Mantis7

I had an internship working at Occoquan last year. I was putting up mile markers along their water trail. I would always see people pulling out impressive cats out of the reservoir but I never saw anyone catch a bass there unless they were in a Jon boat or a canoe. I went out on my buddy's Jon Boat in late August and we caught a few baby bass but we had to cover a lot of water to catch them. I just don't think its worth fishing from shore.

Right now I have both of my kayaks sitting on top of my Subaru Forrester. I called it an apartment but I am actually renting a small room in a house. There is a backyard with some storage space, but given the spontaneity of my trips these past couple of weeks, I have just left my kayaks on my roof. I know this is stupid because someone could steal my yaks but I have them chained to my roof rack with a bike lock, so if anyone wanted to steal them it would need to be a pretty coordinated operation. I may be able to store your yak in my backyard if that would be easier for you. I also have an extra 12 foot fishing Kayak that I am using for my buddy/girlfriend fleet if you ever want to hit the river.

I am thinking about hitting 4 mile run on May 4th with my Kayak. I don't know if you want to tag along, but it would be nice to go with someone who knows it well. I am not even sure where to park or put my yak in the water, google maps can be tricky when scouting for spots.

Haha I have passed your house and admired your boat. Small world. Thanks Sam that's some good info. I understand why I need needle nose plyers after my post-work fishing session yesterday. I caught 5 bluegill/pumpkin seeds out of a small pond in Bethesda right off of the Capitol Crescent trail and Mass ave. I had my Leatherman with me and I could barely fit it in their small mouths to get the hook out. I had to let one go with a hook in it's throat and felt terrible. I won't be making that mistake again.

Thanks for the advice Junger, I am glad I joined this forum. I have been lurking for a couple of months now.

Thanks guys. Junger, I am actually planning on hitting Four Mile Run on may 4th. Do you think the Water is warm enough for some top water fishing? I was going to try to use my whopper plopper that looks like a shad and see if anything hits it, foraging females might think its a dying shad and males should be guarding their beds. I believe they will still be in pre-spawn. I also know that there is some good fishing at the C&O canal but the water is so unpredictable there.

Hey fellas, new guy here in the Bethesda area. I have been scouting out small ponds on google maps and hitting the tidal basin on the weekends. Are there any good spots in my area that you would recommend? I also just got a Jackson Cuda 14 Kayak. I am interested in meeting up for some kayak fishing if anyone has one.

Hello, I am pretty new to this hobby but I am already very passionate. A little about me: As a kid I loved playing in puddles and was obsessed with small ponds and water. My first job was at an aquarium store and I fell in love with fish. I began breeding fish, especially South American Cichlids and I wanted to go into the aquaculture field. I went to school for Environmental Science and ended up getting a job at a law firm in DC. Now I am stuck at a desk job and my apartment is too small for a fish tank. I was feeling like I was disconnected from what I love and it was really getting me down. Finally it hit me, if I cant have a fish tank or work with fish I will become a fisherman and catch them. This was in January and I have been fishing every week since then and just about everyday since March. I am hooked. It's all I can think about, whether I'm at work, in church, or with my girlfriend. I am slaying Bass in my dreams and listening to fishing podcasts and watching YouTube videos about fishing whenever I can. I also just bought a Jackson Cuda 14 and I have been kayak fishing as often as I can. The problem is that I am sort of new to the area and I am not sure where to go. It would be great to link up with some of you guys in the Maryland/DC/VA area or even PA (I have a car and don't mind driving a couple of hours). I just want to meet some people who are as passionate about fishing as I am, I'll bring the beer and the live bait. -Mantis