Maryland's Who's who!

[wv]

Thanks for the info wv! Much appreciated! I JUST checked the river gauge and see the one I track (the Hancock gauge) is at 16' and starting to fall. Have the day off and I know a spot on the river where I'm pretty sure I can catch a few smallies right now! Will report back later!

You're certainly welcome. Hope you have a great day off and a great one on the river. I cross river on way to work 5/6 days a week at Williamsport. Yesterday about 4:00 PM river was high but not flooding. I judge by the holes in the aqueduct. Guessing it was about 3/4 feet from touching tops of the arches then. I usually watch the Harper's Ferry gauge. I see it's at 12.62 feet now. Looks like river really rose late yesterday afternoon. Looks like they are projecting 14 feet there.

[basser89]

Well, I didn't get swept away at the river yesterday but that trip was short-lived. I should have looked over my records before I headed out.For the area I like to fish below dam 4, I need the levels between 10 & 12', not 16. Only stayed at the river for about an hour. Left there and re-stocked the tackle bag for largemouths. Ended up just fishing the C&O in Williamsport. Managed 3 on cranks. Best one might have gone 14-15". I expected more out of there with the weather we had yesterday. I figured with all the sun we had, they would have been a lot more aggressive than they were.

[dcfdpipeman]

Hi Guys,

Read this forum from time to time. Wanting to get back into more bass fishing. I live up in Frederick, MD. Fished the local ponds like Greenbrier, Middletown and some shore fishing off the Potomac.

Was interested in getting a 16ft aluminum, side console bass fishing style boat. Not growing up around here, I don't know all the areas. Just looking to get a bass boat or semi v for our area and a few trips up north to PA and New England.

From what I read, most of the places in MD are restrictive to electric motor and quite a few in the PA area as well.

So my big question, where do you all take your boats with gas motors?

The Upper Potomac seems the closest place but I never fished a river system. I grew up on lakes, etc.

Just wondering where you guys take your boats? With in a few hours drive from the DC/Region.

Thanks

Peter

[basser89]

Hi Guys,

Read this forum from time to time. Wanting to get back into more bass fishing. I live up in Frederick, MD. Fished the local ponds like Greenbrier, Middletown and some shore fishing off the Potomac.

Was interested in getting a 16ft aluminum, side console bass fishing style boat. Not growing up around here, I don't know all the areas. Just looking to get a bass boat or semi v for our area and a few trips up north to PA and New England.

From what I read, most of the places in MD are restrictive to electric motor and quite a few in the PA area as well.

So my big question, where do you all take your boats with gas motors?

The Upper Potomac seems the closest place but I never fished a river system. I grew up on lakes, etc.

Just wondering where you guys take your boats? With in a few hours drive from the DC/Region.

Thanks

Peter

Hi Peter,

Welcome to THE boards!

I do have a jon boat (1648) with a 15HP tiller. I fish all the places you have listed and I can put my boat on Greenbrier as well as Big Pool and Black Hills (just can't run the outboard). I just pull the motor up when I fish them. Only places I fish where I can run the outboard are the Potomac, which I mostly fish in washington county, the Juniata river (up in PA) and Lake Marburg (up near hanover, PA. has a 20HP limit). You can put in at the Big Slack Water area above Dam 4 as well as 4 Locks above Dam 5, but if you get any kinda of smaller boat (like mine), be careful! Had my jon on the big slack water several years back and had a cruiser come roaring up past me. Never slowed down or moved over. I headed towards the shore and then took the wake head on........ except the last one that I didn't see. Almost knocked me out of the boat so I avoid that area once the water starts warming up (which won't be much longer til they invade there). Hopefully a few more will chime in and add to what I've mentioned. Hope this helps!

[dcfdpipeman]

Thanks Sean,

I hit a few places before in a smaller boat/no motor. Did Marburg once and had zero luck.. tough lake. I just see a lot of bass type boats around but unsure where everyone is going.

Just like to get a setup again but need to figure where I am going first.

I guess I need to study the Upper Potomac, heard so much about it. I got a map but never put my little boat on it. Just need to figure out where to go I guess.

Thanks and looking for all the help!

Peter

[basser89]

Yeah, Marburg can be tough for sure! I'm either kill them or get skunked when I got there.

For the Potomac, there's a bunch of ramps. Check out DNR's site, it's pretty good. Here's a quick link to the boat ramp guide: http://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/boatramps.asp

On the river, I've only hit the Potomac in Washington county. I know that section pretty well. Outside of that, I'd have to be constantly reading the water and watching the depth finder on other sections.

If I can answer any more questions, let me know.

[dcfdpipeman]

Maybe at some point you could use company? I'm actually sitting home these days mending a broken foot that happen at work.. I work for DCFD and busted it on a house fire. Been a long 2 months so far but hope to get back on the water or banks soon.

I'll starting checking things out where you mentioned. At least I can do a drive by.. Hard on crutches to get a good look.

Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Peter

[basser89]

I'm always up for company! I've met some great guys off the boards (well maybe not BrianinMD. LOL!). Don't have my boat down here yet. Had it stored up in PA for the winter and haven't had an opportunity to bring it down yet. Plus I'm working on upgrading the trolling motor on it as well. I have a lot more room and all to work on it up there. Hoping it won't be too much longer!

Another spot you may want to check out is the Brownsville pond down off 67. If you're not familiar with it, go down 340 and get on 67. You'll go a little ways and you'll see a sign for a picnic area. That's where the pond is. Don't let the size fool you. Its tiny but definitely has bass in it. It's fairly flat and think you'd be able to get around decent around there. Just a thought for ya.

[wv]

Maybe at some point you could use company? I'm actually sitting home these days mending a broken foot that happen at work.. I work for DCFD and busted it on a house fire. Been a long 2 months so far but hope to get back on the water or banks soon.

I'll starting checking things out where you mentioned. At least I can do a drive by.. Hard on crutches to get a good look.

Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Peter

Welcome to the board. You've joined a great group here. Very helpful and got good information. Not sure about today but my son and I will be fishing some MD ponds. We like Sharpsburg, Middletown, Brownsville and Brunswick. Greenbriar is OK but we have to pay $4 to get in since we are in WV. We could see you sometime if you are around those areas today or tomorrow. I will be the older looking one if you see us. As for river, we have an un-registered 10 foot jon. We tried to get it out at Shepherdstown last August but had a hole and the trip was cut pretty short. That area is fairly low then but we see many boats and kayaks there in late summer/early fall. Right now our old truck isn't running so we won't get the boat out now. Good luck and hope your leg gets better.

[dcfdpipeman]

Thanks all,

Sean we should meet up someday. I've heard of that Brownsville pond, fact my wife's coworker went out with her boyfriend there and caught a nice 5lb lg mouth pig... I tried to get the directions but she couldn't remember.. go figure!

I scan google maps looking at the small ponds but a lot are on private land. I've heard of a few in Walkersville too!

My 7yr old daughter loves to fish.. so it's good to have a partner sometimes. She is off this week and I might try a few ponds if I can find them. Middletown was nice but it was ugly last year. Everything was aqua blue/green stained..even the bluegills.. yuck!

WV - where in Sharpsburg? I tried Greenbrier 3x and my daughter caught 1 bass.

Foot is getting better, staples out on Wednesday but 2 more weeks on crutches.. then rehab..

Thanks all,

Peter

[BrianinMD]

Wow Sean I go away for a couple days and you make that comment, you know what they say about paybacks

Welcome dcfdpipeman, thanks for the service you provide. Don't have much to add seems things have been covered. My schedule is pretty full for another month or so. Only fishing I will get is after work during the week.

[wv]

Thanks all,

Sean we should meet up someday. I've heard of that Brownsville pond, fact my wife's coworker went out with her boyfriend there and caught a nice 5lb lg mouth pig... I tried to get the directions but she couldn't remember.. go figure!

I scan google maps looking at the small ponds but a lot are on private land. I've heard of a few in Walkersville too!

My 7yr old daughter loves to fish.. so it's good to have a partner sometimes. She is off this week and I might try a few ponds if I can find them. Middletown was nice but it was ugly last year. Everything was aqua blue/green stained..even the bluegills.. yuck!

WV - where in Sharpsburg? I tried Greenbrier 3x and my daughter caught 1 bass.

Foot is getting better, staples out on Wednesday but 2 more weeks on crutches.. then rehab..

Thanks all,

Peter

Sharpsburg is a small pond. If you go to Boonsboro on Alt 4O you take a left onto 34 East to Sharpsburg. When you pass the National Cemetery you come to a BP Station on one corner. Turn left and go about two blocks and you'll see the pond through some trees on the left. There is a tavern/bar/restaurant(?) right before you turn. It's small but would be perfect for your 7-year old. It's stocked with trout at times...not sure whn though. We hit there yesterday first. My son got on the board with chunky 12/13 inch LM on a crankbait. I almost got on the board about 15 minutes before that but the fish got off as I lifted it out of the water. There was about 7/8 people fishing...anybody that's been there knows it's pretty crowded then. We were going to Middletown but cut it short and hit Brownsville(on MD 67 South past Gapland Park). It looked like a chocalate milk mud puddle so we hit Brunswick. Got too windy and too late so we headed home. I think we need some warm days followed by some warmer days to get the small ponds more active. Went home on US 340...river is really rolling through Harper's Ferry. Pretty awesome flows there. We're gonna get out today sometime somewhere weather and time permitting.

[dcfdpipeman]

What's in Brunswick? the river or a pond?

There are warnings up for the potomac today.. big flows.

[wv]

What's in Brunswick? the river or a pond?

There are warnings up for the potomac today.. big flows.

Both the river and a pond there. Never fished the river there. We fished the pond at the Lion's Club Park. It's pretty small and has a lot of grass in it. To get there take US 340 West to the exit for MD 17 North/464 West(not sure about exit number sorry). You come off exit and take a left and go past the Sheetz around the circle and this road takes you to Brunswick I think. You go about a mile maybe and come to a stop light for Petersville Road. Take a left and go about mile or so and you'll see the Lion's Club Park entrance. I hope the directions are right. I know where I'm going but don't know many exit numbers, road numbers but I can get there. There was someone from Brunswick posting last summer and he was pretty good about helping with that area.

[BrianinMD]

Being in Frederick you can also make a short drive to Cunningham Falls, small lake there with some decent largemouth in it. Its good for small boats and has plenty of shore access.

[basser89]

Thanks all,

Sean we should meet up someday. I've heard of that Brownsville pond, fact my wife's coworker went out with her boyfriend there and caught a nice 5lb lg mouth pig... I tried to get the directions but she couldn't remember.. go figure!

I scan google maps looking at the small ponds but a lot are on private land. I've heard of a few in Walkersville too!

My 7yr old daughter loves to fish.. so it's good to have a partner sometimes. She is off this week and I might try a few ponds if I can find them. Middletown was nice but it was ugly last year. Everything was aqua blue/green stained..even the bluegills.. yuck!

WV - where in Sharpsburg? I tried Greenbrier 3x and my daughter caught 1 bass.

Foot is getting better, staples out on Wednesday but 2 more weeks on crutches.. then rehab..

Thanks all,

Peter

Let me know when you'd like to meet up. Weekends are usually pretty crazy, but even an evening outing after work is doable for me.

Popped over to Black Hills for a lunchtime outing today. Managed a 2 pounder on a spinnerbait back at the stick ups. One of the hardest fighting 2 pounders I've ever caught. Had a blast catchin that one!

[basser89]

I've heard of that Brownsville pond, fact my wife's coworker went out with her boyfriend there and caught a nice 5lb lg mouth pig... I tried to get the directions but she couldn't remember.. go figure!

I tried taking my daughter to Brownsville yesterday. There was some moron there that had some setup on the back of his vehicle that pulled him across the pond (from one end to the other) on a boogie board. Needless to say, we never had a chance to wet any line there. I was NOT a happy camper.

Tried a couple different places until we ended up fishing a small pond on the Antietam Battlefield. My daughter caught her first bass completely un-assisted on a Tiki Stick!

[BrianinMD]

Got a few hours in on Black Hills last night, met up with one of my club members. We did not catch any thing large but each got about 5 or 6 in the 14 to 15 inch range. Every fish we caught was around shallow wood on slider head with finesse worms. With the bright sunny days the water temps have come up 15 degrees in two days. Once the fish get adjusted to that rapid change Black Hills will be on fire.

[basser89]

Had something come up and had to cancel my outing wednesday evening to fish Black Hills but ended up being able to meet up with BrianinMD this evening.

The evening started out pretty slow and despite the wind, the spinnerbait was not paying off. Switched up to a lizard (black & blue flake) and on my second cast I got a hit after bringing the lizard over a submerged log in about 8'. Set the hook and she came up for a look at me and threw the bait. Guessing she went somewhere around 4 pounds (MAYBE a little bigger). Went on fishing for a while before moving to another spot. Water seemed a little clearer there and the light conditions were a little darker. I switched back to a spinnerbait but decided to down size to an 1/8oz size with colorado blades. I added a 1/4oz rubber core sinker to get the depth and casting distance I wanted and that paid off. Managed 4 on that spinnerbait before we ran out of day light. Nothing of any size, but it was fun figuring them out in the time we had!

Thanks again for the invite Brian! Always a blast fishing with you! Bass-a-holic, sorry I can't make it to fish with you and Brian tomorrow! Maybe we can try again another time! Good luck tomorrow! Let us know how you do!

[BrianinMD]

But I did snag into the biggest turtle of the night.....

Was hoping we would get into a few fish just for the fun of it and to have some confidence I was showing Bass-a-holic a decent place.

[basser89]

But I did snag into the biggest turtle of the night.....

Was hoping we would get into a few fish just for the fun of it and to have some confidence I was showing Bass-a-holic a decent place.

You're good to go Brian! You know the bass are in there, you'll tear them up tonight! Get some pics!

[wv]

My son and I got out this past Sunday to Sharpsburg and Middletown Ponds. Saw some fish at Sharpsburg but no takers. Middletown was a waste...muddy water and seemed pretty chilly. We just cannot catch a break with the weatehr. When I'm off it seems it has just rained and when I'm working it's great. I'm guessing the largemouth spawn in some of these ponds is being stalled by the crazy weather. We also stopped and checked out our spot on the Potomac...water was OK in color but was really high and rolling. Looks like smallmouth spawn will be washed away this year just like last year was if I remember right. I am working 6 days this week so no fishing until this weekend. Speaking of weather hope everyone was able to remain safe with all these severe storms in our areas.

[Bwickfisher]

Hey dcfdpipeman, WV's directions to the Brunswick pond look accurate, but those are some very tight lipped bass. There are a lot in there, but there seems to be plenty of baitfish for em, so they don't hit lures much. I have caught up to 3 1/2 pounders there though. Brownsville, on 67, is better. I went there yesterday and picked up a couple spawners on Zoom Horny Toads. They would smack different buzzbaits, but they only ate the frogs, I think because there are a lot of real ones there. They were both about two pounds, but they were full of eggs. I also got a crappie on a tiny torpedo. Brownsville also has cats and carp, if you're interested in those. It's a nice little pond that's super easy to get around. You should avoid the area by the big tree until your leg is healed, because of the roots and mud. By the way, last year I got a 4 1/2 lb lm on a shakey head from there, and Sean(basser89) said he has caught a 6 pounder there. I highly recommend checking it out.

[basser89]

Hey dcfdpipeman, WV's directions to the Brunswick pond look accurate, but those are some very tight lipped bass. There are a lot in there, but there seems to be plenty of baitfish for em, so they don't hit lures much. I have caught up to 3 1/2 pounders there though. Brownsville, on 67, is better. I went there yesterday and picked up a couple spawners on Zoom Horny Toads. They would smack different buzzbaits, but they only ate the frogs, I think because there are a lot of real ones there. They were both about two pounds, but they were full of eggs. I also got a crappie on a tiny torpedo. Brownsville also has cats and carp, if you're interested in those. It's a nice little pond that's super easy to get around. You should avoid the area by the big tree until your leg is healed, because of the roots and mud. By the way, last year I got a 4 1/2 lb lm on a shakey head from there, and Sean(basser89) said he has caught a 6 pounder there. I highly recommend checking it out.

Cool deal bwickfisher! Glad that goofball wasn't there trying to boogie board across the pond for you! You're close on my biggest bass out of there. Wish she would've gone 6 but I'll settle for the 5lbs 12oz that she was! I'd love to know if she's still in there and catch her again!

Made it out this evening for about an hour and a half at Black Hills again. With the conditions, I couldn't pass up a chance to get out! Was bullheaded for too long when I first got there and was only throwing a spinnerbait with no luck. Just wasn't taking all the factors into play. Finally kicked myself into slowing down and managed a decent 2 1/2lb male on a lizard. Saw 2 others breaking surface on what I figured to be beds (were just a little too deep and water was a tick too choppy to see for sure). With the new moon being today, I'm guessing the spawn is under way now there, which follows about what I've witnessed the past 10 or so years.

Anyone else get out before this rain comes through yet again?

[wv]

My son and I got out to a local Berkeley County Pond. Water was kinda cloudy but you could still see about a foot or so down. We saw about 5 LM...not on beds yet but seemed to be looking for a place to spawn. Largest two were about 4 pounds I'm guessing and other three about two pounds or so. Smaller fish were aggressive. When I got to where they couldn't see me I could get some taps but no takers. I may try the C & O Canal Basin at Williamsport on my way home from work tonight if there's still some daylight about 7:30. Tried there a couple of times with no luck although I have seen several fishermen there at times.