Fishing Abel Lake In Stafford Va

[willembop]

So I've been to Abel several times in the last couple of months (fishing out of my kayak). Yesterday the parking area was totally full including people parked along the full length of the access road. However, the lake itself did not seem crowded (its got a lot of shoreline). Fished all over from the launch area to the dam and caught just one crappie, some small sunfish, and two tiny bass. Last week I went twice and caught crappie each time along with channel cats, one of which was pretty large. Most were caught on blue/black or green/yellow Mini Strike King spinners, or 2-inch curly tail grubs on 1/8-ounce jig heads. No bites on plastic worms which I fished Carolina rigged and then weightless. Last month I caught a few bass right along the shore line (also on the blue/black spinner). Everything I've caught this year has been in shallow water near shore. Don't know where the big bass are, but I expect I'll find them eventually...

 

Also went to Curtis Lake twice. Nothing on one trip. Second time, nothing for several hours, then finally hooked up a good bass, maybe 3 pounds, jumped clean out of the water and was putting up a good fight--too good... I hate when that happens!

 

Bill in Ferry Farm

[VekolBass]

That's pretty much the story for lakes in Stafford County, a lot of pan fish and an occasional bass. I fished Smith lake on Quantico on Monday, and caught one small one. I could see a lot of fish on my sonar holding from 15' to around 7' of water. I think a lot of them were yellow perch based on the types of bites I was getting--but couldn't set the hook. Actually saw one that clamped onto my Senko, and wouldn't let go till I got him close to the boat. Tons of small minnows--they were all over the place. Most of these lakes are good pan fish spots--I did pretty good at Abel once fishing from shore for crappie. To catch bass you have to fish the river.

[willembop]

Went out on Abel this morning and caught nine bass on split-shot rigged plastic worms. Pretty good action. Many hits came the instant the lure hit water. Largest was 3 pounds. Most were hanging around submerged sticks and brush right up next to the shoreline in 1 to 5 ft depth. 

 

Bill in Ferry Farm

[dhami013]

For Curtis Lake, when you come in, go to the right at those stumps. Pitch jigs to the stumps on the shadows side or the side hiding from the wind. Picked up some 5lbs there.