kiko13

Congratulations on your decision to quit...it was a good one. I quit in November of 1982.....2 packs a day. My advice to you is to keep thinking about your kids and start an exercise program. Ernie

The next meeting of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club (PRSC) is on Wednesday, January 27 at 7:15 PM at the Vienna Fire Station on Center Street in Vienna VA. Pete Pfotenhauer to speak! As a middle school teacher in Spotsylvania County, Pete Pfotenhauer has nothing to do all summer but chase smallmouth, which are always easy to find, fool, and land in the clear waters of the Rappahannock. If you believe that, Pete's got a few other fish stories to share. He has chased smallies throughout Virginia for 12 years, and is always learning something new about these magnificent fish. Last year he finally started guiding others out to pursue smallies last summer from a 3 man raft, suitable for spin or fly fishing. He'll be working for Virginia Fishing Adventures again this summer, both as a guide and a camp counselor for kids who want to learn to fish. So if you have a kid who loves fishing, consider talking to Pete about Virginia Fishing Adventures' summer camp program, where kids learn how much fun responsible fishing can be. Or, if you want to drive down to fish the Rappahannock yourself for shad this spring, or smallmouth later this year, consider giving Pete a call. He knows where the fish are likely to be. The Rappahannock is his home river, and a special water to chase big bronzebacks. At our meeting, he'll discuss how the biology of the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers differs from the Potomac, Susquehanna, and Shenandoah, and how to change your fishing to take advantage of the difference in habitat. Pete will explain how he targets trophy smallmouth on these rivers and which lures and flies work for him. Being smaller flows, they are ideal for kayak and canoe fishing, and because of somewhat limited access, are excellent choices for an overnight camping/fishing trip. Just so you can be sure he's not telling fish stories, he'll bring along a slide show of photos of the tiniest and largest fish in the river. In addition to talking smallies, Pete will also explain other opportunities the Rapp offers in the spring for shad and striped bass. The shad run peaks in April, and the river will be full of exciting hickory shad waiting to willingly take a fly or shad dart. Shad are a great fish to chase while learning to fly cast, and Pete will literally draw you a map to several spots that you can wade to chase these sporty fighters and leapers. They aren't called the poor man's tarpon for nothing. If you prefer to give the spawning smallmouth a break, if 50 plus fish afternoons excite you, or if you'd like to have a day where your arm wears out before the fish stop biting, then you should consider a trip to the Rapp in April to target shad. The striper run up the river following the shad in early May. While the James and Potomac striper fisheries offer chances at a cow, the Rappahannock is one of the few places in Virginia where stripers up to 35 inches are accessible to wade fishermen. While they are not as sure a thing as the Rapp's famous hickory shad run, they are catchable on fly rod and light spinning gear until the river water warms to over 75 degrees in late May. Pete's always been willing to share ideas and techniques as an active member of Potomac river Smallmouth Club. AS our previous Buzz Editor, he learned a great deal from the other members of PRSC, and he'll share some tips for new members on how to make the most of membership in this outstanding fishing organization. So be sure to come listen to one of our own as we kick off 2010 with Pete Pfotenhauer speaking at our January meeting. Spring is closer than you think!

Addict- my brother lives just west of 75 in the Monaco Cove subdivision and I have a good friend that lives on Sunset Lakes which is practically next door. That lake has some very deep holes in it. I have caught a few Peacocks (fly rod) when I visit them. Ernie

Sunset?

'cause the guys in charge of that country are not good people......enough said. Ernie

Simon- your smile says it all. That is a well earned beast..you should be very proud! Ernie

Simon...that is a beast! I know where you were....I was there on Friday and Saturday but a bit down bay from you. There was quite an armada of kayakers there....looked like a convention. Nicely done....you must be stoked! Ernie

No question....it was a good time. Some of these kids really know their stuff and as Dan said, they are like sponges. I look forward to meeting you Thai...hope you can make the next one. Ernie.

Recently, the Broad Run High School Fishing Club had their Fall tournament (bank fishing) in Ashburn VA. Students (14 in total) from three diffeerent High Schools participated. While the fishing was not red hot, the competition went down to the wire. 1st Pl- a Sr. from Broad Run HS with 65.5" 2nd Pl- a So. from Stone Bridge HS with 59" 3rd Pl- a Jr. from Stone Bridge HS with 53.5" Lunker Fish- a freshman from Broad Run HS, 20.5" (5 lbs even) These kids had a great time and were mentored by several seasoned fishermen including Dan. and flippin4it . As well, these guys donated a bunch of unused tackle which in turn was given to the participants. Each student received a bag of goodies at the weigh in and cookout. The next tournament will be in the Spring. The Club is always looking for donations (used tackle) so if you have something to spare, please let me know. Ernie

Congrats to Mike! That it is...I have only fished a few NHBA tourneys but the guys in the club are top notch! Ernie

The next meeting of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club (PRSC) is on Wednesday, October 21st starting at 7:15 PM at the Vienna Fire Station on Center St. in Vienna VA. Our speaker will be Capt. Mike Starrett who is one of the few guides that has targeted monster catfish on teh Potomac River for the last 19 years. Come learn his secrets and be amazed that such monsters live so close to DC. Capt. Mike averages 300 lbs of catfish a trip with only 10 fish caught ! Yes a 30 lb average that seems to be getting bigger and bigger each year. Capt Mike will show his rigging and secret baits as well as sharing his insight into the Monster Blue Catfish. And perhaps a life lesson too. Meeting is open to all!! 8-) BTW, a bunch of us meet up at the Vienna Inn for some body fuel at 6 PM or so.....come on down! Ernie

Aaron, Check your PM Ernie

No question about it!

Dan- Phil has been cleaning and fixing my rods and reels for over 20 years. He is very good and very reasonable. He's not too far up the road from where you live. He is on Lee Hwy in the Cherrydale section of Arlington. Ernie

Nice work gents and good save on the motor! 8-) You might want to consider Boat US.... https://www.boatus.com/join/?we200w I don't ever want a $625 tow charge....boats will break down! :'( Ernie

Smile says it all Kevin!! Nicely done! Ernie PS- we need to get Andrew out on the water before he goes nuts on us!! ;D

Both John and Mark are guides in the Upper Potomac and they are good! Ernie

The next meeting of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club (PRSC) is on Wednesday, March 25th starting at 7:00 PM at the Vienna Fire Station on Center Street in Vienna. We have the good fortune to have John Hayes speak to us. His topic will be "SPRING TRAINING, Getting Psyched for Spring Fishing". John will be discussing strategies, locations to fish as well as where the fish often are in spring waters. As well, he will go over what kind of waters to explore including gauge levels, pre-spawn attitudes, rigging and types of tackle. Mark Kovach will accompany him to assist in taking questions. You DO NOT want to sit home and miss this meeting if you fish for smallies in this area!

You can rent red rowboats at Fletcher's (DC, above Key bridge). In the spring, there is quite a fishery. You can bring a motor (gas or electric) if you have one. Ernie

Many chances to win some great items! For $50, you get dinner and a magazine subscription (Tide). You also get a seat at the table. Here are all the possibilities that you have that could lead you to take some nice goodies home: Bucket Raffles- you buy a booklet of tickets and drop them in the bucket next to the item you want...random chance of winning Silent auction- many items, both fishing and non-fishing related...you are bidding right until dinner. Live auction- this is the big stuff but many deals to be had Special Raffle (1 in 52 chance of winning, buy a paying card) Hand Crafted Hugh Miller Custom Fishing Rod Mystery Raffle (1 in 52 chance of winning, buy a paying card)- Special Item for Outdoors Sportsmen All of the details are posted below! Let me know if you need/want more information! Hope to see you there! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Northern Virginia CCA Chapter is pleased to invite you to our Ninth Annual Dinner and Auction - This committee has been working hard again this year to make this an excellent event - please join us for a fun evening and great prizes. When: Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at 6:00 pm Where: The Shriners Kena Temple 9001 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030 Time: 6:00 Social - Hors D'oeuvres, Full Bar 7:00 Dinner 8:00 Live Auction Silent Auction & Bucket Raffles all evening . Auction Items Include(but not limited to): Two - One Week Mountain Resort Vacations Golf Packages Hand Made Quilt Waterford Crystal Home Furnishings 12+ Charter/Guided Fishing trips Sports Apparel - Mens' & Womens' Dinner Certificates Premium Fly Rod & Reel Combos Spinning Rods by Hugh Miller, St. Croix, G. Loomis, and Star Framed Artwork Custom Fly Collections Pair of Trolling Rods w/ 330 GT2 reels already rigged!! LL Bean Backpacks and luggage Custom Surf Rod & Reel Trolling Lures, Rods & Reels Light Tackle lures Shimano Reels Over $20,000 worth of items will be won!!! TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE: $50.00 per person. Super Raffle Grand Prize LL Bean Angler Kayak Package w/Rod holders & Depthfinder 2nd Prize - HDTV 3rd Prize - GPS Unit Plus a Cash Drawing Early-Bird Special - Purchase Tickets by 2/28 and Receive $20.00 Coupon!! - Coupon good for Live or Silent Auction item one per bidder BLUE MARLIN Sponsor Table for 8 - $500.00 Includes $100.00 coupon toward live auction item Special Raffle Hand Crafted Hugh Miller Custom Fishing Rod Mystery Raffle - Special Item for Outdoors Sportsmen For Tickets, Contact: Carl Onesty @ 703-407-8921 or Rob Allen @ 703-626-2668 This event is open to the public membership with CCA is not required although we encourage people to join and a 1 year membership is included in ticket price. Special Guests Several of the Professional Fishing Guides that support CCA will be there this is an excellent opportunity to meet these guys! It is a great event that supports our Conservation efforts and our annual "Catch - a - Fish - Save - a - Kid" Fishing trip - plus more.

Flyfishing IS addictive and expensive You can fly fish from a kayak and it will make you look like an idiot at times especially if the yak is moving. But....it is a rush to catch a fish in a yak with a fly....it's all about the challenge anyway. Before trying it with a kayak, you should try to master the basic cast from land. There is a cool show coming up on Feb. 14 at Kent Narrows MD. Not too far and there will be free casting lessons from guys that are really GOOD! The show is called TieFest. No charge....seminars, fly tying, casting etc. Ernie

SS and DD! You guys are welcome to come over and practice with the fly rod on the pond....and maybe catch a few fish. Andrew knows where I live. But it's solid ice right now...won't be long. Ernie

This should be a good talk...you guys coming down from the NE? 8-) Ernie

rhodes, If you like smallies, consider coming to the next Potomac River Smallmouth Club meeting. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1231258038 Lots of the guys are wade fishermen targeting smallies. It's all close in to DC. http://www.prsc.org/ See you there! Ernie

The next meeting of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club (PRSC) is on Wednesday, January 28 starting at 7:15 at the Vienna Fire Station on Center Street in Vienna VA. At the meeting, one of our very own, Tim Bromelkamp, will give a slide presentation about canoe camping and fishing in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Boundary Waters is a lake-filled wilderness area on the Minnesota-Canada border that is reserved for canoes only. It covers over 1 million acres and includes over 1,000 crystal clear lakes and 1,200 miles of canoe routes. The Boundary Waters is a premier destination for world class smallie fishing, not to mention the walleyes, northern pike and lake trout. Tim grew up in Minnesota and has guided about 16 trips into the Boundary Waters since his first trip with the Boy Scouts in 1984. He will show colorful photos from his past visits and talk about fishing, wildlife, camping and trip planning. Everyone is welcome!