Fished a lot of local tournament at potomac river, a-rig is only bait that is totally useless at that river. Herring run already ended in late march.
my favorite bait to throw on that river is white and chartreuse 3/8 spinnerbait. if the shads are popping up, fluke or top water works wonders. most of time i tend to use senko or shakey head 1/8 oz with 4-6 inch worm.