mudkart

My response dealt only with the DGIF ramp. Never used the Park Authority ramp.

??? I've had my 16' tracker in 6" of water w/ the ob trimmed up. Had to use a pole, but still. And yes, you'll be fine @ Burke. I've been out there not only in my boat,but in a friends 20' BassCat. Just be ready to wade a bit.

I tried all the things suggested above. What finally worked was heating the metal post w/ a torch, letting it cool for a few seconds, then it slipped right out. Probably wrecked the base but for my purposes, that did not matter.

These are the largest documented snakeheads I've seen this year. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeqbewt/id11.html I think the one that came out of Pohick last year was even bigger, but i don't have a link to the pic. The only one i've caught this year was from Pohick.

If I ever get tired of catching bass like that, shoot me and put me in the ground. That fishery has yielded 2 of my top 3 bass this year. I haven't seen many fishing that spot this year?

The least they could do is give you a call and ask where you're fishing, that's what myself and a notorious ex-member do. Similar situation happened in Neabsco last Friday, had some topwater action from a grassbed that usually gets bypassed AFAIK. I left, trying to save the spot for a tx Sunday. Two boats came in right behind. Oh well, didn't make me feel good, but waddaya gonna do? The "bent-rod pattern" is a Potty cliche. And that was not, by far, the worst angling behaviour i witnessed on Friday, but that is another story and a hijack.

Wait a minute Wayne, I thought those Humminbird units were "useless" in sunlight. They look OK to me in your pic.

PM'd

X2, I'd launch from Pohick and make a left to the dense veggies. Shouldn't take you long at all. Work those north/north east towards Ft. Belvoir. Belle Haven is another option, quite suited to your ride. I would throw top water frogs all day (buzz and hollow), you'll likely catch some nice LMB to boot.

Mare of Aquia has been good to me and shouldn't be all that far from you. I've only purchased parts from them however. Most shops will have their labor rates posted. ~$100/hr is not uncommon. Would help to know the make of the OB. Anthony at Dumfries Marine has been good to me also, bit more of a ride for you though.

None that I'm aware of. To do what you are proposing involves hiring a guide. There are several spots that rent jon boats.

Private.

That lake was drained last summer.

Take a look/search on tinboats.net for this product. Some there have used it and are very happy with the results. Depending on the condition of your hull, you may have ALOT of polishing to do. I did, and still do, before I use the sharkhide on the remainder of the boat. I've only done a small portion of the transom. If you have alot of oxidation, use whatever mechanical means you have for the polishing or your arms will develop like the Karate Kid (wax on/wax off). Applying the sharkide is the easy part, just make sure the hull is well polished first.

That's just a sample. Look at the other posts for this area, e.g. a 6-fish, 21# sack was good enough for only 5th in the most recent Fountainhead tx.

As above, I don't see the need to register unless you fish the Potomac or other waters that may fall into the category below (taken from the site): "Q.) Do those of us who fish in freshwater need to register too? A.) No, you do not except if you fish in freshwater for anadromous species, such as striped bass (rockfish), shad or other tidal species that live in saltwater but spawn in freshwater. If that is the case, you need to register with the Fisherman Identification Program every year. Think of it this way: If you're fishing for, or may catch, a saltwater fish such as a striper anywhere in Virginia's tidal waters, you'll need either a Virginia saltwater fishing license or to register with the FIP."

That OB looks older than the Chrysler OB we had back in the early 80's. I could not agree more w/ the comments above: you are much better off without it. If and until that thing SELLS for $350 (and that is a big if), I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Looks like the boat ramp area at Royal. ??? Otherwise I can't place it on that lake.

Nice bass. I'll not argue w/ it being a 6, it's a fatty. Carry a scale!

That pic is too small, I can't even tell if it's Royal. Whereabouts @ Royal? We walked around the lake ~ 2 weeks ago and no dredging. If if is Royal, it may be part of the ongoing work to fix flood control issues at the dam, same thing is going on at Woodglen. Although I have seen no dredging at either place, and I thought the work at Royal was finished last year. Looks like the same dredging setup they had at Accotink last year.

Not at places like goose creek and around Riverbend park and that one park that starts with an A? Algonkian is the word you're looking for, and none of those are "tidal", i.e. they lie above Great Falls and thus have no tidal influence.

If you find a way to launch at Fountainhead before March 1, when they open, let me know. Burke is semi-thawed. Given the forecast, Thurs.-Fri. it should be fine. The Occ. River has been thawed (IDK if it ever really froze completely), the ramp is open, but the latest I heard the water is muddy.

Yes.

Noooooooooooooooooo!!!! Wait, we were neighbors? Do you mean KP?

My 2 cents: pick a body of water and spend the time to learn how to fish it. Beaverdam would be an exceptional choice for you IMO given your location. Learn the seasonal patterns of the bass on Beaverdam. Get off shore by any means possible; float tube, canoe, jon, kayak, whatever. These are very cheap options if you are patient, i.e. start looking on CL now. Not much you can do right now unless you find some open water. There are two local flea markets coming up, lots of knowledgable people (and tackle!) at both: Feb. 5th is Dale City and Feb 12 is NHBA (Sterling Ruritan Club, 183 Ruritan Road, Sterling , VA 20164 9-2PM).