JCrzy4Bass

4.2 smallie is a pig in my neck of the woods too. I only smallie fished four times last year and caught 8 or 9. Learning trial. However you should have seen my face glow when I pulled in my pb 1lb 13oz. Lol, now I look at a bunch of the bigger ones and I'm like wow I got some work to do even in my area. But I'm proud of the catch none the less.

Nice catch there man. You guys fish from shore or by boat? Welcome to the forums and hope to see many more nice fish from you in the future. If you have any questions or even wanna share techniques fire away, this place is an awesome place to learn, share and develop friendships all across the U.S. And these guys just like you, KNOW HOW TO FISH!

Great point Paul. I had a friend three months ago move down to Florida. Never caught anything over 2.5lbs here in Northern Virginia. First week in Florida she reeled in and landed an 8lber on her local pond down the road from her house. Since then she's reeled in some over 5lbs as well. Here in Va that is like almost a once in a lifetime fish unless you fish a few select lakes in the southwest region of the state on the border of NC. It's all perception based. In Va, a 5-6 lb fish is a hog. I don't care who you are and what you've caught. At least around the Northern Va parts. These catches only come few and far between. Most importantly be proud of any catch you make regardless of size. You got that fish to bite, you were able to manipulate the bait in a way that triggered that fish to believe it was a real living thing or a dying thing. It was your skill, and yes maybe sometimes part luck that got that fish on your line. Enjoy each catch. Cause in these winter months and ice overs we have in the north and the DC area in Northern Va it sucks not being able to go out and reel one in. I think the guys in the south in places like Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, etc aren't as humble or lose touch with the sport a little and forget that all it really is about is the fish on the end of the line and the fight you are given, where as the guy who pulls in a 2-3 lber in the northern states is extremely excited. And let's face it we all brag about every great catch because we are fishermen, we are competitive and there wouldn't be anything to shoot for if we didn't have anything to beat or a previous catch that just wow'ed the heck out of us. We all brag! But not only that, we share our experiences, because each is a story that we all can enjoy and relate to. And I just want to say I'm not turning this into a debate over who's better than who, everyone of us is on the same plane, other than the god gifted pros and semi pros who have worked their butts off for what they own and do on a daily basis... I wish I had what they did. So to end that particular statement I'd like to mention there are great guys on this forum that make absolutely incredible catches on a consistent basis that are as modest as I've ever met. And the great thing is they are always willing to share their experiences and knowledge with us. And who knows, if we moved down there we'd get sick of 2-3 lbers too. All we would want is fish over 7-8 lbs. We'd think less of ourselves if we couldn't do that. It's based on region and the average available fish to be caught. If you don't have 8-10 lbers in your region, spool up some light line in the 4-6 lb range take your light pole with a stiff action and go out there and catch em' that way. It's the closest thing we'll be able to get.

For plastics Mr Trusted, the GY Senko or for finesse applications like drop shots and shakey head the Zoom Finesse Worms work great. For Crankbaits, the Rapala Shad Rap in either a yellow perch color, shad, or bluegill pattern, the Original Rapala in a minnow color size F-5 or F-7, and a Mann's Minus One Crank in either a frog, yellow perch or minnow pattern. For Spinners nothing beats a Red Eye Special in Chartreuse and White or Chartreuse and Green by Strike King with a dual willow blade, or single colorado paired with a willow blade. I haven't worked jigs much in my fishing career but I'm growing fond of the Jig-X models with matching Jig-X Trailers, or Strike King Bitsy Jigs for swimming applications matched with a double tail grub made by none other than GY. And for deep cranking or covering all parts of the water column and many applications you can't beat a Rat-L-Trap. These are the weapons I never leave home without. For Smallmouth I normally use a Riverside white single tail grub on a Gamakatsu size 1 or 2 straight shank hook, or I use Venom Tubes in Pumpkin or Watermelon, or Cherry/Black rigged with a Gamakatsu Tube Head Jig.

THE TIN MAN IS GETTIN JIGGY WITH IT 8-) It's the only bait you need. 8-) I also find by just burning the bait over the pads instead of stop and go with a Kermit you get a more commited reaction strike. And 8/10 if they miss they come back for more, and I think the hook up ratio's are much better. I was wondering why the jig was left out of this thread. I'd run a buzzbait over the outside edges of the pads (had good luck with this in situations with spatterdock, time of day permitting), then I would tie on a shallow diving crank like a Mann's Minus One or a Orinigal Rapala (twitching) and stay on the edge a bit more to get it a little further down the water column pulling the bass up, last I'd tie on that jig and hit the holes on the outside edges working my way into the thick stuff. Every single hole is a possibility, there are so many ways to work this situation. But some great advice all around. The jig is also versatile in the way that muddy stated. If you change out the trailer to a more action based one with more weight you could get those claws flapping and trigger reaction strikes. Or you could tie on a double tail grub and use a lighter jig with bait fish color imitators and quickly swim it back around the outside edges.

Not a bad idea. I mean the only area it would present a problem is lakes or river systems where there are multiple strains. Like down here in Va we have Briery Creek Lake. In the 80s or 90s they stocked Florida Strain Bass in the lake. Now not alot is known about whether or not this particular strain has survived up to the current times however fish of that strain have been pulled out over the years. And what has happend is that strain had bred with the Northern Strain and created a new strain of aggressive bass which is currently in here. Don't ask me the name as I have no clue. This is all from what I have read and heard about from locals and people that fish this particular lake. Now whether they have a name for this particular strain or if it is just a genetic difference in this one particular strain thus not creating a new one, I'm not sure. But it is my belief if they do it for this one strain they are going to have to come out with new regulations for each particular strain of bass or new "records" so to speak and supply information on which strains are found in which lakes. Then we run into the problem of certain people catching these fish and misinterpreting them for a different starin as stated before. It's just a lot of work. But I do believe it could work if implemented correctly. Good idea overall.

I honestly think it would be way too hard to regulate. Guys sending in pictures from different states claiming it's one strain of that particular fish, etc when it's another. I mean I don't work at the state department for inland fisheries here, but I'm sure with all the paperwork and pictures these guys get and stuff theyd on't do a very thorough job looking stuff over for such minor details. I mean I know there are some of you guys who could tell the difference between every strain as soon as you see it, but not everyone can. That's just one of my small beliefs. But as you pointed out, I do think if they had a good way of implementing it, it would be a lot better. The more records out there to chase the more purpose there is for these hawg hunters and so forth.

I may not catch anything, but I got confidence. Water is still pretty cold in Nova and pre-spawn probably won't start til' early-mid April here. But I will work that jig/dropshot/and deep crank to try and find one of these largies in a wintering hole. Wicked cold fronts here lately, snow, rain, and sleet yesterday and again tonight. Anyway I'm in. Here's my contribution and dedication to the man AVID! Oh yea, put me down for largemouth. Smallmouth bite is non-existent right now in this area.

Takin' my dad fishing for the first time. Last Father's Day I gave him a new Quantum Rod and Reel combo and brought all my tackle to the lake. We headed up to Lake Ridge in Northern Virginia and we rented a jon boat just the two of us. Right off the bat my dad casted a spinnerbait out (strike king I had gave him in chartreuse and green) from the bank area. Third of fourth cast. Slam, fish on! It was awesome to see him hook up on our first day out. Pic attached. Headed out further around the first bend and started fishing. Well my dad caught the next fish too. A nice sized crappie over 1 lb (no pic) on a Mepp's Inline Black and Yellow Spinner. I was so excited for him. Still, we were fishing for largemouth so it was time to get serious. Well about half way through the day we switched to live bait (nightcrawlers) and fished for catfish and bluegill and crappie. My dad caught about two handfuls of bluegill and I remember every time he'd hook em' so deep it would take me 5 minutes to get the hooks out lol. I started nicknaming him the bluegill killer. Anyway, he outfished me like crazy that day. I got one bluegill on live bait and then I lost two bass. One halfway through the day on a spinner, the other when we got back to the dock and bank fished, also on a spinner. Both times they threw the hook as they leaped out of the water. My dad's face just showed pure excitement each fight, even though it was me fighting the fish. That was it for us. Two months later we had our own Lowe's fishing boat and were on the river every weekend last year. Great memories!

Ok fellas current list: Definates: -Rondef -Simonsays -Jcrzy4bass Maybes: -Dominion Dan -Ado124 -Pkschul Let's get some more commitments guys! Hopefully some of you guys will be able to commit further down the road. I know it's early. Spring can't come quick enough!

I had a similar experience last fall. Had never tied on a buzz bait just because I didn't think they worked that well around me. Went to a little public pond 5 minutes down the road, fished it alongside some weeds and slam, slam slam. Three fish in less than 10 minutes or so from the same spot. After that I had my fun with that bait all over Northern Virginia, missing some lunkers because of getting excited and landing a few more. Absolutely a great bait. I like Strike King's Single Tri-Blade in Chartreuse/White.

Rob, Fun way to start the year, that could work if everybody is down for a little friendly competition. I know it would be easier from a boat and it won't exactly be the start of the spawn but if we get some decent days later in the month I'm hoping they will at least be on the move. And I'm not worried about having a boat. This new Suffix Elite line I've been using on my crank and topwater plug rod can cast A TON! Haha. And using some heavier jigs and drop shot setups I should be able to get out a way with my other pole. Finding the better structure to cast it will be the more difficult part (just going on visual), but that's what makes it interesting. I caught here pretty late in the year and got my pb then so maybe early will be on my side too? Gotta have confidence! We could always have a bigger get together in April or something when the water gets better (maybe for smallies or something at the Rap or Pony Pasture), if not at a bigger lake like Lake Anna for some largies and striper. Anyway hope to see you there man. Paul, alright man... maybe #2. Lol.

Bout an hour and twenty minutes or so. You could gladly hook up with one of us from the forum and drive over with us. Access can be complicated for those who haven't been there before as you have to deal with some residential neighborhoods and such and quite a few back roads. If you would like directions you can pm me and I can try and help as much as possible. Or one of the guys who are more creative with google earth may take a snapshot and explain on here. Simon and a few others are good at that stuff.

Alright Simon. Two definates and one maybe. Keep it coming folks.

Yup... forgot you stuck that one. I think someone probably released that in there from the main lake. No one else got any bites in that water and a lot of it was REALLLLLLYY shallow.

I had my PB Largemouth from Mercer last year on December 3, 2lb 14oz. I also had my best day as far as weight was concerned as well pulling in 5.5lbs of fish one day back in July on a crankbait bite. Mercer has been good to me. But your right. My dad tore it up there last year pulling in one at 5.25lbs and another at 5.5lbs. Both caught within' the same bait in the fall on a Rat L-Trap. It's a great lake and I'm sure with the pre-spawn there could be some hogs coming up from the deeper water to the mouths of the coves and surrounding bank areas. If we fish some of the coves to the left or right of the d**n and even the deeper water from the clearing or from the wooded side of the lake (opposite the clearing) we may have some pretty good luck, front permitting that is. I know some other guys here have lost some big fish there and also hooked into some nice ones in the 2-3 lb range. Not too many dinks at Mercer. Would be fun. That's two votes for Lake Mercer.

That's Sam always thinkin' haha. Heya Jason, I dated a girl from Longwood once... kinda a prude... but I'm sure if your goin' for the weekend you could find some good ole' party down there. Population of females is pertttyyy good I hear lol. Just remember to wear all your patches and brag rag lol! Oh and don't forget the 6 pack of Miller Light!

Hey fellas, we got about another month if not a little more of cabin fever left. I was figuring what better way to start off the year with a bang and a bag of fat bass. Pending on ya'lls schedules, time constraints and families and such maybe we can all get together for a day on the water come March. I was thinking somewhere along the lines of late March the 22 or 23 (Saturday and Sunday). I could do either or as of right now. More than likely my dad and I will have the boat out one of those days so the other one I will try and get this thing organized for. If anyone has any ideas on how we could put this together and keep everyone on the list for one of these days throw in your input. I'm trying to think of a lake with ample shore line access that isn't terribly hard to fish. Rivers and so forth are probably out since most of the parks are over fished and the tide issues may put us there at a time that isn't best. Ideas I have thus far are: -Lake Huntsman -Lake Mercer -Lake Royal -Lake Brittle If we want to, or if everyone can afford to rent boats (if they are available this weekend, which we'd have to call to inquiry) I was thinking... -Lake Anna -Lake Orange -Burke Lake (shore fishing here would be harder, but we may be able to get on fish in a boat?) -Lake Ridge -Fountainhead Any other ideas welcome. We are not limited to these ideas. So let's get a head count as well as more ideas. Who is in? Let's pick this lake or reservoir based off best location, easiest place to fish, most fun, and most versatile. Doesn't just have to be for bass, but I know most of us will be fishing for that. Families welcome.

Northern, Va here, water temps in ponds probably in the mid 30's if that. Some partially freeze up in the mornings and evenings depending on if we have a front coming through. Water temps on the rivers won't be above 40 yet for at least a couple weeks (at least stay that way). The Rappahannock at Fredericksburg was 39 when we went this weekend to cast a few, what a waste that was, besides trying out some new line I bought. Other rivers are at about the same. Lakes close to the same. In other words we are still about a month away from pre-spawn action. Bleh. Somewhere around there. And ps: Raul, remind me to send you hate mail! What do I do in the mean time? Read about bass fishing, write about bass fishing, visit bass fishing forums, repeatedly look at my lures and plastics in my tackle box constantly reorganizing, watch bass pros/bill dance/and other bass fishing shows, and dream about the first lipping of the season... pre spawn can't come fast enough. Most importantly welcome to the forums esr1. You've found a great place where you can learn no matter what kind of fisherman you are. The people are great, and you'll probably make some fishing buddies in your region. Good stuff!

Thanks for the info Wayne. We were gonna try there but it was our first time and we didn't know how other boaters would react to us fishing so much around the boat launch area there. We may try next to the pier next time. How far can you walk around the lake there? If I remember right the banks seem higher and it seems as if there is a lot more brush there to manuever through. Is the d**n any good as far as fishing? Is there any decent access to it? Like I said I'll be willing to try it agin this year but I'm gonna be watching the weather alot before I make the trip.

My wife, Dad and a few friends took me as a surprise birthday present last year. Woke me up told me to get me gear that we were headed to Mattawoman (an area I love to fish). Once we started goin' south I knew they had other plans and got real excited expecting either Briery (had been wanting to go all year), or SML. About a two and a half hour drive from our town here in Nova (Briery). Anyway, tough day fishing. Breezy, low water, sun dipping in and out all day. Muddy shorelines made it kinda hard for bank fishing in some areas between the pond by the gate and the end of the lake. I threw mostly spinnerbaits, senkos, jigs and shallow cranks all day. For spinnerbaits I was casting to the shadier side of any trees in the water I could reach. Senkos I would toss around brush cover and laydown areas. Jigs I tossed to the trees and let fall down any branches/limbs I could get out to. The cranks I just used as a search bait. I only caught one all day between a small grouping of trees by tossing a Mann's crankbait Minus One and burning it back (keep in mind this was early October and the water was fairly clear). Afterward I tried following up the area with a jig (after tossing the crankbait for a while unsuccesfully. Unfortunately I couldn't put together a pattern. Neither could anyone else. The day was mostly a bust, my wife managed the only other largemouth coming in a 1lb 15 oz on a live minnow. I was kinda mad cause she fell asleep on the dock, had her minnow out and her rod almost went into the water. I grabbed her, woke her up and she landed it. Lol. So it was fun, but it was a tough day. Hopefully you will do better. It looks like prime jig fishing out there but the bite was tough when I was throwing em'. Be creative. If you like using live bait, some of the best stuff to use here from what I hear is live minnows at the shop up the road from the lake. The bass suppossedly love em'. Good luck and let us know how you do. I may try it again later this year if I can get a canoe down there. Have a few buddies that own one. If not I may bank fish if I can get a few people to ride down with me. Long drive.

Yea, that would be cool to see an underdog win twice in a row, but... yup, doubt it. I liked his article in Bassin' magazine last fall about how he fished the classic last year. Some interesting views on why the way he fished the grass and the certain areas he fished. He swung for the fences the entire tourney and took risks. I like that attitude, dare to be brave and such. Be nice to see him at least finish well. I'm with Sam though. While I have my favorites, as long as it's a good tourney that's all that matters. My dad is hopefully tivoing all three days for me so that way I can get it on dvd. Plan on watching it with him Saturday and Sunday at his place. Maybe even getting in some fishing Sunday afternoon as well.

2008 Bassmaster Classic Contenders 1. Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C. 2. Todd Auten, Lake Wylie, S.C. 3. Mike Baskett, Salem, Oreg. 4. Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla. 5. Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark. 6. Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kansas 7. Jeff Coble, Beaufort, N.C. 8. John Crews, Salem, Va. 9. Boyd Duckett, Demopolis, Ala. 10. Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla. 11. Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas 12. Jeff Freeman, Max Meadows, Va. 13. Jay Fuller, Kingston, Okla. 14. Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La. 15. Brent Haimes, Mazeppa, Minn. 16. Charlie Hartley, Grove City, Ohio 17. Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala. 18. Mike Iaconelli, Runnemede, N.J. 19. Alton Jones, Waco, Texas 20. Kelly Jordon, Mineola, Texas 21. Steve Kennedy, Auburn, Ala. 22. Kotaro Kiriyama, Moody, Ala. 23. Gary Klein, Weathford, Texas 24. Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla. 25. Jamie Laiche, Gonzales, La. 26. Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla. 27. Chris Lane, Winter Haven, Fla. 28. Jared Lintner, Arroyo Grande, Calif. 29. Chris Loftus, Bloomfield, N.Y. 30. Aaron Martens, Leeds, Ala. 31. Mike McClelland, Bella Vista, Ark. 32. Ish Monroe, Hughson, Calif. 33. John Murray, Phoenix, Ariz. 34. Takahiro Omori, Emory, Texas 35. Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss. 36. Clark Reehm, Russellville, Ark. 37. Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif. 38. Derek Remitz, Madison, Ala. 39. Scott Rook, Little Rock, Ark. 40. Fred Roumbanis, Auburn, Calif. 41. Terry Scroggins, Palatka, Fla. 42. Kevin Short, Mayflower, Ark. 43. Matthew Sphar, Pavilion, N.Y. 44. Gerald Swindle, Hayden, Ala. 45. Peter Thliveros, Jacksonville, Fla. 46. Richard Watson, Plattekloof, S. Africa 47. Kevin Wirth, Crestwood, Ky. 48. Dave Wolak, Wake Forrest, N.C. 49. Mike Wurm, Hot Springs, Ark. 50. Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich. I'm goin for Mike Iaconelli and/or Takahiro Omori (my two fav bass fishermen). Behind them I'll either be rootin' for Aaron Martens (who is due for a classic championship, although not as much as Gary Klein) or my home town boy John Crews out of Salem, Va. Don't know much about the lake, so I'm not sure of the fav's but I hear the practices are mighty interesting with some cold fronts coming through. Like to hear ya'lls predicitions.

Wish I coulda got out today, hit 71 here in Annandale (at my work) during lunch time. Too bad tommorrow's high is only gonna be 48 here. Still gonna get in some fishing though just to practice those cold water techniques and work a lure around, never know what you might be able to coax during times like these... probably nothing, but it's the principle lol. Anyway, yea what a great day outside today, too bad i was stuck indoors. I almost broke a sweat walking into work... guess I need to get back on those banks and start walking more like last year.

Hey guys, don't forget to post that first fish. Had a Indian Summer day today with temps hitting 69 here in Northern Va. Too bad the wifey had me cleanin' the apartment since I was out all weekend, by the time I finised I had to get ready for night shift at work. Wish I woulda had this weather yesterday out at Burke. Kinda windy, but I've never been afraid of castin' into some wind with some weight. Especially now since it's prime time for plastics and jigs. Anyway tommorrow high is 48, temps will stay in the 50's and 40's all night. Guess that means I'm fishin' before work tommorrow. I'll be headed on up to Lake Ridge from about 8 until 11:30 or so if anyone is interested in tagging along. Plan on fishing the deep holes around the boat ramp areas to the left of the floating dock. Might even make my way around the shoreline to the left depending on the mud situation. Suppossed to rain a bit today so we will see if it dries up.