I know guys that are running finder combos that cost more than what I purchased my entire boat, motor and trailer for!! But at the same time, I will out fish on a regular basis! 

Its always nice to have top of the line gear but knowing how and where to use it are crucial to success. I am running a humminbird 500 series unit that a friend is letting me use. It's nice, an upgrade from my matrix unit I was using prior. 

I would like a unit that has side imaging, especially for the summer as I tend to target fish in areas others cruise right past! 

If you feel the unit you have now is lacking or not giving you information you need, it might be time to upgrade!

I run a Lowrance downscan that is a few years old.... and it has been very underwhelming to be frank.  I also will have my next unit will have sidescan, cause I think that would be something that will really make a difference in my fishing.... otherwise weather sonar or downscan, you are just going to see interesting stuff down there, drop a buoy and throw to it.... not sure you need a high priced unit for that.  

I fished with an X96 Lowrance for a very long time, now having new updated equipment with down scan is a good bit different in the reading structure returns, I love the improvements over what I used to see, I took it to Lake Anna two weeks ago just to get used to the returns, brush piles, rock piles, road beds, stumps, all look completely different, still have some adjustments to make to clear up the pictures a bit but man what a difference, with all the new equipment however, I still threw a heavy jig down to clarify what I think I saw, it's always best IMO to revert to old fashioned tactics when there is any doubt or your just learning a new way of doing things. 

I would like to come down and fish with you res guys for a day, meet as many of you as I can, I have fished with Quan and Chop so far and met a couple of you briefly, I know that your boat would be open to me quan but my equilibrium has gotten worse, I would probably have to bring my boat and just run the trolling motor, first, is that plausible?, what I was thinking is just fishing the general area that we first stopped in, I feel sure that my batteries can get me that far and back again, maybe further, im not sure when because my daughter is having her babies next week, we will be busy making sure mom gets her rest for the first few days/weeks but im thinking spring, any thoughts?

They usually change the lock on the Bull Run gate each year at the beginning of March. You would be able to get to and from the splits area that we fished easily on just trolling motor with plenty of great fishing along the way. When were you thinking of trying to get back out here? 

First tournament of the year is March 20 so anytime before or after if your "grandpa" schedule permits!!

Well, March 4th is my Bday so I was thinking that weekend maybe, I normally take the day and spend it at Anna but if one of those weekends in there works for you all I will just save the funds and put it toward fishing there with you guys.

I will put that on my calender and we will keep an eye on the weather! I will tell you that if its high and muddy, it will be miserable so keep that in mind!!

Will do, it's a chance to fish and meet people and I will pack accordingly to what you tell me the conditions are but it's more so for the fun of it, I may have an open seat for someone as well but I will let you know in advance if that happens.

I'm about to pick up the Humminbird 899 side imaging unit. I plan on taking a couple days and just mapping out the entire rez, and truly learning how to use the unit to the fullest. As Jon said, I do believe it will be especially helpful for those summer months.

Anyone plan on getting out anywhere this weekend? I was thinking of doing a little pond hopping/shore fishing. Is everything frozen or is there any open water? 

Thinking about it.  Leaning towards Pohick, however.  Maybe both.  Don't think Fountainhead is open til the 1st?  As long is BRM is not hard water and not too muddy, it might be worth a shot.

I tried a little pond hopping at a few of my honey holes on wednesday, come to find they were half frozen still. Hopefully this high of 63 on sunday allows us to get out! I've got a bad case of bass fever!

Pretty sure the res is a big brown mess! Might try Burke if the main marina is unfrozen by Sunday!!

bull run is free of ice but water is just aweful muddy brown, Lakeridge ramp is not open as it still has a lot of ice in the cove! 

Good luck at Burke.

Did a bit of bank fishing all around the lake today. No dice.

I was planning to hit 4mr this Sunday AM. Anyone fish there lately?

Put me in for that early march fish day i would have a open seat if anyone would like to tag along .also looks like I'll be joining the ranks on the rez tournaments this year 

How is the res looking guys? What are your thoughts for this coming weekend? 

10 hours ago, Nitrofreak said:

How is the res looking guys? What are your thoughts for this coming weekend? 

Like the contents of a YooHoo bottle..

Looks like snow and rain Friday and a somewhat chilly weekend in store as well, I was hoping for a better forecast but it is what it is, what other dates are good for everyone, sometime later in the spring work?

Might be a little better for the following weekend

K quan, I'll keep an eye on the weather, looks like a half decent warm-up next week, I still may try and hit Anna this Friday as well. 

Be careful with the weather down there as well!!

If it's just flurries and rain that ain't too bad, if we are expecting an inch or more, I'll stay home, I have a hard enough time just balancing myself on solid ground, throw a bit of accumulating snow on the deck and watch the escapades begin LOL !!

Hey guys, my youngest's birthday is this weekend so I can't make it this weekend and since the weather didn't cooperate this past weekend, I have a question, what other timeframe works for you guys?

Got the first res tournament on the 20th, following weekend is Easter. Not that I won't be fishing but may be a problem for some. First weekend of April??