JohnCal

Good advice. Thanks. I know that the lake gets crazy and choppy.

This is a big help. Good points on the type of use the motor had. So even if I get a motor that needs replacement I can just pay the 3k or whatever the cost is vs needing a brand new motor. Sorry still learning. Thanks

How many hours are too many hours on the motor when buying a used boat in my price range. Just trying to generally understand the life of a motor in what range I should try and find one in. I’ll make sure to get it checked out by mechanic but just trying to determine how many hours are too many hours. Thanks again for all your help

Thanks everyone. A lot to think about. I guess the size of the lake is a big question right now. Not sure how big the chop will be out there. More research needed.

Lake is mixed wide open very wide then down to narrower rivers with bends. Probably be in both areas. I was hoping to get the boat serviced on Smith Mountain Lake. Good point as I imagine I’ll have to have a dealer on lake that services this boat, unless out of warranty then I guess most places would do? Thanks

Buying new or used bass boat in next year. No experience with them. Will be kept on lift at lake. No need for trailer other than to get it there. Pretty large lake with a lot of boat traffic. Speed isn’t my biggest priority but a stable platform. So many choices. Tin, fiberglass, pad hull, v hull, size, etc. Alot to learn and reading a lot. Fish mostly by myself or with son. Bass fishing mostly. If you were me under these circumstances, what boat , new or used , would you be targeting? Thanks so much for all of your guidance.

Looking into it, thanks jrbdad

Thanks again Sam, will call you, much appreciated!

Great info again Sam. I’m going to scout out some of these spots and I’ll let you know how it goes. Definitely not going near the Hopewell Marina as Moccasins are of no interest to me. ? I did visit Robious but didn’t like the kayak shoot for my super heavy trolling motor kayak. Same for Huguenot. I need to wheel my kayak so Watkins Landing looks like the better option. I’ll check out the other sites you discussed as well. thanks again!!

Thanks Sam for all the great info. Regarding the swamp at Lake Chesdin and safety, is this because of submerged rocks and trees or something else. I’m in a kayak with a trolling motor. also have you heard of Lake Chesdin Park north side sort of across from Lake Chesdin Campground? Here’s a link. https://goo.gl/maps/Hdper44BpGUAm3iH9. This would be much closer for me. Seems like there isn’t a lot of launch sites on the north side of Lake Chesdin or even the James.

Great info Dave, thanks. I also found a place on my side of the lake, ....just seeing it on map...sort of across from Lake Chesdin campground. Have you ever heard of this launch spot or used it? Regarding the James I guess I’ll try the flat water area. Where do you put in at there? then I guess I’ll try Watkins Landing and go upstream. Would I encounter power boats during the week in October. Are most of the power boaters water enthusiasts, skiing and swimming, or bass boaters? thanks for all of your help.

Also, when I go to Chesdin to fish, what spot would you pick for first trip, Lake Chesdin Campground or whipponock Creek? Both are same distance from me. thanks

Going to drive to Lake Chesdin today to scout it out. Also one more question on the JAMES. If I drop in at Watkins Landing or Robious I can go up and down the river with my kayak trolling motor with no problem. Is the depth ok and a fairly light current? Also if I go past Boshers dam, same question, I will have my kayak with trolling motor. Which section should I explore first in your opinion? thanks again

Hi Sam, just got moved in last weekend in Goochland County. I plan on either hitting the James or Lake Chesdin in the next few days. I guess I will either start with Watkins Landing on the JAMES or Whipponock at Lake Chesdin. Excited to try it out.

Will do, thanks everyone. Great info and I can’t wait to get started. I’ll let you know how it goes. One post and I’ve got a great head start. Much appreciated!

Will do, thanks!

Thanks Teal, do you mean Lake Chesdin or Lake Gaston? I think I’m going to start with Chesdin. very generous offer. Thanks Sam for the additional info including the James. So minus a rain you can put in and head up current without too much of a problem? I have fished the James near Scottsville and had a blast.

Thanks Sam. That is some great info to get me started. So it sounds like the best bet is from Whipponock and then further upriver. I guess maybe with a kayak I’ll look for lower traffic areas on the lake. As you indicated I’ve heard Seven Springs is safer. In what context, car break ins? Drug dealing or drunks? thanks again for you great advice.

Hi everyone. New member here. Moving to Richmond Short Pump area and am looking to fish Lake Chesdin as it appears to be a good fishery from what I read. I was wondering what portion is best to fish for bass coming from the short pump area. I have a kayak with trolling motor. Looking for good boat ramp that would work based on my location. Any help is greatly appreciated.