Choporoz

I think there were three times that we didn't pick best path through the 'rapids' and I had to stick one foot in the water to push off the rocks. Warm day and I was wearing sandals. It wasn't much of a problem. If we go back when it gets cooler, I'll need to figure something better

I'm great with the idea and love the location. However, I'm out of town that weekend. Tues nights are generally best for me, but I'll be flexible

The fish have yet to convince me that I need to carry anything other than watermelon of any variety and smokin shad.

Spent most of Saturday on the Shenandoah and had an absolute blast! Wife and I rented a canoe from Front Royal Canoe Co. For less than $50 they dropped us, canoe and gear about 3-4 miles upstream from their outfit. We paddled about a 1/3 mile further upstream at their recommendation. Below the first upstream rapids from the launch, we started hauling in smallies almost immediately. It was our first time on a river and first time fishing for SMB. For not knowing the water, we did pretty well. No count, but in the dozens. Nearly all on senkos and Rage Cut-R's. Nothing for the record books, but a great time. Had to be back to FRCC at 6:30 --- we were still catching fish at 6:29 as we dragged the canoe up onto the rocks. FRCC was a top-notch outfit - we'll be going back.

steve, what water are you referring to? I'm guessing Occoquan, since there's a Fountainhead Park/Marina there. If so, there's a current/running thread on Occoquan that might help. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/133334-anyone-hit-the-occoquan-reservoir-lately/ As to your question, I am not going to be much help. I haven't really tried many ponds in the area.

Great post, RSM. Thanks for relaying your experience. I think the analysis and conclusions are spot on and a great reminder for me. I tend to get stuck on a certain style of plastic without thoughtfully working through the details of the situation on/in the water.

Headed to Stephens City for the weekend. May look into spots to bank fish the area Saturday. Thanks for the notes and pics. We love that area, but have never fished there

I come home and re-read the latest Bassmaster article about Yusuke Miyazaki's tough "Day on the Lake". I'm sure he hated it, but it has done wonders for me

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/144723-some-people-just-never-learn/

Unfortunately, for bank fishing, I agree with Sam. Sometimes you're just going to have to cut bait. By all means, try plucking the bow first; but I have had very little luck with that method -- maybe once out of every ten snags. As to the spark plug, no reason it shouldn't work well....from a boat. I've found that my Big Uglies (same principle) work much better the more vertical the line to the snagged lure is. I've posted it a few times, but once again, I highly recommend checking ebay for Big Ugly Plug Knockers. They've saved me a ton of money AND made me a better fisherman. I have a ton more confidence throwing expensive hardware into the thicker stuff.

Dio was a far better vocalist. But much of Sabbath's best music was with Ozzy. So...which was a 'better vocalist for the band'? I'd reluctantly suggest Ozzy, but maybe other variables involved. I can't completely get past my bias; if you take Sabbath work out of the equation, there's nothing from Ozzy that I'd listen to over anything from Dio. I'm calling it a tie.

Bon Scott. But I grew up listening to him and grieved (and drank in his honor) the day he died. I've never given Johnson a proper comparison.

30 days! Good news. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/137019-tournament-cheating/

I'll (needlessly) add that I never buy something (or even hold on to it) while considering how to retain resale value, except maybe a house. Even my cars --- I use, store and operate in a manner that gives ME the most value today....like not devoting storage to empty boxes. I'm so glad that I have whatever the opposite of OCD is called. If I did have the boxes, they'd be in a crooked pile - not stacked...lol

Strike King, Rapala, Zoom and all the others are counting on the fact that nearly everyone in this forum will immediately say 'never'.

Rare trip that I don't toss a T-Rigged green Senko and/or a green Rage Tail Cut-R on a weighted hook. Squirm, I don't claim to know where you're coming from most of the time, but I enjoy your posts for some reason.

About five years ago, I drastically purged most everything I own down to next to nothing. I have missed almost none of it. Today I keep nothing I'm not using now, soon, or has a specific, anticipated use. I've never been happier. No boxes for me.

You probably don't keep a neat stack of reel boxes, do you?....lol

Posting a note is a great idea. 2 and a half hours wouldn't have helped me when I left a box on a bank years ago. A week went by before I realized it was missing...called the office at the nearby campsite/boatramp. Some kind soul had turned it in and they were still holding it.

I've been pretty happy with Siebert's swim jigs in and around grass and weeds. http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Siebert-Swim-Jigs_c10.htm

Nice detective work! Good luck with them. For me, two-tone Senko equates to near zero confidence.....little experience...most bad

Super Fluke by a very wide margin

Good or bad....I go back and forth on this daily

Sounds easy! While we're talking home remedy tricks, how do you all get the line through the level wind hole you get a break off on the spool?

I'm not even (too) ashamed to admit that if the guys in the next boat were pulling them in and told me they were rubbing their senkos in their butt cracks, I'd probably pull into the next cove and....wait.....nevermind......lol