure that there are numerous companies that make similar baits. What are your favorite walk the dog type baits that you would recommend? Thanks

As to how many fish each, thats a hard one to answer. The bug tends to go up the line on its wire when fighting a bass so they usually dont get torn up all that bad. On the color, it depends on the color of the craws in your area. I like the Brown, Greens and Watermelon myself. Sounds good. One more question, do most hits come on the fall like senkos? I watched that video T-rig posted and thats what appeared was happening.

Hmm, first time I looked into these things. Looks like I might have to buy some . How many fish does each bait usually hold up for and any specific color recommendations?

I like it. Seems like itd be a great alternative for a frog, throw something a little different that the bass don't see all the time. I'd like to throw one for some topwater Potomac action. Are these out yet?

Haha nice we're 4th. I agree though, I think its rather hard to rank fishing teams. Since with the addition of one or two really good anglers, so much can change. Or with one of the top anglers on that team graduating, etc. Unlike a sport like football, where one guy can only have so much impact, one good stick in fishing can make all the difference. But the list is a good idea to what colleges are playing a key role in the up and coming college fishing arena

Damnyou Thai. John, you being serious? Does it suck? As far as fishing, yes. I was gonna tell you that last night but got too lazy. But as Thai says, for you to just get out on the water, get some casts in the yak and get the feel for everything, its not a bad option since it is so close. But don't go out with high expectations. I hear back in the day before the golf course and everyone started fishing it, they shocked up a 14lber (something along those lines), but then everyone heard that and started fishing it. Its only ~90 acres. I'll PM you about a spot sometime today if I get around to it that is a true honeyhole. Its not a winter spot, but spring, summer and fall is a whole other story.

Anyone got a link to this? I'm curious, what were the college teams they listed?

True, I just don't find the Humminbird background map all that helpful. I guess its better than nothing

Thanks for clearing that up Wayne. Thats what I was curious about. Looks like I won't be getting anything more detailed with Navionics that I don't already have with GMCO, but I'll have the ability to mark spots with my GPS which will be nice

Another vote for the Falcon Lowriders. I got one this past summer and love it. Very sensitive. Thinking about getting another one

Hmm well once finals are over on Thursday I'll do some google searches and see if I can't uncover something else. I'll keep you guys posted, if you discover anything let me know.

I do mine on my own, saves a ton of money, but takes some time too. I would recommend getting Reel Mechs book on how to service reels. A lot of good diagrams, photos and instructions. I bought the book a couple years ago, I imagine he still sells it. Without it I would feel very intimidated going in and taking apart my reels, there are quite a few pieces in there

I'm looking at getting the Navionics Map Pack for my Humminbird 798 c. Getting all the different lakes it includes is nice, but the majority of my fishing is done on the Potomac so I am most concerned how Navionics does the Potomac. It is listed under "Maryland." It doesn't specify if it is just the Upper Potomac or also the tidal Potomac (what I fish). I just want to be sure they don't consider the tidal area 'coastal' or something. Any nova guys out there with any insight on this? If you have it, what are your opinions? Thanks guys, I want to get it and mark a bunch of spots over break if the fishin aint too hot. It'll be a good way to fight the cabin fever

Dude thats awesome. I've caught them that size trolling but the fight isn't anything special on trolling gear. I imagine that was an epic fight, I'm jealous. What are your rod and line specs?

Chris I have to ask you, is the quote under your profile picture from Chigger Brumbalow? I've watched this countless times and it just doesn't get old