mudkart

Run the outboard at least 2-3 times a month.

Unless you're rowing, you can't launch from Sandy onto the Occoquan. It's not a public ramp.

I'm a boater. All the places mentioned are good Spring to Fall, IMO. I cannot remember a trip to Briery that I did not see at least one glass boat. One trip last spring there were more glass than tin boats. There is bank fishing @ Briery; a fishing pier at the ramp nearest the dam, and more limited bank opportunities @ the other ramp.

I could be talked into Briery/Sandy River or the Potomac.

I just might have what you're talking about.

pohick, gravelly point, belle haven, leesylvania. Depends on where you want to fish.

This is a bass caught in 2009 by our (at the time) 6 y.o. son using a GY kreature at one of the lilly pads spots @ LB. So no, it's nothing new.

The post is on this site, at least it was, the recent update may have removed it. I think it was 2008.

Lake Royal, 7-2 LMB, baby brush hog; Shenandoah River (near Rileyville), 2-0 SMB, Fat Ika.

Same issue @ Braddock. Lots of signs stating it's private.

Look no further than your back yard, the Potomac river. There are spots you can access from the base that I *** (think docks and a certain roped-off basin) 'cuz they are not accessible by boat. Better yet, buy a yak and you have instant access to great LM and snakehead waters from the base launch.

Lemme guess, the Potomac? You handled it as well as could be. To paraphrase someone from another board: "If their momma didn't teach them any manners, you're not gonna." The bite has been so good this Spring, it really brought the idiots out. Best solution is to fish weekdays, or launch around 3-4PM after the weigh-ins.

W2slow is right, IMO, start w/ the fuel delivery system. New fuel line and primer bulb, both designed to handle gas w/ethanol, is a cheap and easy replacement. Some of the pics of degraded fuel lines and bulbs, posted on other Mercury boards, convinced me to do it this winter. I'm surprised at the difference: easier starts, better idle, etc. The interior of my old lines and bulb had some degradation when I opened them up. That degraded crap ends up in your fuel filter, carb, etc. I think someone posted some pics of degraded line on this board also. Jon, I can send you the info where I got the new ethanol-approved parts, and I have some leftover fuel line (maybe even some hose clamps) from my project, lemme know. **** Use fuel hose clamps for the connections! Not cable ties! Previous owner used cable ties on my setup: not good!****

I love the rez, especially on weekdays. Hearing about the Sunday results made me feel better Jon! Fished three hours yesterday afternoon with only three fish to show for it, of which only one would have kept. They would not even sniff any moving baits, so finally slowed down and caught them on a shaky rig. All from the same little spot near, but not in, Sandy. Water clarity there was great, not too clear, not too muddy. Started up by Ryans trying to get a full SI image of that place, but got blown off by the wind. ****** Edit. Did not see any fish on beds. **********

http://www.frontroyalcanoe.com/ http://www.shenandoa...m/About_us.html http://www.lowwaterb...campground.com/ We've used all the above for camping/canoe rental/shuttling. I can recommend them all. Sounds as if you have a plan already though. There is a stretch of the river, about a mile, on the float that includes the state park (Andy Guest?) that is kid friendly and full of willing fish (though you won't break any size records; OTOH, this float does have some deep water, so the potential for big fish is there). I've found that using our canoe for the float, then paying one of the canoe companies to shuttle us back to the launch is the most flexible and affordable option. The float I'm talking about is from the state park launch to the Karo takeout (don't miss it!, rapids are just beyond). Water conditions can be found at the front royal canoe site above.

A nice under-the-radar flat side crank. It's worked well for me this year on the Potomac.

The Picasso version comes with a swivel on the nose.

If you are talking about a "portable" OB, for that size motor I would not use anything but a 3 gal plastic tank. Should be ~ $40. Just rig the water separator between the primer bulb and tank.

Buy and install a water separator/filter rather than trying to find ethanol free gas. Just MHO. It's alot easier than driving around looking for ethanol-free gas (questionable); vendors of which may not even exist near you. Examples: http://www.iboats.co.../view_id.271592

Get as much hp as you can and remain legal (wink). You will not regret it. Used 9.9's are abound on CL around here, and they are not much more $ than the 7.5's etc. I'd recommend a 2-stroke for your situation (lighter, and easier to maintain, at least for me, than a 4 stroke). Francho is right about the sonar battery, get one typically used for home alarm systems, motorcycles, portable sonars, etc., they weigh ALOT less. Never had a problem running mine all day with these, and the battery I have has lasted for years. Edit *** In the link below, don't bother buying the charger if you already have one. I'm justing providing the link as an example of the battery. *** http://www.amazon.co...28114689&sr=8-1

With that rig I would be on the Potomac rather than the rez. PM'd also.

http://fountainheadbassclub.com/pictures/2011/ It's a great fishery. There are some on this site that know it better than me, maybe they will chime in. Without knowing more, I really cannot help you (are you fishing from a boat or the bank?, depth?, lures?, etc.). From shore, it may be a waste of time, IDK, access is very limited. If you have a boat, it is worth your time getting to know the place.

IDK anything about another post. If it was a VA trib of the P'mac, then yes, those are considered VA waters.

Most of the Potomac is considered MD waters. So, yes, the alleged 13 would have been a MD state record, by almost 2 lbs. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013103260.html Here is another article emphasizing how unusual a 13# bass from the tidal Potomac would be. http://www.nationalbass.com/reports/kincheloe.htm Original post: two bass over 7, one on a baby brush hog (VA waters, an ancient post on this site) the other on a green pumpkin-ish jig (OH waters).

Well sh**. Welcome back!