TOXIC

Used to fish it all the time in my 2 man PVC boat. Always went for bass though. It's partially surrounded by a golf course. Best small crappie lakes are Crockett Park/Germantown Lake and Lake Pelham IMHO. Crockett is loaded with them if you can get out on the water. Brittle has a few as well.

What you are getting confused by is that there are preferred lb test and or types of line that have characteristics that enhance a certain presentation. If I only had one line to choose for everything it would be 12lb mono. I can make that work in almost every situation. Remember, line manufacturers have to keep us buying so there will always be something new to spark your interest. Each type of line lends itself to certain presentations better so you need to learn what they do best and the situations they will not work.

As a guide, I used to just love to take out husband/wife trips for a couple of reasons. 1. Wives always listened to what I told them and caught fish. 2. Wives are better tippers. It was usually a hard headed husband that "knew" how to catch em and wasn't having anything to do with my advice. I'd let them throw whatever they wanted and I would concentrate on the wife/girlfriend/significant other and they would be having a blast catching. Sometimes that would get the attention of the know-it-all, sometimes not......

Space vs protection? The driver in any boat has the most perks because of the console and the steering wheel (in rough water). My thought is that I will be dressing for the conditions regardless if there is a second console because the amount of protection they provide is minimal at best unless of course you are in a multi-species boat or one with a full windshield. I have a dual console but honestly, you would have to lay on the floor to get any real protection from it.

What a sack!! Took over 30 to win a TX on St Clair as well.

Sponsored by Jack Links. I usually have a large variety on board. If I'm fishing a tournament, I'll usually put a couple bags on every boat I can get to. I've had strangers motor up to my boat and ask me for a bag.

Good catch Sam. You are correct that is an option. I never paid for parking there but the VDGIF may charge now. IT is not so much of an undiscovered gem anymore and does get some moderate pressure. I usually fished it on my way home from wading on the Shenandoah. There is also the pond on the Phelps WMR in Remington. Too small to Kayak but bank fishing is allowed.

Orvis makes good gear. A little pricey but it is good quality.

http://www.orvis.com/s/cleveland-ohio-orvis-retail-store/6504

Have you tried Orvis? They have both brick and mortar and internet stores.

Welcome neighbor!! I've fished most every mudpuddle around our town. I'll give you a list and you can contact me if you want more specific info. Lake Brittle (you already know) Crockett Park (off Meetz Rd) Lake Pelham (Culpepper county) permit needed. Mountain Run (Near Pelham same permit needed) Lake Orange (Orange County) Lake Curtis Rapahanock River (Phelps WMR) Shenandoah River These are all of the ones that I have fished that are fairly close. There are more if you are willing to travel. I fish out of a 21 foot bassboat now and miss the small waters sometimes.

I agree with that rule, only because there are too many who don't know how to place a piercing clip properly. If done correctly, they are fine, if done incorrectly, it tears the heck out of a bass' mouth.

in a tournament, you don't come in early......EVER!! You gut it out. Many a tourney has been won in the last 1/2 hour.

Little late to the party but my choice was the "Grass Goat" for the Potomac and the heavy grass we have.

Awesome. Just got notified by a buddy of mine that it took over 30lbs to win a tournament on St Clair, new lake 5 fish limit. My buddy and his partner placed 2nd with 27.22, winning weight was 30.31lbs.

Well, I knew you were going to get a LOT of suggestions because Dropshotting is more of an individual preference and personal confidence technique than most realize. I have been dropshotting for 25 years but I do not claim to be an expert. I do what works for ME. I prefer to cast a dropshot more than drop it straight down but I will if I find them on my electronics. I get very little line twist and the way I rig is one reason why. I do not like to wacky or nose rig any of my dropshot baits and I have reasons for it but I will spare you my ranting. I use 10lb mono with a 6.8 med Spinning rod and a fast tip. I use a #1 NOT a 1.0 Gamakatsu EWG Offset gap hook and a Pro Senko (has a straight pointed tail) or a Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm both Texas Rigged. I use a premium Dropshot weight (Quik Drop) and the quality in the harp and swivel built into the weight also help eliminate line twist. I have caught thousands of smallmouth on that rig either casting, dragging, or vertical fishing. I used to fish it 75% of the time but I have spread out into some other techniques to expand my base a little more.

It's not unusual for tournament fishermen to cast over dock lines and in pockets where there is no way they can get a simple retrieve without going over or under something. I've often been told, I'll worry about getting them landed AFTER I get them hooked.

The other rule change in the Elites involves getting outside information. Soooooooo......the waypoint pirates or fishing acquaintances that provide "helpful" information, is now a rules infraction.

You will quickly find that a 12 volt Trolling Motor will not last you very long on that rig especially if you load it up with others. Guys that I know who ONLY fish electric lakes have 3 that's right 3 trolling motors on their boats. Normally 2 in back and 1 in front and these are not large lakes either about 200 acres average. That being said, what's in it now? A good 24 volt system may wire right up to what you have. As for the gas motor it's a 4 stroke so there's really -0- hassle to owning and running it. Just some basic maintenance. If the waters you fish are HP restricted (normally 9.9) then by all means keep it. Your trolling motor will thank you if you want/need to make a longer move. As for chargers, it is best to match what your battery setup is. 3 batteries = 3 bank charger, 2 = 2, etc. As for charging them in the house, I wouldn't, if you buy a portable charger you can hook it up with the batteries still in the boat and an extension cord.

Slippery slope is right.....What's next? Competitors can only use XXXX Rods, XXXX Reels, XXXX Boat manufacturer. XXXX Baits and can only tow with XXXX trucks? While I agree, there is a need for "off-limits" areas, I would have a problem with a boat restriction beyond a USCG Tagged hull including the proper HP outboard. So is someone going to complain that one brand of hull is faster and more fuel efficient (Like Allison for example) and can therefore go further and faster unleveling the playing field? Hmmmmmmm.........

Not personally but I can tell you that replicas are a true art form. I've seen them where it literally looks like they will swim away if you put them in water vs some that look like a grade schooler got ahold of an airbrush and painted a fiberglass replica. What it takes skill wise between those 2 extremes is a mystery to me and I would assume not very simple. Good luck on your hobby.

Doesn't matter, any line will work. Heaver test is better but you can double or triple it up on the lighter tests and it works fine. Had to learn it being 17 miles from shore on Lake St Clair every year and if you bury a treble, it's a long way to a medical facility. We rent a cottage on an island.

I fished the Doaha (north fork) for many years before I got into big boats and motors. I had a 2 man PVC boat and 40lb thrust TM that I could fish in about a mile worth of deep water. I had a friend that owned waterfront between Luray and Front Royal and we camped and wade fished (fly and spinning) or used the small boat on about 3 miles of river. Back then 100 fish days were not uncommon. There's been a few big fish kills and as I understand it, the fishing has suffered.

You need to learn the hook removal technique with line. Saved many a day on the water!! I've seen hooks pulled out of the tops of heads all the way down to feet. It works!!

Belmont is a little North of my preferred water but I venture up there occasionally. Normally I launch out of Aquia and have enough to keep me in fish up to Quantico Creek with all of the other creeks and main river stuff. Like I said, I am installing power poles this weekend and a new trim/tilt motor as well as new rams/seals but will get out a day. Actually thinking about going to the Rappahannock. It should be turning on with this colder weather. Chance for some monster smallmouth.