flyfisher

I am amazed at peoples ability to tell the weight of a bass from a jump when so many people get it wrong when they can actually hold the fish.

I have seen tons of small bass leap clear out of the water but never small ones. I am pretty sure that something else is doing the jumping. Carp can also be a reason the the lake is super muddy as well if they got rid of all the vegetation that was keeping the bottom in tact.

i always thought of those as attractor patterns myself that didn't match anything. I was always more of a Royal Wulff guy anyways .

What does a Royal coachman match?

The weight is a deterrent but i found three things that really seemed to help. 1-remove the seat 2-remove the front hatch cover 3-learn the balance point of the kayak Taking off the front hatch cover made a big difference, not so much in weight but in the balance point. I would basically squat down, get the kayak on its side, grab the side rails and lift it with straight arms over my head and slide it on the top of my jeep. Sounds more complicated than it really is. There are also lots of other ways to do it as well involving bath mats and sliding the front end up etc.... I do have trailer now though

i can paddle my ATAK at 3.5MPH comfortably. The design is also great for shedding wind as well, which in a kayak is probably the hardest thing to deal with.

I don't have experience with the big rig but i do own an ATAK and have had one for two seasons now. It is my favorite fishing kayak that I have owned thus far for the fishing i do. Pros: stability-best i have experienced speed lots of room tracks already installed for rigging comfy seat flex pod is outstanding Cons: weight-it is a pig to cartop but once you get the technique down it isn't too bad--i did it on my wrangler for over a year maneuverability isn't great seat fastening system stinks-not a concern if trailering the boat hatches can leak Overall it isa great boat and i have no intentions on selling mine or getting anything new anytime soon. It also has the ability to be upgraded to a motor later on if desired. Is there any specific question you would like to know, just ask away....

I was out last weekend and caught 4 with the heaviest going 3lb 7oz

Each county is different and handles their own mapping, it is not done at the state level. Also even if the map shows the boundary out into the water, that doesn't mean you have the right to the entire lake. Lake banks change over time and it is completely possible that the lake was originally owned by a single person and over time the lake banks moved which makes it look like you are on a part of the lake you can fish. Besides all that, unless the land you have permission to fish from also is the owner of the lake or a lake owners deal etc...then you are trespassing. It is pretty basic stuff really.

you can see it if you go over by where it is separated. there is a road that crosses over it and no culvert that i saw. The first time i went out there i was searching the maps and wanted to head up that creek arm and couldn't find it until i realized it isn't a bridge like the other spots. I got out and took a look around and there was no way i could haul my stuff up as it was pretty steep. If you look at the map on google maps and go to the satellite image and go north from the public launch you can see the small land bridge with route 620 going across.

Yeah i know what you mean as far as ignorance goes. And yes, i would like to fish that side for sure. I did see one hunt club that had land over there but i have never fished it nor have i heard much about that side of the lake.

I did notice it and every time i paddle by i try and find a name or something. I even got out once on that ramp and looked around for something but couldn't find it....if you do figure out who owns it,send me a PM lol I talked to a lady once who was out drinking her coffee right at those lilly pads and thought about asking her for access but it was super steep...

Here in Virginia i do searches on our county GIS mapping websites and i can look at any body of water and determine who owns it, even if it is federal or the state. If it is private it also has the owners information so with a little digging, yo can find he actual owner and speak with them or at least attempt to in order to gain access. I am lucky that I have enough public places nearby that i don't mess with private fisheries anymore as it is more of a pain than it is worth.

Moccasin Blue has been a solid producer for me for years.

I have had one of my best lilly pad fishing days about 4 miles up from up from the launch. Caught 3 citation bass that day alone and countless other good sized fish. It is a fantastic lake I just wish I didn't have to paddle so far to get to the areas I like to fish. If i could even just put in somewhere near the second bridge i would be golden...

Other than your standard fishing gear/safety equipment etc...I would leave other things behind before i left my stakeout pole behind. My Helix 5 SI is something i have grown to love as well. As far as presentations go, i have yet to find anything i can do from a seated position. I do have the ability to stand in my kayak and do it regularly but when it is windy i try not to as it will blow you around more easily.

Great lake...i have found that the further from the ramp you go, the better the fishing. If you make the long paddle past the two bridges yo can be rewarded with some good fishing. I have had some great days out there for sure

yup i have heard to just use the reel as well. I think it was @Dwight Hottle who said it actually. It has worked for me but it is painfully slow fishing but all it takes is that one nudge to get you all warmed up

Welcome. There are quite a few of us from the Richmond area on here.

having a good time every time out and the ability and desire to continue learning each trip out.

Mine was in July and was one of my first intentional night fishing outings of the year. I was fishing hollow bodied frogs mainly and ended up catching 2 citation sized bass and a few other smaller ones. I have had better days but that was my favorite of the year.

I got into night fishing last year because it was easier to do after the kids went to bed and i wasn't disappointed. The only bad part for me is that there are limited areas that are open for night fishing. Either way, I prefer it to the morning bite which can be good but it seems like the evening and into the night has been a better producer for me.

Here are a few of my son.

I don't even care actually. I couldn't tell you who anyone is sponsored by really except maybe KVD. And i don't plan on buying any quantum gear anytime soon.