Potomac River

[Nitrofreak]

Hey all,

I'm hitting the Potomac tomorrow for the 6th annual Reel American Heroes foundation tournament, I wondered if you all wouldn't mind keeping us in your prayers for a safe event, looks like its going to be a hot and muggy one for sure, got plenty of water, ice, assorted replenishment drinks and hand towels to help keep us cooled down and hydrated for the day.

Anyone else on here going to be there? 

[FishinCustody]

I fished it today...Man, it was hot out there.

How did you do?

[Nitrofreak]

I did ok I think, I had a goal of simply putting a plan together and hoping for the best, I did my homework and got some great advise from some great people last year when I was supposed to go.

As a rule, We are only allowed to catch two Bass, the rest of our time is meant to be used to educate our warriors and help them catch 3.

The day started at 8am, I caught my 2 by 10am, it ended up being the only 2 bass we would get on the day, the gentleman I had been paired with had never bass fished before, never made a cast with a rod that wasn't a vertical drop, it was fun showing him "how to" he had several bites that he missed, I saw the line just walking off or heading back up opposite of the tidal movement LOL !! It was a ton of fun for sure but, you said it, it was HOT, HOT, HOT man!!!

On a high note, two really cool things happened to me today, I caught my first snakehead, I didn't officially weigh it but my Berkley scale said 10.2, pictures to follow, I was going to make a post when I got them all together, the other really cool thing was I got to meet this really cool guy!!!!

[FishinCustody]

Nice!  

We didn't have a fish in the boat until 1130...LOL.

 I had found fish the day before on the main river, and there were "a bunch" in there, but those guys were gone, gone GONE....Typical Tidal fish.

I waited and worked that area a little too long I think, but we made a change and immediately started catching fish.  I was kicking myself after a bit.  I felt really bad for my Coangler, because I stuck a nice fish, an honest 4/4.5, and he tried to help by grabbing the line.  One thrash and it was gone... I had to convince him it happens...LOL.  Told him it was not the first, nor would it be the last time that ever happens.

He did end up with his three and I had my two, so it was a good day.  We caught 17, but they were all the same size---LOL

 

[Nitrofreak]

You fished the tourney ?? Dang!!  It would have been pretty cool to see or meet up with someone on here, that was my first time on the Potomac, I think I have a little better plan for the next time but I really wouldn't mind fishing that place more often, maybe we could get together at some point if you'd like and do a little fishing.

Glad to hear you did really good and congrats !!!!!

[FishinCustody]

I sure did.  It was my third RAHF trip.  I missed last year.

I would love to get together, but unfortunately I live just above Jacksonville, FL, though I do get up from time to time.

Thank you sir!

Glad you had a good time and got to get a guy out!

 

[Nitrofreak]

Hhhhhmmm, I believe you and I had a conversation today...

 

[FishinCustody]

Possibly...LOL.

 

[Bigbarge50]

Ron is a great dude and is really making a difference with his organization.  Great you guys were able to help out.  Huge thumbs up here.  

[Nitrofreak]

22 hours ago, Bigbarge50 said:

Ron is a great dude and is really making a difference with his organization.  Great you guys were able to help out.  Huge thumbs up here.  

The DeFreitas/Gardner family have done an amazing job and it continues to grow nation wide, I agree my friend, him and his whole family have dedicated themselves to making this foundation what it is today and it works, really happy to be a very small part of this truly amazing foundation.

Thanks for the thumbs up BB!!!

[WDinarte]

This looks to be a great event, special for this guys that they are real heroes need to check some of this events to be a helping hand. I'm sure they can use someone help with out a boat.

[Nitrofreak]

1 hour ago, WDinarte said:

This looks to be a great event, special for this guys that they are real heroes need to check some of this events to be a helping hand. I'm sure they can use someone help with out a boat.

They are always needing help my friend, it's a big event, volunteers are always welcome, a lot of times they need help with packing up everything, I had the opportunity to help last year as a volunteer, usually in the morning they need help with registrations and backing in and parking everyone's boats and trailers, mid day it slows down while everyone is out fishing, the afternoon there are things to do, it's hectic with all the weigh-in stuff happening and boats loading, the evening after all is said and done the tear down is where they need help the most, it's a long day but well worth it.

You have any questions or would like to visit their website for future events etc... go to reelamericanheroesfoundation.org

Thanks for your interest WDinarte !!!

[Choporoz]

@WDinarte, at risk of jacking @Nitrofreak's thread, I'd like to talk to you about another local fishing-focused org for vets that can use your help, Heroes on the Water.  NOT trying to take any support from RAH.  They're a great organization.  If you'd like to help between RAH events, take a look at our Facebook page (George Washington Chapter.)  We take wounded (and other) vets from the area out fishing in kayaks.   Next event is Sat at Belvoir.  PM me for details.

Sorry for the jack, Sonny!

[Nitrofreak]

2 hours ago, Choporoz said:

@WDinarte, at risk of jacking @Nitrofreak's thread, I'd like to talk to you about another local fishing-focused org for vets that can use your help, Heroes on the Water.  NOT trying to take any support from RAH.  They're a great organization.  If you'd like to help between RAH events, take a look at our Facebook page (George Washington Chapter.)  We take wounded (and other) vets from the area out fishing in kayaks.   Next event is Sat at Belvoir.  PM me for details.

Sorry for the jack, Sonny!

Think nothing of it my friend, anything, anytime, anyway we can get some support out there and help those who have given so much is worth it, it's far better to know just who is out there doing and who needs the help doing it, chime in with whatever you want other peeps to know about anytime bud !!

Sounds like a great group Dave!!

[Boardusmcer]

I'm actually going to be participating in my first Heroes on the Water event this Saturday, will anyone from this thread be there?  

[BrianinMD]

Keep an eye out for the Elite's, their tourney started today.

[Nitrofreak]

8 hours ago, Boardusmcer said:

I'm actually going to be participating in my first Heroes on the Water event this Saturday, will anyone from this thread be there?  

Very greatful for your participation, where is this one at ? On the Potomac??

[Choporoz]

My wife and I will be out there with you on the Shenandoah,  @Boardusmcer.  As will a number of other locals.  Looking forward to meeting you.  Tami and I are staying in Front Royal and will float again on Sun as are a number of others. 

[Nitrofreak]

Have fun and be safe out there everybody, let us know how your day and weekend goes !!

[Choporoz]

Great outing!  Floated from Bentonville (Low Water Bridge) to State Park.  Stopped for shore lunch about half way.  Smallies were holding tight to bottom and wouldn't touch much until you slid it slowly past their faces.  Few caught on spinners or cranks....no topwater bite before dusk that I'm aware of.  (Couple of the volunteers continued on until after 10PM!)

    But Crazy Flappers, Mega Bug (minis), flukes, and four inch senkos bounced with the current turned out to be just the thing.  I believe that everyone caught fish, with some in the upper teens (and one 20".) 

Three of us stayed the night and did the same float again Sunday.  Similar conditions/results. 

I'll add the FB link when Tami gets the 'official' photos posted.

[Nitrofreak]

Great to hear !!! Thanks for the report Dave!!!