BassShephard

2 wally worlds (couldn't resist ) around here had a lot of selection, but this year they cut back on every thing...just means I can support my local sporting good store. I will miss the $12 portable Aerators they sold though (lost one of mind and need some for a live well I want to build), they're very handy.

Went today and the day started off good, it was 60 degrees (or more), fish were up in the shallows. I caught 3 dink bass and prob would of had more, but a cold front moved in.. still 3 isn't to bad! Still can't wait for spring when I can catch 30 of these dinks instead of just 3 ;D.

I'm trying again tomorrow, anyone else?

I'm concerned that the low levels will effect spawning/fishing, ponds around here are still 1-3 feet low and I'm sure most rivers aren't at their normal flow (I know the creeks aren't). Do you think tactics should be changed? or will fish go on about their normal business? I know I've always looked forward to the flooded grasses and timber In the spring, so I hope we get a good solid rain before spawning season.

Don't forget there is a southern part of VA lol, No ice here and around 50 degrees, 55 tomorrow.

Lol your not alone with getting hooked a lot, also I get the fish spine stuck in the joints of my fingers and can't use it the entire day do to swelling :-/

I find this interesting, its like breeds of dogs, you breed them with others that have similar traits in order to get the best temperament and workability. Personally once I have my own pond, only bass I catch (not from private waters of course) will be stocked so I know what is going in the pond. @paul I honesty think some large fish go uncaught all their life, or once their caught they get wise/wary, but that is just an opinion. However this is fact, I've caught bass 3 times is a row before, that may be a little over the top having fish with those genetics. If you catch a fish once, you don't need to catch him again till at least a week or more, otherwise its not a sport.

Some days.. color doesn't matter, I've caught them on bright hunter orange baits, blades of grass and bare hooks ;D I have more varied color with cranks then plastics but they still have the basic colors mixed in.

Target vegetation and rocky areas, they heat up faster and hold heat longer then any other area, not to mention there good structure. Oh and bridge pillars too.

Welcome to Bass Resource! A few people here up that way, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding someone to fish with.

I disagree. If you ask 100 anglers for color recommendations, you will see a trend....your answer reflects that trend, in fact. I'll limit my advice to bottom plastics, not Senkos, flukes, paddletails, etc. Some kind of black, some kind of green, and some kind of brown is really all you need. From there, reds and purples are deadly on certain lakes. I agree, Green and brown are the only colors I need, well maybe pink (or whatever color a earthworm is ).

Its not grass but Coon tails and Lilly pads. I do like Flooded grass/broom straw during spawning and we should have a decent amount with the summer drought we had.

Don't want to be to harsh since i'm sure that he is a good guy but... I just saw the show and its horrible, to many cut-a-way scenes and not enough fishing also way... to childish. Dave Mercer (Facts of Fishing) has that child like way about him, but he does it in moderation and its usually funny, he is a good fisherman and gives good tips imo. Lunkerville trumps all fishing shows, mike usually doesn't go for the pros and it has funny moments without out going over the top. Some of the best tips come from this show too, because a lot of the guest don't have sponsors. If the Fishburne show is to survive, This guy needs to do something between lunkerville and Facts of Fishing.

Thanks! Actually I've had little luck with frogs in this pond. I usually throw a worm with a propeller in there to get them out or run a crank on the outer edge of the lotus.

My Fav pond I frequent and my fav creek fishing area. I posted the redbellies cause I think their the prettiest fish around here (fun fish too catch to be so small) the pics don't do them any justice.

You didn't go fishing sam? what is wrong with you! (just kidding ;D ). Thanks for the link, I'll give it a look over.

Hope everyone had a better day fishing then me, the fish kicked my butt. I was out there for 5 hours, fished 2 ponds and a creek, all I caught was one little bass. The wind was horrible, couldn't use my boat for the fear of the wind flipping it and lots of reel issues. Still I may try tomorrow, I need to figure out winter fishing, live bait being a cornerstone me thinks.

Blah its raining here! I really hope it gets warm and the sun stays out. I have cabin fever and fishing monday made it worse.

Not positive since Department of game and inland fisheries manages the lakes stocking. I guess its cost for keeping the lakes themselves maintained like plugging leaks (if they happen) clearing trees, cutting grass, keeping it open to the civilians Etc This is what the site says: :The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries became responsible for the fish and wildlife management programs at Fort Pickett in the fall of 1997. To help fund these programs, a separate fishing permit is required. These permits are available at the Wildlife Management Station located on Fort Pickett, as well as in the town of Blackstone. Anglers can choose to fish from a number of different lakes. Access to some of the lakes is restricted due to military training exercises.

I was thinking the same thing, doubt the soldiers would keep many fish. They may manage and stock the ponds too. Fort Pickett manages their own ponds, I really want to fish them but unfortunately you have to buy separate licenses.

I would try it! they may be open to people serving. Ask who ever is in charge.

Well if your ever out this way I would. Ask for a transfer to Fort Picket they have around 7 or more ponds on base 8-).

No problem ;D You may try Maryland to, (I don't know their websites address) of course you'd most likely need to buy that state's license, unless it borders both states like the Potomac in which case ether state license should work (least I think, not positive on that). here you go, marylands website http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/wherefish.html

I don't know that area but try Google map and look around your area. Its helped me a lot, I've found quite a few new places to fish thanks to it. Unfortunately it doesn't give info on a specific lake, but you can check http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/?type=1&region=5 to see if they're any places near or willing to drive to, these places are all public or other wise stated.

lol I know the feeling from some ponds around here. I'm interested in how the fish finder works out, I want to get one for my small boat but I never used one so haven't got a clue what I should get.