JCrzy4Bass

Thanks for the info on PA Cujo. I'm gonna check with them and try and find a listing so my dad and I can find the closest/best launch possible for our 17' Lowe's Fishing Boat.

Yea Dan... that's it lol. That's what I meant though, any of the areas around there beside the stuff you read about on VDGIF. Anyway... 71, always worth a laugh or two. We all need to get out to the Rap when it warms out and wade upstream from Fredericksburg. Dan you'll have to let us know how your schedule looks around mid April or so so we can plan an outing, that would be fun. Sam, don't worry about me, I always bring a buddy and I'm in good hands, my wife wouldn't have it any other way lol. She gets nervous when I go down to the Rap by myself and gives me a hard time. Lol. But yea, you guys are a trip. Sam, you and Dan need to coordinate around April a couple days were you guys could get up for the weekend. We have a guest bedroom in my apt and I don't mind puttin' you fellas up and drivin us down for a weekend of smallie action. Think it over. Talk to you guys later.

Looks like it was worth it buddy. Great catches. We will try and join you sometime. It's possible my dad and I may get down there Friday night, mayber even my wife too. Don't worry she knows how to fish and loves fishing for catfish and striper. I may just buy her some swimbaits to bring down so she has some too and let her go to town. She normally outfishes my dad and I lol. Anyway I'll let you know deeper into the week like Wednesday or Thursday depending on how she feels about it and if she has anything for me to do Saturday that's top priority. If we go down I think we plan on headed out between 12-1 and being down there for 3 or 3:30. I'll hit your cell up one night this week.

Well... the Rap. So not worth the drive lol. We tried at the Route One Bridge for about an hour with mostly jigs and worms, and finesse type presentations. Nothin', tried all the sluggish water and pools we could find there but no luck. Then we moved on down to the Fredericksburg City Docks to fish for some largemouth. Current was a bit strong, water is wicked muddy and the levels are up quite a bit. They came down this week so most of the banks were still very muddy. Egh... nothin' at the docks after beating the break walls and brush with jigs. My dad tried a trap for a bit but the current was too strong. We tried a couple more spots on on riverside dr where we normally fish, but all the pools we normally fish had current ripping through because of the high water. Everywhere was really, really muddy and stained, the water was freezing... Jigs, Finesse Worms, Grubs swimmed EXTREMELY slow, and tubes were the baits. No takers or bites anywhere. So we quit early and headed over to Burke Lake. Saw a few boats out on the water, one person on a canoe, three bass boats out in the deep water to the left of the island. They were there a while probably drop shotting or jigging as we didn't see much movement from their rods AT ALL. We fished the dock for about 30 minutes with spoons, deep diving cranks, worms w/ slip sinkers (deadsticked, fished VERY SLOW). Nothin' there. Wind sucked and it got real cold, started sprinkling later and the conditions were just retarded for fishing. So we quit and headed to Hooters for some lunch. Some good lunch lol. 2 lbs of Crab legs, Clam Chowder and Cheese Fries, washed down with a cold miller light. We decided this was the next best thing to fishing lol. Needless to say I won't be going back smallie fishing til' that water warms up at least 10 degrees pushing it close to the 50's.

Hey guys, Quick question. Next weekend is suppossed to be in the mid 50's. High to mid 40s all week this week too. My question is since this thread is now about a month old and the pre spawn is coming up here in the next month (hopefully), what are conditions like now, or what do you think they will be like next week as far as bank fishing? I know the rap was up last week, but it's only half a foot to a foot above right now. Not sure of the James at Pony Pasture. Would it be worth possibly checking out next weekend if the temps do indeed do what they are suppossed to? I know there is rain in the forecast as of now for next weekend, but it says showers. If it is showering out how rough will those waters get? Only fished the pasture once, caught three but lost about 4-5 more. Those suckers fight down there.

Hey guys, anybody know if there is much bank access to the Rappahannock up around the Remington area? Not wade wise but just bank fishing. Just trying to locate more areas along the bank other than Fredericksburg to catch smallies. Too long a hike to hit Pony Pasture on the James at the moment.

Hey fellas. My dad and I live in Northern Virginia and enjoy wade fishing for smallies on the Rap (Fredericksburg/Culpepper) and the James river (Pony Pasture). But we are looking to further our fun with bronzebacks and have heard awesome things about The Sussy. Any advice as far as put ins for a Lowe's Fishing Boat? It's a 17' two seater, can't exactly take the highest and roughest waters around but we put it at Leesylvania on the Potomac quite a bit and Lake Anna. So does anyone know of any good launch area in MD or PA that wouldn't be too far a drive (we live 20 mins south of dc)? Anything between 1-2 and a half hour drive wouldn't be terribly bad. Any help would be appreciated guys. And any advice as to whether it's tidal or non tidal at the put in, where would be the best place to start out would be or as to which way to head (down river, up river, creeks, tributaries, etc). Also when the bite should pick back up here would be helpful too, just an estimated time or something. Thanks for any info fellas.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm probably gonna head the advice of Marty and maybe buy some of that stuff you were talking bout' Sam. Looks like a trip to Dick's is in order. Yea, I'm downgrading my line to 15lb test instead of 17 too on the jigging pole. It supports up to 14 so I don't think I'll have a problem. Anyway, respooling tonight taking everyone's advice. I appreciate ya'lls info. Thanks for the help.

If your catching topwater in Va now then you can just call me Bill Dance! Lol. I freakin' wish you could get a smallie to bite anything in this cold northern va weather. I'm trying this weekend and next weekend but that's just cause I need to get out. Will be fishing the Rappahannock. I know rule of thumb is three plus days of 50 degree weather or higher to bring the bite back, today is mid 50's tommorrow high 30s, Sunday high 40's.... egh. Next week will be better though, high 40's all week, then two days of 50 plus weather on the weekend. Hopefully I can hook up with a few or manage some bites out there.

Thanks Tony, I'm gonna try respooling and see what happens. I think your right about the way I spooled it. The line size is fine because I always make sure I use what's compatible for the reel I'm currently using. I think when I spooled the line came off in different directions because I just had it sitting on the ground and not holding it down by the spool, only putting tension on as it looped onto the reel. I will keep more of an eye on the spool this time and make sure it all comes off in the same direction. Thanks a lot dude.

Hey guys, Been around for about a year here never had too many problems with fishing line. I use Berkley Xtra Tough/or Maxx for my jigs and plastics at the moment and I use Berkley Trilene Smooth Casting for my cranks and topwater plugs. Recently (about 2 weeks ago) I spooled up my Shimano Reels (Sonora 4000 model for my jig and plastic pole, Symetre 2500 Model for my cranks) and went out to cast em'. At first my jig pole was working out fine, but after the second trip out I realized when I cast (using mostly Jig X Jigs) that loops form in my line if I'm fishing shallow water (doesn't normally happen in deep water situations from the boat). My crankbait rod and reel has constant loops when I use any top water plugs or any light weight cranks. I've mainly been fishing ponds. I don't want to turn this into a heated debate on how much trilene or xtra tough may or may not suck. I just want to know what normally contributes to this factor that seems to be happening with my line. My jig pole isn't nearly as bad as my cranking rod and reel. Any suggestions or ideas of why this happens? My crankbait reel is starting to bird's nest with the top waters it's getting so bad. Almost every other cast. And I watch it reel as I'm bringing it in (normally with my spook plugs) and it doesn't look like it's winding tight at all. Very loose as a matter of fact. Any help would be appreciated guys. I've been leaving my poles in my car but I do that all the time. Temps do drop below freezing at night, shouldn't really effect anything right? The ponds I fish are between 30-40 degrees depending on the day currently. Sometimes half frozen.

I'll send you guys some info if we catch anything or get any bites. Normally preferred that you have three days of temps above at least 50 in late february for any bite to take place. Today will be, but tommorrow is low 40's and Sunday is mid to high 40's. So not exactly ideal conditions yet. My dad and I are gonna try to locate some pools adjacent to main sluggish currents with large breaks and see if we can find any fish nested away in there. Will be fun either way but hopefully we can manage to grab a few. We shall see. Good luck with them Stripers.

Definately dude. You got my contact info. Thanks for the map man, I'll take a look. And again thanks for your ever so awesome smallie advice. Don''t know what I'd do without ya kid. Take care and hopefully that smallie pre-spawn is just around the corner. Let's pray for a nice warming trend of 50 degree plus weather in the upcoming weeks eh?

Hey Dan, got my trout pass already but thanks for the heads up. We have actually changed our minds yet again, lol. We are gonna head out to the phelps wild life management area on the rap and fish the pond they have there, then head over to Kelly's Ford for some bank fishing for smallmouth. My dad's friend from work catches pig smallies up there all the time between 2-4lbs. Anyway my dad's taking us out there. We just decided we'd rather have a better shot at smallies than trout. Normally I fish the section of the rap in fredericksburg (river rd) down to the route one bridge or up to the rappahannock river campground. Normally we wade but I don't have a pair of waders (usually use shorts) so we will just bank fish this time. Never fished up by Kelly's Ford. I remember the info you gave me on the other spot last year and never got to doing that but plan on it sometime around the spawn after I buy a pair of waders. I'll let you know how we do this weekend here though.

Hey guys, I'm headed out to Lake Thompson with my dad this Sunday for some early season smallmouth fishing. Looks like the d**n here holds the deepest waters but also some predatory fish (pickerel and such). It's only 10 acres, shore access all the way around from what I read (they cleared the shoreline to make it accessible a ways back). Anyway I was curious if anyone knew what they bit here. I'm assuming vertical will be best right now, the usual tubes on 1/8-1/4 ounce tube jig heads in multiple colors (I hear its pretty clear so maybe pumpkin/watermelon?) also I was planning on tossing some hair jigs rigged with my vertical x trailers I typically jig with. Maybe throw some suspending jerkbaits along with it or some original rapalas. I also have some jigging spoons my dad got me from bass pro I hoped to get some use out of. Just curious as to if you guys thought I had a decent plan put together. I know there are better spots for smallmouth but my dad and I haven't been here and it looks like fun and we could probably cover the whole lake a few times plus in one outing since it's only a half mile around. We are going to the rap next weekend to hit some more of our fav spots for smallies. Smallie filled next couple of weeks. Woo hoo. Hope to put an end to this dry spell here hopefully soon. Haven't caught a bass since December 3 of last year. Getting antsy. Anyone else wanna tag along let me know by email: jcrzy4smlmth@gmail.com I'll check it each day til' we leave. You could meet us there as well. Later guys. P:s: There have been reports of some 5+ lb smallies coming out of this lake... don't know how much truth is behind it but should be fun none the less. Not much is known about the population since the last sampling was so long ago and the people that conducted it said that they were sure the smallies had moved to different areas in deeper water that they didn't cover.

Sorry I couldn't make it out guys. Wife wanted me home spending quality time with her and taking care of stuff around the house. Anyway, Andrew: You can fish to the left or the right of the ramp. Generally since NO ONE is launching right now no one will give you a hard time fishing from the dock there by the ramp. However this is generally not a good spot. During the summer and spring fishing under the dock there or fishing from the bank and casting into the grass around the shoreline (by the trees to the left of the ramo) can be pretty productive. If you wanna walk up to the right of the boat ramp a ways there is actually a path that leads into the woods along the shoreline. IF you cut through there there are steep drop offs that can hold fish. Some timber lays around there too which makes it even better. Good vertical spot. Or you can park in the next lot down and cast out from the floating dock. This spot is normally a good spot, my dad caught 10 in just a little over an hour there last year. There is overhanging trees, drop offs, the channel, and fallen timber there. Just depends on how crowded it is. Occoquan is normally a really good spot come spring and much throughout the year. Good for a fish or two almost every time out. Best to catch it when the tide is in much like any of our local rivers.

Hey Sam... I don't think I'm who you think I am lol. I've never been to Smith Mountain. I normally fish the Occoquan River, Mattawoman Creek, Main Potomac River, and Lake Anna by boat. Bank fishing you normally get my reports on Burke Lake, Lake Mercer, Huntsman Lake, and the Occoquan Reservoir (Lake Ridge, Fountainhead). I wouldn't know the first thing about Smith Mountain Lake. But I can provide generic input??? Lol.

Yup corn is the way to go. Unless you got the stuff to make some hair rigs. But all the bait they carry around here doesn't work well as far as making bollies. I prefer drop shot or a very light slip sinker (1/16, 1/8 ounce), or even a split shot rig rigged up with corn. 2-3 pieces on a smaller hook, sometimes I just have the pole at 70-80 degrees, bail open and wait for the run, then close the bail and hold on lol. If anyone in interested I'll be there most of the day, weather permitting.

Lost a couple senkos, a casting spoon and a jig over there this morning. Had a solid bite on my casting spoon but set the hook to early and the fish came off as I pulled it away. This kind of water temps you only get one shot too. d**n. Don't know if it was a bass or a striper but that thing hit like it was summer time and I was using a weightless senko. Two solid tugs and the pole was bending back and forth for a few seconds. Anyway, I may try walking across the footbridge on Sunday and walking over to the rocks on the other side. Maybe fish some deep pockets or pools outside of the current. Water is still pretty cold though... It may snow Saturday and Sunday from what my dad said so we will play it by ear for now. But so far, I'm game.

Any you guys wanna do some carp fishing on Monday? I'm off work and have decided I'm just gonna bring my jigging pole (MH) and fish a drop shot w/ corn for some of the carp at Fountainhead. Saw a dude pull up a 15+ pounder last year there. Only caught one last year at Belvoir (bought 8lbs), but I heard they are easier to catch this time of year so I'm gonna give it a shot. Heck of a fight these guys. Anyone down?

Welcome to the boards man. Always good to have another Nova guy in the mix. I wasn't able to make it as I was running errands ALL day. Will probably be there next year.

Is anyone aware of what water temperatures are best for catching carp? In otherwords does the bite slow down during cold water periods much like a bass? I was interested in hitting up my local reservoir and fishing for some using my usual drop shot method with corn. If anyone fishes for these guys can you let me know whether it is worth it here? The temperature in this reservoir is between 37-42 degrees give or take at the moment.

Just so the regulars from Northern Va know (in case you couldn't tell), my display name has changed from jcrzy4smlmth to jcrzy4bass. Safety precaution so my display is not the same as my username. Apparently some new element added to the site during the off season (which I wasn't around here for). Just thought I'd make ya'll aware. Still same email you can find on my profile. I'll be around more often now as I've picked up my poles/tackle and refuse to put them down until next December. Later folks.

Hey NOVA guys, I know your cold, I know the bite sucks and I know you'd rather be warm. But cabin fever will not have the best of me any more. I will be at the town of Occoquan fishing by the foot bridge around 7:30am. There is a path down to the rocks by the d**n area where I think may be a decent spot for this time of year if we were to catch anything. Don't think the Striper have moved up that far yet, but you never know. If anyone wants to join me and shoot the stuff or just hang out and practice on the sluggish bass I'll be there. I figure where the water comes in here might create better oxygen levels for the bass, plus with all the rock cover, if we get any sun over here Sunday maybe it will warm up the water a bit more. There is deep water access, rocky drop offs, and a break wall to the left where the moving water gets broken up a bit (so maybe it will position bait fish somewhat???). Not sure. Don't expect to catch anything, but it should still be fun. Lemme know folks. Let me know if anyone wants to tag along.

d**n dude looks like you guys cleaned up. Good job out there. Go figure looks like I may not be able to make it down this weekend just due to money and gas issues. Real tight budget at the moment. I will get down there eventually though. Sweet man. I spent my day on Lake Anna on Sunday morning 7:30am til' 2:20... no fish. Not even gonna bother typing up a report on this one. Let me know if your around this weekend. Plan on hitting up Fountainhead (the floating docks) or Occoquan Regional Park on Sunday for a few hours. If we do the floating docks I will probably bring bait for carp and practice my jig fishing and drop shotting at the mouth of the creek there. Don't know how well carp bite this time of year but can't be any worse than the largemouth bite. I just need to fish. Will start new thread...