VABasser

I'm not from FL so I can't help you there, but you may want to post this in the Southeast Bass section of this forum as well. Also if you look at one of the stickies at the top of the board, called Fishing Members Map or something along those lines, it might be of help to you.

Haha, funny you bring up the ladies. Reading this thread that's what came to mind, along with many of the things others have mentioned such as the 'sit in a boat or on the shore, watch a bobber float up and down and hope something comes along' stereotype. They just dont get it. I'm in my second year at college and I've lost count of the number of chicks that have asked to go fishin with me. Maybe I talk it up real nice or maybe its the guide (me ) thats drawing them to it haha. My philosophy is that anyone who goes out on the water and experiences what we do, sunrises, sunsets, bass destroying topwater, fighting a nice fish, etc is going to appreciate fishing. Now, they might not get as crazy about it as many of us on the forums, but I think they'll be craving more.

Dude thats sick. Nice fish. I agree, theres something about fishing in the rain thats addicting. Don't get me wrong, I love that sun beating down on me in the summer but a rainy day thrown in every now and then doesn't bother me

d**n I'm jealous of you all. I'm hoping I can get away from VT soon for a weekend to slay some shad. I imagine it'll peak in the next week or two although I dont really know considering I'm not there. Vekol, the two main things I would recommend throwing are small 1 inch silver or gold spoons and shad darts. I've mainly thrown the silver spoons with good success. I'm sure you can get them at Gander or Dicks but I usually got mine at Kens Bait and Tackle off Rt 1 southbound (after the Rt 1 bridge over the Rapp, on your left side, mapquest if you dont know where it is). All the stores this time of year should have the darts and spoons so if you dont know what you're looking for ask someone and they'll know what you're talking about. I always put a few split shots above the spoon. The amount of weight you want and how far up your line depends. You just have to experiment and see whats working. I would recommend starting with 2 or 3 of that "average size" (1/8 oz i reckon) about 18 inches up your line and go from there. Mainly I would just cast out and retrieve with varying speeds. I know there are different variations and ways to catch them but this is my most proven method. I remember the first time I ever went me and a buddy caught around 40 each within 2 hours or so. Talking about this bums me out that I'm stuck here in Bburg . I'm in a bit of a hurry but if you want a few suggestions on where to go send me a PM

Nice fish. Maybe it just happened this way but looks like your dad fishes out of the back and you take the front. Haha, same way with me and my dad. I always have to take control of the TM. As I get older I appreciate those times on the water with my dad more.

Maybe I'm immature but I cant stop laughing about that. It just doesn't sound right for some reason. Sorry, back on topic. Yeah the palomar would be your best bet. It's a very strong knot. Do a google search for it and you will find plenty of diagrams and videos to help

Now thats funny

I'd say those weights are pretty close. 20 inches and around 4lbs sounds accurate. But yeah I'm with froggin, find a weight for a bench and see what your scale reads. We've got a weight bench in my basement so I periodically check my Berkely digital scales. They are at most an ounce off which is pretty good considering they were only $20 or so

JCrzy PM sent

Hmm Thursday through Sunday, thats odd. I dont think I'll get a chance to hit it tomorrow but I'm hoping this upcoming Thursday. I'll let you all know if I have any luck

Anyone know when Hunting Run opens up for the season or has it already? I'm coming back to Fburg tomorrow for spring break. I'm looking to get out a few times, especially with this beautiful weather coming in. Anybody been out lately?

Haha, when I read this and the picture of that rig popped into my mind I burst out laughing

Haha yeah fishing weightless around heavy hydrilla would be interesting . I should've clarified weightless creatures might be good up under docks or the like, never tried it though. I remember my first time on the Potomac shocked at how vast/dense the hydrilla was. I was like how the hell am I supposed to fish that

I've fished many of the small lakes/reservoirs around the NoVA area. I dont mess around with most of them much anymore. Its dawned on me how great of a fishery the Potomac is so I'll be putting in most of my time there this summer I expect. I've fished Occ Res a lot in the past but doubt I'll get the season launch pass this year. It's just easier to catch greater quantity/quality in the Potomac. Not knocking the Res but just my opinion. Besides the Potomac I'll fish Hunting Run a bit and the Rapp for my smallie fix (its almost in my backyard). When I'm at Tech I'll fish the New River some. Looking forward to the spring/summer

Thanks guys for the info. I'm sure once we can start getting out we'll be swapping reports and what not. I'm stoked, I wish summer would hurry up already. Quick question I just thought of, do you all weight your craws/creature baits? I usually add a small bullet weight but it just dawned on me they'd probably be real productive weightless. Dont know why I haven't tried that :-/

How do you do in Potomac Creek? I've heard some good things and promised myself I'm going to fish it this summer. Also anyone fish Quantico Creek much? Thats another one I want to put a little time into

Ok, sounds about like what I expected. Yeah, once the grass is there catching them is no problem. It almost seems too easy. You got to love the topwater bite

I hope everyone's surviving cabin fever, we're on the last stretch. But I've been wondering what month the vegetation (hydrilla, spatterdock, etc) in the Potomac really starts growing good. In the 4 1/2 or so years I've lived in VA I've fished the Potomac off and on (more so last year) but its almost always been mid to late summer when the grass was well established. I've got a cousin coming to visit/fish in mid May after we both get done with finals so I was wondering what I can expect from the Potomac around then.

Idk how the weather will be in NOVA tomorrow but here in Blacksburg we're supposed to get gusts over 50 mph so you might want to check that out. Thats nasty. I'm eagerly awaiting reports from the NoVA/Potomac area. I'm hoping I can get a few trips in over spring break. Springs gettin close

Yeah I just ignored that comment at first but theres a different mindset amongst striper/rockfish anglers concerning catch and release. I gladly throw all the largemouth I catch back but amongst striper fishermen its always about catching your limit, and once you've got it you usually head in for the day. Stripers are great eating and keeping them is a routine practice.

*sigh* What I wouldnt do to be out on the water on a warm summers morning. :'( I dont have many pics on my laptop here at school but heres a few. Two from my annual trip to Idaho last summer and the other two from Virginia. I dont think it requires a geography expert to realize the differences.

Sorry I must've missed this earlier. The biggest was right around 30, a few in the 25 range, and others closer to 20.

Nice setup for your kayak. I've got a canoe I use for the hard to get to places but if your by yourself its a pain to load/unload the thing. Kayak would be great in that situation. Hopefully one day I can own the trifecta, boat, canoe and kayak ;D. Sick picture flippin the craw, where were you fishin?

Nice fish. You dont know how jealous I am to see you in a tshirt and catching bass. Winter's depressing

Didnt realize Lunkerville or BR had a facebook group. Joined. Now I've got more ways to prevent doing work once the semester starts back up