Hey guys Im fishing a National High School Open on the Potomac River June 20th and was wondering if you could give me any insight on how to catch fish up there. Im from SC. I do not have a rod that I could flip or punch with. So I would like suggestions on that as well keep it around $120.

 

Thanks.

Looking forward to this topic taking off.  I have a LOT of interest in fishing tidal Potomac, as well.  I have bookmarked NationalBass.com and read the reports.  They also had some very detailed guides for some areas, but I don't see them now....I may have overlooked them, or they may have been moved.  Anyway, my Potomac experience has been limited to shore in the past, but now I plan to get my new kayak out there and tear them up.

It looks online like you will be launching out of Smallwood State Park. That is right on Mattawoman Creek (one of the best tributaries of the Tidal Potomac River for largemouth bass fishing). June is a great month to fish there. The spatterdock is fully developed and the hydrilla has not completely weed choked the area like it can get in August (late summer is when flipping and punching come more heavily into play).

 

Lots of techniques work for largemouth there (spinnerbaits, crankbaits, top water frogs). Learning to play the tides is a big part of having a good day out there.

 

One of my favorite ways to fish there that time of year is this presentation below (Culprit Fat Max 7" on a 1/8th or 1/4 ounce Confidence Baits Draggin Head). I can work this right through the pads without getting bogged down by the weeds. Post up again closer to tourney time and I can give you a better idea on current conditions (I am on that water frequently).

 

Top water frogs are killer on the 'mac!!

 

Thanks Guys.  Im really looking forward to this

What are some good colors for around there. I heard white spinnerbaits do well but I am not sure what else.

That time of year is probably the best time to fish the river, at least IMO.  I actually have a tournament there on the same day, different ramp though.  It's a crowded fishery, so don't expect to have anything to yourself.  

 

Pay attention to the tide.  The tide for that day is not the best, but it's decent.  You don't have to go crazy with it since you're new to the river..But remember the basics.  Generally speaking, the fish will follow the tide up as it rises and out as it falls.  For a very general example, as the tide begins to fall, the bait and fish will start retreating from shallow grassy/woody areas so you can try to intercept them on the outside grass edge or first drop off of about of foot or so.  The fishing is usually best for about an hour on either side of a tide change.  That means you want to be fishing (preferably on a good spot) during that time.  If you are running up/down the river, eating lunch, or otherwise not fishing during that time you're really hurting yourself.  

 

It's a huge place, so picking out spots can be challenging at times.  Generally speaking, it's pretty basic.  You want grass/wood/rock, and combinations of these are usually better...But the predominant thing is grass fishing.  A typical day could be spending a good chunk of time fishing in grass, then hitting specific hard cover targets at various points during the day.  The overwhelming majority of bass are caught from less than 5 feet of water, so don't go looking for 'deep' stuff.

 

All your standard shallow water and grass baits will play.  Texas rigs, jigs (swimjigs especially), spinnerbait, chatterbait, shallow cranks, buzzbaits, frogs, senkos, etc... The best for a given day is highly variable so just be ready for all of it and go with your gut.  

 

I'm not one to give out really specific stuff outside of my club, but hopefully this can point you in the right direction. It's a fun place, hope you enjoy it!  If you see a red/black Stratos Extreme with an ETEC that day, that's me...Stop and say hi  .  

Thanks bud, lets me know what to look for. Hopefully I can find some fish

Hate to say this but we cancelled our trip to the potomac. It was just gonna be a little to expensive for us. Thanks for all the help though. We are now fishing the South Carolina state championship on Lake Marion May 3rd