VABasser

I used to fish Motts alot when I first moved here because its only 15-20 mins from my house. I had the yearly launch pass and fishing permit (The launch pass was maybe $20-30 and the fishing permit $20 something I think for the whole year. If you just launch once or get the day permit its alot cheaper obviously). As for nice sized bass, theres some very nice ones in there, no doubt about that. I've caught a few decent ones and seen some pictures but the best evidece is when they're up shallow gettin ready for the spawn. The water is much clearer there than alot of the lakes around here so when they're up cruising the shallows you can see them. Man are ther some monsters in there the only problem is catching them. I couldnt get them to bat an eye at my lures, I guess they were to busy with their spawning rituals. After the spawn I dont know where all the nice fish went, there were a number of fishless /few dink days for me the rest of that year. The lake doesnt have alot of shorline cover and the banks are very steep. So successful fishing probably requires a lot of offshore structure fishing, which I've gotten better at but still need to improve. As for pressure the VDGIF site hasnt been updated regarding Motts for awhile. I've seen some days when that little lake is getting hammered, but when is a NoVa body of water not getting pounded? I'm sure that makes fishing more difficult. As for pike, yes they're in there. I think the VA state record was caught from there. I havent tried for them so I can't help you there. Like VolFan said it is a very pretty lake. Would I make a 4 hour drive there, probably not but if you really wanted to go for the pike then go for it. Thats just my .02 cents, hope it helped

Great smells guys, you brought up a few that I had forgot. Man, why cant spring/summer be here now :'(

Haha very true, hadn't really thought of that ;D

Well I'm sitting here fighting a major case of cabin fever as I'm making a big list of tackle to get tomorrow . I was thinking of my fondest memories while out on the water and thats when my favorite smell came to mind. Its after a hot summer day, the sun is beginning to sink and its cooling off. The critters start becoming active, maybe you see a deer or two at the waters edge. Theres a smell coming off the water and out of the trees, its kinda sweet, cool and many other things I can't put my finger on, but it's just such a pleasing scent. It's all the better if you're enjoying it while pulling in some nice bass. The smell of fish on your hands is nice too because it means you're having success. So maybe I'm going a bit nuts in this cold but whats your favorite fishing smell?

I've got some 6lb Yo Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft left that I bought back in July probably. I dont know whether I should use it to respool my spinning reel and use for a few months or if I should just buy new stuff outright. Its been down in my basement so not exposed to the elements. You think it'd still be good?

Haha let me add another to the "fast metabolism" group. I'm almost 6' 4" and 170. I'm only 19 though so we'll see if I start puttin on some pounds eventually. Been tall and lanky my whole life, my mom says I was born a "long baby". I lift 5 days a week and I get pretty ripped but just not a lot of bulk. Oh well, a fast metabolism can come in handy

"Netted 7 seconds later". No doubt a great fish but if I ever hooked a monster like that I'd want to have an epic fight with it.

Im down to go if I happen to be back from college that weekend. Doubt I will be but you never know. But later on in spring and summer I'd definitely make it out if we had another one somewhere. Flippin4it, you mind if I pm'd you a few questions regarding Royal, you've sparked my interest?

Wow 10 casts seems a bit skimp to me. I feel like I give lures I have confidence in too much time while those I dont have confidence in too little. But I'm sure thats kinda typical

x2. Its funny stuff "I've been fishin pretty deep. I may go 4 or 500 hunnerd feet sometimes." haha

Although I do use dink, me and my buddies' favorite is "pea shooter"

82 degrees. *sigh* :'(

You've got me interested in these Sinkin Salty Shads now. What colors and areas produced best for you?

...when driving near any body of water you avert your eyes from the busy road to search for "bassy lookin cover"

Haha ok I'll give it a try

Wow, its pics like that that remind you why fishing is so great. Good work

A question on the car wax tip. Would there be any scent from the wax that a bass could potentially smell that would rub off on your line? If not then I definately want to try that

Definately "Theres one" for me. If whoever I'm fishin with hooks up I usually say something along the lines of "you lucky wretched" edit: wretched haha i guess the other is banned

Well since we're talking about Chesapeake stripers, heres one I caught a couple weeks ago on my friends dads boat. It was 25 pounds and 38 inches. Pretty fun to bring in. We caught a few of that size that day.

Hmm, its tempting to head up there one day

I havent lately though I really want to. Do you know if the same lock is on the gate as this summer? Fountainhead is closed for the season right?

Anyone know when they change the lock at Bull Run? I've got a serious itch to get out on the water even if I dont catch anything. Has anyone been doing any fishing around the NoVa area lately with any success?

Now you have my attention! I take it you mean below the fall line? I usually use the cold months to get caught up on all the little tasks that pile up during the fishing season--but if there are smallmouth to be had I can put those off. Again ;D You've got mine too. I havent been able to do much fishin at college but when I get back over xmas break I might have to go out just to keep from going insane. Any info you can offer about this. Do the smallies move below the fall line like vekol suggested?

These are two from my last outing.

Sounds good man. I haven't been up to Occoquan in a few weeks. Last time I was there I had a solid 5 pounder on, about 4 feet from my boat before he made a run under and the hook popped out. I was pretty mad. I got two good looks at him and he was a nice one for sure. Got him off a shallow running crank. Caught a few others, biggest 2 pounds. Was wondering if you knew what was working best now, I plan on getting up there this Friday hopefully if nothing else comes up. I'm sure the water is pretty warm, last I was there it was in the 80s. But any general help on what the fish have been doing up there lately is appreciated. Good luck