Fishing Today at Algonkian

[Bill U]

Well it was my first time out at Algonkian park in Virginia. My son and I arrived at around 6:30PM, we decided to go later in the day because of the heat. To be honest it wasn't what I pictured it as. I guess in my mind I was picturing a rockier shoreline like at Great Falls. I also wasn't able to get the Gitzit Tubes that JCrzy4bass recomended because the Walmart on Rt. 1 sucks and didn't have them. They did have some other tubes but being a cheapskate I decided to just go with what I had in my tackle box. I'm not sure it would have made much of a difference anyway. I'm also not sure if I pulled in on River Rd or not, I didn't see it on Google maps, when I arrived in the Park I just drove around until I hit the parking lot for the boat launch. Then I went to the parking lot to the left of that and parked in the back. There were quite a few people out picnicing and loud salsa type music filled the air. Not a criticism, just an observation, personally though I would have preferred some rock but to each his own. It looked like everyone was enjoying themselves and it looked very family oriented with balloons and kids running around.

We walked down a trail through the woods a little bit and found a spot that looked as good as any. Here's a pic of my son Donovan on the bank. He decided to go after the small ones with a hook and bobber.

He wound up catching a few small bluegill and a little baby largemouth.

I decided to through out a "Rocket Shad" it's a spinner type bait that a buddy at work recomended. You can through it a mile and it doesn't seem to get hung up very easy. I avoided the skunk today by catching what I'm pretty sure is a rock bass.

Here's a pic of me with my catch. I know, I looked thrilled!

A closer look with my son holding it.

I'm not sure if I ever caught a rock bass before and if I did it was when I was a kid, so in retrospect, that's kind of cool!

I also threw out there a Baby 1-Minus and as the sun set I tried a Hula Popper with no luck. With every cast today I had to deal with the weeds. I guess that's expected this time of year fishing from shore.

My son also wound up catching this on his worm!

Although we didn't have the greatest day catching fish it was still fun to be out there and we got to enjoy a great sunset!

So for a few hours on a hot summer Saturday we got away from it all!

Oh, and all fish caught were released, well except for this one that my son decided that since our goldfish died he would put this one in our aquarium. If it can learn to eat goldfish food it will have a long and happy life!

Until next time and there is always a next time!

[Dan:]

Yeah, Algonkian isn't my favorite place to fish from the bank, I think it's best to only launch from there. Riverbend Park is a little better as far as rocks.

[Bill U]

Thanks for the tip Dominion Dan, I will have to check that place out sometime in the near future.

Also, I know it's like spittin into the wind, but why don't people pick up their trash? I saw multiple empty nightcrawler tubs just lying around!

I know this sounds a little self rightous but I always try to leave a place I fish a little cleaner than I found it.

I would also like to say to Rondef and JCryz4Bass that I really appreciate all the tips. I realize that fishing a place from a boat or a canoe is a lot different then fishing it from shore. I'm sure I would have had a lot better success from a boat.

[JShrock07]

Sounds like you had a great place to fish. I have never fished that area but it looks very nice.

BTW Ron and Jay are very knowledgeable about many of the areas in NoVa.

Its always great to see a dad taking his kid out!!!

[flippin4it.]

         All you need to do is get in a boat, kayak or canoe and find "the hole". Once you have done that, the big Bronzebacks are all yours.  

[slomoe]

Looks Like a good time. I get pretty pizzed about the trash at our local parks too.

[rondef]

Bill, glad to see you and your son had some fun at Algonkian. The trash issue ticks me off as well and I have notified the Park Athourity on numerous occasions about it each time I see it.

If you ever want to fish from a boat or canoe send me a PM and we can go out some time.

[Hung up Paul]

That's a rocky for sure.  The give is the red eyes.

Nice to see they are this far south.  Up north they are all over the place.  Fun fish to catch, but they definitely compete with the smallmouth in shallow rocky areas.  When my boat is ready I'll have to check that place out.

[JCrzy4Bass]

Rock bass are fun to catch.  I've caught them on jigs at the Rappahannock and cranks on the Rap as well.  Their just so different than a largemouth and smallmouth.  It's always a nice surprise to nab one in between all the other bass you catch.

Anyway, at least you and your son got out and had fun.  Honestly those sunsets make my day.  They just are a nice sight at the end of a long day and make you remember how nice it is just to be on the water and enjoy nature.  Cherish those moments as family out there on the water.  I know that I remember every time out with Dad as I know we will only have so many trips together now between my wife almost at full term with our first child and our jobs and stuff.

As you get out there more and more the fish will follow.  Another lure you should pick up for the smallmouth fishing (also available at Walmart.. the one I go to is off route one as you approach Dumfries) is the "Joe's Flies" inline spinner.  It's different than the Mepps spinner.  It has two different colored hair tails tied on and has an extra single hook above the treble for increased hookup.  They range in size too.  Some for pannies and other for bass.  I use the 1/4oz for bronzebacks.  Both fish around the two pound mark came off that last time I was out.  Cheap lures too.  2.50 a pop I think.

[71Rig]

Looks like you had a good day out there.  Just getting out of the house and spending time with the kids is worth it if you catch fish or not.  

Not to hijack the thread but how would a jon boat with a 9.9 do here?  Never put in on a river and just wanted a heads up before getting in too deep.    I assume that it's ok with a canoe so a jon must be suitable.  Is it so shallow that you can damage a lower unit?  Any help would be appreciated.

[A.Do?]

71Rig, I think you'll be fine as long as you're not careless. I've seen a few "regular" bass boats out there and quite a few jons. Wouldn't hurt to check current gauge height before you headed out there either.

[rondef]

It has some shallow spots but I think you would be ok with your jon boat and a 9.9.  There were quite a few of them out when Jay and I fished there.  The only thing is there is no boat dock, just a concrete ramp.

[71Rig]

Sweet.  Thanks for the info guys.  Guess I will run with the trolling motor set high and take it slow when on the gas.  I'll post a report if I make it out there on Friday morning.  If not, send a tow boat out to get me ;D.