S3NKO

Good times on the Quan! That first one was a nice sized fish! Look forwared to a repeat today and the river tomorrow! Chris

When you buy the Regional Launch Pass Fountainhead/Pohick Bay/Occoquan launch pass you get the option of a bull run launch key, extra 10 bucks. This key allows you to open the gate for Bull Run marina and launch access. While I've never launched there at night, I've seen several people multiple times launch at 7 or 8 pm, and I know they are not leaving by dark. Could be an option for you. I know it closes at dark, but the Quan is mainly privately owned shoreline, and I know dock owners are going out at night. I don't see why Bull Run launchers aren't staying out into the night. Probably not allowed, but I think it happens. Burke Lake - If your in the area and want to fish from shore/kayak better to spend your time at Lake Mercer. Smaller, but full of cover. Aside from the main access point there are several neigborhood parking spots. Wear Tivas and walk the shorline in the water/or put a kayak in from the neigborhood. I used to fish here everyday prior to getting a boat. Used to fish/drink here at night when I was younger. Off the beaten path, so cops are limited and exit points are plenty.

Socc, I don't remember giving permission for you to post pics of my fat ***! I didn't sign a waiver when I stepped on the boat. Nice fish VABasser! Spliffin out there in those low profile spots!

Hows the Muskie bite at Gravelly? Does that sucker plane? Just kidding, 14ft 9.9 myself. 4-Stroke so the gas mileage is great! Buddy of mine packs the big gun. Anyways I wouldn't launch without an outboard, too much current.

Why are people so afraid of change? Talk about a monopoly on guides. If it isn't fuji it sucks...? BS. If it means they save me some money with non-mainstream guides, cool (As long as they last and perform). Time will tell. I fished my first carrot today and was happy with it's performance. My one concern on the guides is that they are indeed metal and metal can nick. The way I beat the hell out of my rods I hope I don't nick the end guide and end up cutting my line when something important is pulling my line. It is everyone's own decision to decide what rod to use. I just hope most are not ignorant and atleast try something new from time to time. Cast a friends for an hour or two. I also tested a new Mojo today and found the lack of sensativity quite frustrating. Both of these rods tested today were expiriments. Just because I endorse the carrot's performance today doesn't mean I'm running out and replacing all my rods. V/r, Chris

Soccplayer07, Did you mean trees with green foliage that have recently fallen into the body of water? If so, then surely this can be considered structure. Don't be discourage, if you get your line wet your a fisherman. Lately I've been a big fan of underwater rock shelves. Chris Confine yourself to a fox hole JA.

Bass_Catcher, What type of lake/river body do you fish? Please describe it as accurately as possible. Chris

welcome to the forum. I'm new here, so no offense to anyone. I'm a heavy web forum user by profession. This site uses too many forum topics. When I select General Bass Fishing the board topics should be at the top, depending on screen size you have to scroll down almost an entire page to get to the general posting area. The "Important Topics" should be at the original forums page. Why scare off new users with having to learn how to get to the posting areas? The outage earlier seems to have solved our speed problems, the site is ripping now. Chris

I always pinch my barbs down with pliers. If I gut hook a fish I follow these steps. 1. Cut your line leaving about 24 inches. 2. Feed the line back into the mouth and out one of the gills. 3. Pull the line out the gill turning the hook around so the point is facing down into the stomach. 4. Reach into the mouth with pliers and pull out the hook while keeping pressure on the line through the gills. The hook always comes out. I know some fear losing a monster, but I never keep fish and don't care about losing them. Hook with Barb: Should you be able to pull out enough of the stomach to see the hook and barb, you can pinch the barb down with pliers and then follow the same procedure. If your fishing with friends an extra hand is always helpfull. Chris

Those things tick me off picking at everything. After consistent harassment I'm a mean foul hooking punk. I upgrade to a 5.0 hook for good measure. Chris

My new Lunker Hunter! I bought it after three trips to Dick's, it was calling my name. Makes me feel drunk having it posted next to my avitar. Chris

Sounds good to me!