Smiths.R

I got out to Loch Raven yesterday. It was so windy...really made it a lot less enjoyable. Of course, had I caught fish, I probably would'nt have complained about the wind. I lost two fish, and landed zero. I thought after that little squall we had, they might have gone back out to deep water, but they were still cruising the shallows. This week I think the beds will start to appear. Is the Potomac still high? I can't wait to get back out there.

That's just silly...the Small Mouth I usually catch would be a small snack for those things!! Way to go!

I searched for this, but didn't find anything. I also refuse to believe no one asked about this yet... Last night I was fishing and saw a bass just cruising. It had big black splotches all over it. Just curious what that might be. Some kind of mold? I would assume it can't be good whatever it is.

I had a similar situation at Loch Raven today. Saw probably 20 small males cruising in about two feet of water, and a good number of big females, but they were not interested in anything. Caught a small bass and a pickerel, and lost three bass. Beds will be showing up soon I think.

I remember starting to fish and thinking EVERYTHING was a bite. I would think the simplest way to learn the difference between a stick, and a fish, is that every time you feel something, don't do anything. If you don't feel anything relatively soon, and the line doesn't move, have her pull on the line just a bit. Usually when it's a fish, you get multiple taps on the bait (I'm assuming you're fishing with plastics.) It will only take a few fish on for her to learn the difference. Then again, swings are free right?

Thanks Basser. Spawn will be happening soon at the Loch. Saw quite a few fish cruising the shallows this evening. Caught a nice one too! 15'' or so...didn't have a tape with me.

WRB I actually had that exact thought today! Great analogy.

Another excellent point!! I guess whenever I see prime big bass habitat, I will assume there is probably a prime big bass there.

WRB That is what I was thinking...these fish are lounging around like they own the place. I figured if a big cow was hanging around, they would'nt be so relaxed.

I read somewhere that you need to have some kind of frame for the transducer...to hold the epoxy in. Is this false?

I'm going to put this in my kayak, I just wanna make sure this looks ok. Please feel free to tell me I'm out of my mind.

Is the Potomac still really high? Thinking about getting down there this Friday. Loch Raven is warming up. Fish are starting to cruise the shallows.

The water is starting to get warm enough for fish to be in the shallows now. My question is this: If I come to a nice little pool of protected water, and there are multiple small bass (8-12''), and school's of bluegill moving around, is it safe to assume that there are no big bass hanging around there? I came to a little pocket today with about 6 small bass, and the bluegill were everywhere. Didn't know if they would hang around there if there was a big predator around as well. Give me your wisdom!!

Fished Loch Raven yesterday and today. My buddy caught two small ones yesterday, both around 13'' or so. The sun FINALLY came out today, so I went over and I'm glad I did. Not much action at all, but I did land an 18'' LM. She was in about 3 feet of water, near some cover. Every hit I got today was on a 4'' green Senko. The water is starting to get warm, so I would assume the beds will start showing up as well.

I fished Loch Raven for about an hour and a half this afternoon. The water was much colder than the last time I was there (last Sunday). Had a couple of pickerel chase my lure, but no bass. I figure with the warm weather today and tomorrow, Saturday might be hopping.

It did'nt seem to really matter what I threw on a bed last year. As long as the bait hit the right spot in the bed, she would nail it. That being said, a plain old worm worked pretty well for me.

Many thanks for the help gentlemen. It is much appreciated.

I know this may be a seemingly stupid question, but I can't for the life of me find somewhere to buy some kind of epoxy to mount my transducer to the inside of my kayak. I've looked in almost every store, and all kinds of websites. Anyone have a good suggestion? Thanks!

I usually fish right around the bridge. I would imagine the water is still pretty high, and it's pouring right now. I probably won't get out there for a while.

Went fishing at Loch Raven today. Had a bass come to the top to get a Senko I was pulling in real quick. I also saw a few beds...no fish on them, but they were definitely beds. With this warm weather next week, I think good times are about to roll.

You can keep a boat there, but there is a fee involved. I'm not so sure how much. I was at the Loch today. I had two fish go after a worm, but I couldn't hold back. I tried to set the hook to early. They tapped at it for like 10 seconds. Water is warmer than I thought it was. After this week, I'm going to start looking for beds.

The only place I would say to stay away from really is on Loch Raven Drive. There are always people there...lots of little kids just throwing stuff in the water, dogs barking and splashing. Almost anywhere else is great. There is a parking spot just before the Dulaney Valley Bridge. Both sides of the street are great.

I will second the Loch Raven thought...it is JAMMED with bass. If you can't catch bass at Loch Raven, you need a new hobbie. I fish the Loch 4 or 5 times a week. I just got a kayak, but previously, I always fished from shore. It's a huge reservoir, so plenty of places to hit too. You can rent a canoe for like 15 bucks, so if you want to float, you can do that too.

I have a pair of half jackets. They are fishing specific for shallow water. They're great, just expensive. I think it's an investment worth making though. You only get one pair of eyes.

I fish around Harpers Ferry a bunch. The current there is moving...not sure how a kayak would do. Small mouth are everywhere in the river, as well as Walleye and pan fish. Small spinner baits, in-line spinners, and tubes seem to be the best for me.