Maryland's Who's who!

[Fat Boy]

Thanks Sean...I saw nothing, the woods was dead today, pretty discouraging. I'm off tomorrow and intended to hunt, but am thinking about fishing instead. It's supposed to be nice out. Today was frigid, sitting in a tree at 32 degrees w/10-15 mph winds. I was chilled to the bone even though I was dressed properly.

[Munkin]

i have a question for the guys in washington co? i just bought a ranger 487vs,where on the potomac can i run this boat without tearing the bottom off? thanks,Shane

Four Locks = You can run upriver for awhile but when you see a small ramp on the MD side stop as it starts to get shallow right past there.

Big Slackwater = Same thing just stop when you see the water pump on the WVA side across from the Potomac fish and game ramp on the MD side.

Allen

[superbee76hotrod]

thanks guys.just it.want to get this boat out and learn how to operate it.its a little different than the 14ft semi v im used to.Shane

[basser89]

Thanks for the added comments Allen! It's been a while since I've put in on the Big Slackwater and while I knew 4 Locks was deep enough, I haven't put in there for some silly reason.

Early on in the season will be best on the Big Slackwater, once the weather starts getting nice you get the big cruiser/party boats on there (gonna assume the same for 4 Locks). Figured I'd throw that out there since you're trying to get use to the new boat Shane.

[slaynbass365]

Gonna hit some ponds tomorrow and see if I cant get a few bites. I miss the feeling, even of the little fighters.

[Fat Boy]

The upper river was off color and up but not as muddy as I expected on Sunday. It should clear up and start dropping soon. I noticed on the USGS page that the river temperatures shot up to 44 the day it rained, and have been holding over 40 lately, and 43 today and rising. In my mind, the smallmouth bass should be on tubes, hair jigs, jerk baits and maybe even spinnerbaits. That said, temps will drop into the 50's the next couple days, but the water temps shouldn't drop a lot, but might go back down to about 40.

I hit an upper river spot of mine that I've caught largemouth from and picked up a few fish on a small 4" plastic worm. Nothing big, but still fun...weird catching bass now when I should be out ice fishing...but no ice! No smallies...I was expecting a couple, just largemouth. I tossed a grub trying for some walleyes but no hits.

Here's a pic of my biggest, about 16-17" or so...

Also, some of the smaller lakes will give up bass on these "Indian Summer" days, especially after a couple warm sunny days like we've had lately. Find shallows along the northern shorelines where wind piles up the warmest water. Small plastic worms, maybe a spinnerbait or jig of some sort could turn up some active bass especially if deep water is nearby. You may hook into a hawg...those big girls should start loading up about now.

Gene Mueller reported that he and his buddies caught 22 fat largemouth between 3-4 pounds in the Upper Tidal Potomac yesterday. The hot lure was his winter staple, a Manns Stingray Grub (avacado color) smeared with Smelly Jelly on a light wire 1/4 oz. jighead, fished on medium tackle with 14 lb. Fireline. The lure nicely imitates tidal baitfish in the killifish family called mummichogs.

[Sam]

I am from Richmond, Virginia and I fish a private country club pond that me and six other guys are allowed to fish.

Talk about Paradise in Maryland!!!!

[pagliaroj]

I am moving to Hagerstown MD in about 4 weeks and was wondering if you could point me in a direction of good fishing locations for largemouth? I don't currently have a boat, but will look for one once I move down. I need to see what kind of waters I can fish to determine what boat I need. Unless you guys have suggestions for that?

[basser89]

Welcome to THE boards pagliaroj!

I used to live in Williamsport so there are a few options for you. Obviously, you have the Potomac to fish for a wide range of species. Small lakes close by would include; Big Pool, Blairs Valley, Cunningham Falls and Greenbrier. There are a few smaller bodies of water too: the C&O canal in Williamsport, the Sharpsburg pond and Middletown pond.

Boat wise, the lakes are all electric only. The Potomac, in Washington county, is relatively shallow except above dam 4 (the big slackwater) and dam 5 (4 Locks). These areas get a lot of pleasure boaters in the huge cruiser style boats in the warmer months. I've done ok getting around in the other areas in my 16' jon with a little 15HP outboard. I tend to stay away for the deeper areas that hold the cruisers since they have no real consideration for the smaller vessels.

Hope this helps! I'm sure a few more will chime in as well.

Nice report Kevin! Glad to see you're still getting some action.

I've been out once lately, hitting one of the smaller lakes in Montgomery county. Still blanked for the year. Might be a little while before I can get out again. Hopefully it's not too long, I'm getting that twitch again! LOL

[pagliaroj]

Basser89, Thank you for the tips. I am looking forward to getting down there and testing the waters.

I actually have a buddy who says he know's a guy looking to sell a 17ft boat with trolley, trailer and 2 live wells for $2K. I am waiting on more info but I am leaning towards it because I trust my buddy.

My other option was to mod my own 14ft Jon, I just don't think I will have the time to get it done before Mid-March and I don't want to waste any of the season.

[Munkin]

For LM try any of the ponds or lakes mentioned above and a small johnboat will work in any of them. One thing to be aware of is in the early spring Greenbrier, Blairs Valley Lake and Cunnigham falls are stocked with trout. I mention this because it is very hard to bass fish because these guys will be elbow to elbow along the bank. You can use your boat which really helps but other boats will be out there trolling for trout. The other issue using your boat is many trout fisherman do not know that a boat ramp is for launching boats they think it is a fishing pier. I have just about ran over rods in the past because they did not want to move off the ramp. Now I just try to avoid that mess all together because of past problems.

Allen

[Traveler2586]

Just want to say Hi as a new member from So. Maryland; you can see my post under Introductions, it has a lot more info.

I fish the "Middle Potomac" rt-301 to DC

[wv]

I am moving to Hagerstown MD in about 4 weeks and was wondering if you could point me in a direction of good fishing locations for largemouth? I don't currently have a boat, but will look for one once I move down. I need to see what kind of waters I can fish to determine what boat I need. Unless you guys have suggestions for that?

Welcome Pagliaro. You found a really good place with really good people here. Lots of sharing. I live about 15 miles south of Hagerstown. Basser89 and Munkin mentioned the best places I think. My son and I fish those places mostly from shore. We got a small(10 foot jon)and we find a new hole every time we put it in the water.:-( We've done best at Sharpsburg but it's too small for any boat. We've done OK at Middletown but last year whenever it rained the water looked like chocolate milk. We used to do good at Brownsville but not much lately. Good luck with your boat finding and your fishing around Hagerstown. We need to get our licenses and get out.

[basser89]

Just want to say Hi as a new member from So. Maryland; you can see my post under Introductions, it has a lot more info.

I fish the "Middle Potomac" rt-301 to DC

Welcome to THE boards Traveler2586!

[Traveler2586]

Welcome to THE boards Traveler2586!

Thanks Sean; I too use the spinnerbait as my weapon of choice, it can go deep or shallow, slow or fast, or anything in between. I make my own.

Have you ever heard of Spoonplugging, or ever done it?? It's something new to me and I'm going to give it a first try soon.

Cheers, Eric

[basser89]

Ah yes! Another spinner bugger! LOL! Good to know!

I've heard of Spoonplugging before. Actually heard about it on here. That's something I haven't tried yet.

[basser89]

Took advantage of the nice weather at lunch today. Popped over to black hills to see what was going on. Fished some soft plastics but no luck. I know the problem was the area I chose, water was just too shallow for the water temps yet. Had I chose one of the other areas I fish from shore, I'm thinking I could have fared a little better.

Just a heads up for those that may not know, and thanks from the reminder Brian, Black Hills opens up for boats on March 1st.

[nastynate]

I am moving to Hagerstown MD in about 4 weeks and was wondering if you could point me in a direction of good fishing locations for largemouth? I don't currently have a boat, but will look for one once I move down. I need to see what kind of waters I can fish to determine what boat I need. Unless you guys have suggestions for that?

Beaver pond behind big pool. Check this pond out. Dont let it fool you there are some big largmouth in that little body of water.

Outdoor school pond is another spot for largemouth.

When the potomace gets low head to tailors landing and do some wading there are largemouth here aswell. One day the smallmouth will be hitting good here the next

day the largemouth can be hitting. or a 40 inch musky be ready.

conococheague creek holds the best smallmouth fishing if you ask me. Higher quality fish in this water system.

Williamsport hot wall and river bottom, walk to the 81 bridge and fish between the islands there are largmouth in here.

dam 4 (big slack) slower fishing bigger overall fish, of course his is my Personal Opinion same with dam 5. Deff watch out for the boat drag races and the foot skiers

They dont give a ****.

Blairs vally has lunkers once you find them.

Sharpsburge pond is real clear and lots of grass. weaightless worm or fluke will pull acouple out, they are great looking fish.

Indian springs pond has largies.

There are many other spots to list and plenty of differnt species to fish for. I would say when you arive here make sure to check out wolfs for some pictures of what every one is catching but its shut down. If i were you i would turn into a smallmouth fisherman buy a canoe and float the potomac.

[basser89]

Beaver pond behind big pool. Check this pond out. Dont let it fool you there are some big largmouth in that little body of water.

Outdoor school pond is another spot for largemouth.

When the potomace gets low head to tailors landing and do some wading there are largemouth here aswell. One day the smallmouth will be hitting good here the next

day the largemouth can be hitting. or a 40 inch musky be ready.

conococheague creek holds the best smallmouth fishing if you ask me. Higher quality fish in this water system.

Williamsport hot wall and river bottom, walk to the 81 bridge and fish between the islands there are largmouth in here.

dam 4 (big slack) slower fishing bigger overall fish, of course his is my Personal Opinion same with dam 5. Deff watch out for the boat drag races and the foot skiers

They dont give a ****.

Blairs vally has lunkers once you find them.

Sharpsburge pond is real clear and lots of grass. weaightless worm or fluke will pull acouple out, they are great looking fish.

Indian springs pond has largies.

There are many other spots to list and plenty of differnt species to fish for. I would say when you arive here make sure to check out wolfs for some pictures of what every one is catching but its shut down. If i were you i would turn into a smallmouth fisherman buy a canoe and float the potomac.

Welcome to THE boards Nate! Great post! I've seen beaver pond but didn't realize there were any bass in there. Will have to check that out some time.

I was under the impression that Wolf's went out of business. I haven't been down past there since I've heard that though. Can you confirm that?

[nastynate]

Wolf is shut down. Beaver pond is one of my favorite spots biggest so far i have seen was 5lb out of there.. Went to tailors landing this morning fishing was great.

[Hellbenderman]

Did someone mention spoonplugging as in Buck Perry spoonplugging? Used to do that in Alabama several decades ago. It is a trolling technique primarily. It got so hot during the day we would troll for a few hours. There are five sizes in a "kit". Spoonplugging is nothing you are necessarily going to be instantly successful with. It is all about controlling the depth and speed of your lure and putting it, and keeping it in the fish zone. You take the small plug and you see how much line you have to let out at 3 mph for it to hit at ten feet, and you mark your line, and at 15 and at 20, and at 5 mph. You spend quite a while putting together data on what it takes to put whatever size plug you want at whatever depth you want, at whatever speed you want, on what weight line, and you will have different colored marks on your line for different depths, but you will run out of magic markers well before you have covered all the places on your line you want to mark, so you will use dots, and you better make sure you write all this down, other wise you just have line with marks on it. Now, I'm going to save you a great deal of pain if you decide to do this. From the very first day you go at this, for each line weight you want to use, you have a master spool, and every day you go out fishing you "collect" data, you go home and transfer that data, your marks, to your master spools. You will snag, and you will lose lures and you will break line and when you break your line...your marks mean nothing. You have to have a master spool for each line weight you use. You will develop some system with spools and old reels for transferring data back and forth from master line to daily use line. You will go through a lot of line. If I was doing it today, I would use 60 lb braid and a measured leader. That would save you a bundle in cash and time. Make sure the line you use will be around for a while. After a few years you will know exactly how to place the number three spoon at 17 feet at 2 mph, and that is great if the fish are holding at or near that depth! You still have to find the fish, first, and then figure out what size and what speed. It's just like anything else, but when you figure it out, you can catch a lot of fish. Fortunately, I learned from someone who had been doing this for years and had done all this, because I personally would not have had the where-with-all to manage all the crap, but we caught a lot of fish doing this. I don't see you doing this in Mattawoman in April, more like Washington Channel in August. We primarily did this in deep lakes like Eufaula. You will learn a lot about what's going on down there. When I did this, they only had flashers, not the depth finders like we have today, no pictures, just blips. So, it was a way to learn what was on the bottom. I'm having a hard time seeing spoonplugging on the Potomac as a first choice solution, though I have caught a lot of bass trolling the middle Potomac in the middle of the summer. Hey Sean!

[Traveler2586]

Did someone mention spoonplugging as in Buck Perry spoonplugging? Used to do that in Alabama several decades ago. It is a trolling technique primarily.............I'm having a hard time seeing spoonplugging on the Potomac as a first choice solution, though I have caught a lot of bass trolling the middle Potomac in the middle of the summer.

Thanks for the info. I was at an antique show with my wife a few weeks ago and ran across a booklet titled "Spoonplugging for fresh water bass and all game fish". It originally cost $2.00 in its day, I paid $6.00 at the show I have spent years as a boy trolling on the Bay for Rock (they call them strippers now) and Blues, and been Bass fishing since 84' and in all that time I've never seen or heard of Spoonplugging! Where the H have I been??

I have found Buck's Baits on the web, they're still there!

The only trolling I've ever done on the river was by accident, we were fishing a weed line (a break) and worked our way around its point which meant I was now throwing into the wind. and as you can guess I got a big birds nest; as we were moving off our position to clear my problem I was dragging my worm and hooked a 20" stripper; I landed it hand-over-hand. Went back to fishing the same worm in the same location and never saw another stripper.

It sounds that in his day Buck was onto something, and started teaching something called "structure fishing"

Cheers, E

[Hellbenderman]

Buck Perry is THE man. IMHO, one of the pioneering influences on modern bass fishing, or something lofty like that. All the real old timers cut their teeth on what they learned from Buck Perry. Spoonplugging fell out of favor because B.A.S.S. outlawed trolling in their agenda...poof! In 1973, when I was introduced to it, a lot of people did it. We didn't care what B.A.S.S. was doing. It wasn't something we did all the time during a fishing day, but when it is 1:00 and 102, and not a cloud in the sky, you went trolling. You covered a lot of water with little effort, caught a bunch of fish, and most important, you learned places that held fish that you could come back to and cast to that evening. At the time, the effort seemed worthwhile....sheeesh...guys used to loan out their master spools...because at the time, the tools we had to see the bottom were very limited. We had flashers. Looked like something out of a cheap sci-fi movie; a noisy thing that went around in a circle much like a strobe, with a depth scale. It had a constant blip at the water line, 0, and a blip at the bottom, and then if anything was between you and the bottom there might be another blip, but you didn't have any idea what caused the suspended blip, a fish, a log, a rock, an alligator, not kidding. Trolling could help you determine what the blip was, and if it held a fish. Blah, Blah, Blah.

[Traveler2586]

Buck Perry is THE man. IMHO, one of the pioneering influences on modern bass fishing, or something lofty like that. All the real old timers cut their teeth on what they learned from Buck Perry.........because at the time, the tools we had to see the bottom were very limited. We had flashers. Looked like something out of a cheap sci-fi movie; a noisy thing that went around in a circle much like a strobe, with a depth scale. It had a constant blip at the water line, 0, and a blip at the bottom, and then if anything was between you and the bottom there might be another blip, but you didn't have any idea what caused the suspended blip, a fish, a log, a rock, an alligator, not kidding. Trolling could help you determine what the blip was, and if it held a fish. Blah, Blah, Blah.

Oh, I know the old flashers very well, had a Hummer myself; then moved up to a "Eagle" chart recorder, might still have some charts around here some place.

Went to Buckbaits.com and saw they have a home study course of nine books, I can bet some (if not most) of it is still current.

Cheers, E

[basser89]

Hey, who woke you up Chris???? Glad to see ya on here!