Looks like I will be in the williamsport area. I figured i would just wade and fish for smallmouth. I have sometime to do some reading. 

So one of my projects this year is "Big Baits in Small Ponds" and this afternoon I caught the inaugural bass.

 

Not a monster, but it was nice to get one.  It hit a Gantrel Jr as it passed by some emergent pads.  The park was jammed with people and a swarm of kids rushed me as soon as I hooked up.  The kids were very impressed with my bass, with one exclaiming "my daddy never catches fish that big!".  

 

I am using a MB Hyuga 72H and I am really pleased with how it is working.  The hooks on the Jr are not super heavy or big and the rod loaded surprisingly deeply, so I think it is going to be great for any treble hook lure it can load.  

 I still need to see how it deals with jig-hook swimbaits, but I am very hopeful.

 

I also helped a couple who lost control of their stroller, which launched into the pond and settled like 5' off the bank.  55lb braid to a 25lb mono leader did the job and I was able to drag it to shore with ease.  

31 minutes ago, fishwizzard said:

I also helped a couple who lost control of their stroller, which launched into the pond and settled like 5' off the bank.  55lb braid to a 25lb mono leader did the job and I was able to drag it to shore with ease.  

PB Stroller 25lber?

 

I managed to get out to Whetstone for an hour before kid's soccer game, caught 2 real quick in the same general area. One short, but heavy LMB, guessing a female with eggs, and the other a small dink...lost a jackhammer chatterbait though, so that's a fail.

On 4/14/2018 at 7:47 PM, fishwizzard said:

So one of my projects this year is "Big Baits in Small Ponds" and this afternoon I caught the inaugural bass.

 

Not a monster, but it was nice to get one.  It hit a Gantrel Jr as it passed by some emergent pads.  The park was jammed with people and a swarm of kids rushed me as soon as I hooked up.  The kids were very impressed with my bass, with one exclaiming "my daddy never catches fish that big!".  

 

I am using a MB Hyuga 72H and I am really pleased with how it is working.  The hooks on the Jr are not super heavy or big and the rod loaded surprisingly deeply, so I think it is going to be great for any treble hook lure it can load.  

 I still need to see how it deals with jig-hook swimbaits, but I am very hopeful.

 

I also helped a couple who lost control of their stroller, which launched into the pond and settled like 5' off the bank.  55lb braid to a 25lb mono leader did the job and I was able to drag it to shore with ease.  

Nice! I stuck a few on the gantarel a season or two ago, really need to get back to it.  A fun bait.  

Finally got my first LM of 2018 after 2 skunk outings.  Took my yak out on Lake Elkhorn as that is my 'go to' lake when i dont know what to do to catch em, lol.  Nothing big, but caught about 8-10 little bass who went after my inline spinner.  This was the first one.

Nice!

 

How is Elkhorn?  I have not yet gotten my permit, but keep meaning too, Elkhorn is the only one of the three I have any interest in.  

24 minutes ago, fishwizzard said:

Nice!

 

How is Elkhorn?  I have not yet gotten my permit, but keep meaning too, Elkhorn is the only one of the three I have any interest in.  

I kinda learned on Elkhorn a few years ago, so I go there when I need a confidence boost even though it still stumps me now and then.  Seems to go in cycles.  One year I used topwater from April until October, last year topwater was a bit harder and did better with spinnerbaits and hard swimbaits. 

Won't lie, havent gotten a permit yet either.  Never had an issue and I always try to leave it better than I found it, steer clear of interfering with people walking around the lake or shore fisherman and have had no issues.  Also found it odd that there is no signage about getting a permit at the Lake...and I know people who live there who dont have pemits - lol.

On ‎4‎/‎13‎/‎2018 at 7:48 AM, Lendiesel22 said:

Pat, where are you going camping? I am taking my daughter up that way to Yogi Bear in June and don't know anything about that area. I will be fishing though so any info would help. 

When it gets closer contact me and I will let you know about the different places. I have fished this section of the Potomac for like 35 years. Definitely bring some flukes, a white buzzbait, and some GP tubes or creature baits. Don't be surprised if you hook into a 20lb Tiger Muskie as they are all over the river.

 

Allen

55 minutes ago, JeepFisher said:

I kinda learned on Elkhorn a few years ago, so I go there when I need a confidence boost even though it still stumps me now and then.  Seems to go in cycles.  One year I used topwater from April until October, last year topwater was a bit harder and did better with spinnerbaits and hard swimbaits. 

Won't lie, havent gotten a permit yet either.  Never had an issue and I always try to leave it better than I found it, steer clear of interfering with people walking around the lake or shore fisherman and have had no issues.  Also found it odd that there is no signage about getting a permit at the Lake...and I know people who live there who dont have pemits - lol.

Permits are free, yet I know many that don't attain one.  I think that the Columbia Association would only slap the hand the wrist if you play dumb.

 

1 hour ago, Munkin said:

When it gets closer contact me and I will let you know about the different places. I have fished this section of the Potomac for like 35 years. Definitely bring some flukes, a white buzzbait, and some GP tubes or creature baits. Don't be surprised if you hook into a 20lb Tiger Muskie as they are all over the river.

 

Allen

Very cool man thanks. I will take you up on that. Much appreciated. 

17 minutes ago, Lendiesel22 said:

Very cool man thanks. I will take you up on that. Much appreciated. 

If you have a boat you can fish both Big Slackwater and Four Locks as they are deep sections of the river.

 

Allen

50 minutes ago, fishangdood said:

Permits are free, yet I know many that don't attain one.  I think that the Columbia Association would only slap the hand the wrist if you play dumb.

 

Don't know how they would know if anyone is playing dumb or not since there are no signs posted.  Would also hope they target other issues like people leaving trash, kids/adults defacing property, and the old man who chooses to urinate into the water near the playground every morning at 6:50.

11 hours ago, Munkin said:

If you have a boat you can fish both Big Slackwater and Four Locks as they are deep sections of the river.

 

Allen

I do but it may stay home. This could be a grass roots approach. On foot early AM bite and some evening stuff with my daughter. 

Bfl this Saturday on the Potomac is still looking for cos! Hurry up and register.

12 hours ago, ptomacbass said:

Bfl this Saturday on the Potomac is still looking for cos! Hurry up and register.

What's a BFL?  

....

BFL is a tournament that anyone can enter. As a co angler, you will get paired with someone in a bass boat. You will get to fish one of the best fisheries in the country for 8 hours with a shot at some pretty good prize money.

10 minutes ago, ptomacbass said:

BFL is a tournament that anyone can enter. As a co angler, you will get paired with someone in a bass boat. You will get to fish one of the best fisheries in the country for 8 hours with a shot at some pretty good prize money.

Ok, got you, so it's this one:

https://www.flwfishing.com/tournaments/2018-04-21-potomac-river

 

Too bad I am working, I have been looking for a chance to get out on the Potomac on a boat before I try it on my kayak.  

1 hour ago, ptomacbass said:

BFL is a tournament that anyone can enter. As a co angler, you will get paired with someone in a bass boat. You will get to fish one of the best fisheries in the country for 8 hours with a shot at some pretty good prize money.

What's expected of the co-angler typically? Gas money and launch fee? I bought a used 14' bass boat and want to learn the Potomac, and figure co-angling is probably the best way...as I have no idea since I've only fished from the shore along Ft. Washington and the Tidal Basin.

57 minutes ago, Junger said:

 the Tidal Basin.

How is the fishing in there?  I see guys bait fishing for carp and catfish sometimes but have never noticed anyone going for bass.  I have always wanted to jump on the metro with a travel rod and try fishing around there and the monuments but have never gotten around to doing it.  I have a friend who is a member of some canoe club in GTown where I could launch my yak, but same deal, never motivated to do it.   

8 minutes ago, fishwizzard said:

How is the fishing in there?  I see guys bait fishing for carp and catfish sometimes but have never noticed anyone going for bass.  I have always wanted to jump on the metro with a travel rod and try fishing around there and the monuments but have never gotten around to doing it.  I have a friend who is a member of some canoe club in GTown where I could launch my yak, but same deal, never motivated to do it.   

It can be good when the tide is moving, spinner baits along the edge wall, crankbaits around the inflow/outflows. I've caught decent smallies, LMB, dink stripers, seen some SH in the summer coming up for air too.

 

You should do it before it gets really hot and schools get out for the summer, then it gets crazy busy. It's really picturesque and there are some nice pubs you can walk to afterwards. I take my dad on that excursion and the beer and food we share afterwards is always the best part. 

Huh, I had no idea.  I will have to give it a go in April.  I know you can rent boats at a few spots down there, if I did that I could drive in and bring more then my travel rod with me.  

3 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

Ok, got you, so it's this one:

https://www.flwfishing.com/tournaments/2018-04-21-potomac-river

 

Too bad I am working, I have been looking for a chance to get out on the Potomac on a boat before I try it on my kayak.  

I believe they rescheduled the one from the 7th to this Sunday.  So back to back.  I'm fishing the 1st day as a co but can't do the second.  I know s guy who's looking to link with a co-angler for Sunday.  If you're available and interested I can put you guys in contact.

1 hour ago, Junger said:

What's expected of the co-angler typically? Gas money and launch fee? I bought a used 14' bass boat and want to learn the Potomac, and figure co-angling is probably the best way...as I have no idea since I've only fished from the shore along Ft. Washington and the Tidal Basin.

Gas money and launch fee typically. I can't remember if smallwood state park requires a launch fee.  Most boaters won't ask for more than $20 or $30 for gas.  You'd also have pay for an FLW membership which is $50.  It's a great way to learn the river.  I did it last year for that very reason and finished 3rd.  I'll be there this saturday. 

Don't take a kayak or 14 foot boat on the river until late May or June and even then stay off the main river. Two guys died the other day trying to cross in a 15 foot boat.

1 hour ago, fishwizzard said:

Huh, I had no idea.  I will have to give it a go in April.  I know you can rent boats at a few spots down there, if I did that I could drive in and bring more then my travel rod with me.  

Let me know if you want to go April 29th, maybe get there around 7AM, fish until 11, then grab a sandwich and beer! I can hit my neighborhood pond and get some blue gills to live line too.

 

1 hour ago, ptomacbass said:

Don't take a kayak or 14 foot boat on the river until late May or June and even then stay off the main river. Two guys died the other day trying to cross in a 15 foot boat.

Good to know, I definitely plan to steer away from the main river and stick to the side creeks with my 14'er.

21 hours ago, Junger said:

Let me know if you want to go April 29th, maybe get there around 7AM, fish until 11, then grab a sandwich and beer! I can hit my neighborhood pond and get some blue gills to live line too.

I would love to!  I will shoot you a PM tonight or tomorrow and we can work it out.