RichF

Just remember, fewer bait choices = more time fishing!

That's a lot of bag. As a boater, I would't love my Co bringing that sucker along. It's usually better to bring 2 small bags since most boaters will usually clear out a back compartment for you to put some stuff in. As a Co, I would hate to have to sit with that hulk at my feet all day.

I saw quite a few bass on the Occoquan Res that appeared to be either spawning or getting ready to. They were super shallow. I even saw some with their tails out of the water. The ones I saw looked like males. They were chasing off bluegill but didn't look like they had made an actual bed. My guess is they just staked out the area they will nest on. Oh and they didn't bite anything either.

I'm heading up to NNY this weekend and can't friggin wait. Fishing in NOVA makes me sad.

Another vote for the Kistler Helium 3. Light, powerful, and more than enough sensitivity. I throw 1/2 -3/4 oz jigs on my 7'0 H.

The cricket can actually be had at a lot of places for $10.99. If it's as good as the hammer...

Gotta disagree on this one. I bought some #12 last year on sale. Was looking for a cheaper alternative to fluoro for cranking, since I tend to go thru a lot of line with this technique. I found it to fray pretty easily. Maybe I just got a bad batch.

That stinks for me. Thanks for the info!

Does the C&O "count" as the Potomac? Meaning, will my VA license reciprocate here like it does on the Potomac?

If there are any boaters in need of a co-angler link for this tournament on May 4th, send me a PM!

Might wanna watch out. I'm pretty sure Sandy Creek is still in the "No C&R outta season" zone.

I own rods in the helium 3 and zodias lines. Both are great but the edge goes to the helium. I use my 7' heavy xf for 1/2-3/4oz jigs. It's a beast. Light and super sensitive.

The worst reaction for me is when people think tournament bass fishing is low impact, super easy, and requires zero skill!

I fish for big ones all day in single day events. It's worked out for me quite a bit. Most guys I know and compete against, beat the bank with weightless plastics/wacky rigs etc, looking for a limit and hoping for the rogue 4 pounder. It usually pans out that way but it equates to an 11 pound bag, which gets you nada. Big jig, bladed jig, and frog all day long for me.

Awesome stuff. My best times on the water are with my dad. We've been fishing tournaments together for quite some time now. Unfortunately, we've lived 8hrs apart for over 3 years now and getting back up to NY to fish is getting harder and harder. It really makes those times that much more special though. Good luck on your next one!

This. Check out the replacement program on their website. http://dobynsrods.com/warranty/ Just cut it down, send the piece, and pay the $70 bucks for the replacement.

Next time out, try something different and go to any really shallow bays you have on those lakes. I've done pretty well in upsate NY fishing super shallow soon after ice out.

Dusted off the old rental boats at Fountainhead on Saturday. It was beautiful out but the bass weren't cooperating at all. I figured with the recent warming trend they would push to the shallows. Boy was I wrong. Nothing in the creeks and pockets. Caught the 4 doinks that bit and had a decent one chase me to the boat. Talked to one guy out there that said he had a good morning with a jerkbait. Guess I'll have to regroup next weekend.

I have a couple Zodias' and a couple KLXs. Both are awesome. The Zodias is obviously way cooler looking. Mine are MH (6'10 and 7'2). They're light and crisp. Of the baits you listed, the only one I wouldn't throw on them would be a 3/4 oz jig. Not because it couldn't handle it, I just prefer something heavier. The non-Feel N Reel KLX I have is 7'0 heavy but I find it about on par with the MH Zodias in terms of power.

40% off coupon at Bayou Bug Jigs web store. BBJ40 HDS 9 Gen 3 bundle at Scheels.com for $1100.

The longest I shipped was 7'6 in a TW tube. Cost me like $45 at UPS.

@A-Jay has the right idea.

I think that's a bit overkill for flipping. Like @MickD says, unless you're the hulk, that sucker is gonna tire you out fast.

I like a 1/2 oz jig and 20lb fluoro...even around and under docks in 1-2 ft.

Nice work brother!