Anyone know any good tourneys on the Potomac? Any good sites with info??? Thanks.

Do you know of any that launch out of Pohick? I have seen a lot of tourneys there over the summer.

Do you know of any that launch out of Pohick? I have seen a lot of tourneys there over the summer.

Some of the NHBA tx's do.

As someone who fished several Warbird tournaments in 2009 I have to warn you that if you don't have 20lbs you will not cash a check, same with LAPR.  It might take 25 pounds to cash a check in the early spring tournaments.  They are run very well but they are expensive and there are a lot of guys who are sponsored and competing in big money events.

For tournaments that are not loaded with guys trying to make it onto the elite series try:  www.fishonbassclub.com.  Lots of really nice guys who know how to fish but are happy to teach as well.  After every weigh-in each person says where and how they caught their fish.  I have learned more in the two years I fished as a co-angler and one year as a boater than I did anywhere else.  We also hold monthly meetings and periodic seminars, last year's seminar featured Elite Series angler John Crews and Potomac Guide Steve Chaconas.  We are open to boaters but we are in need of more co-anglers as well!

As someone who fished several Warbird tournaments in 2009 I have to warn you that if you don't have 20lbs you will not cash a check, same with LAPR. It might take 25 pounds to cash a check in the early spring tournaments. They are run very well but they are expensive and there are a lot of guys who are sponsored and competing in big money events.

For tournaments that are not loaded with guys trying to make it onto the elite series try: www.fishonbassclub.com. Lots of really nice guys who know how to fish but are happy to teach as well. After every weigh-in each person says where and how they caught their fish. I have learned more in the two years I fished as a co-angler and one year as a boater than I did anywhere else. We also hold monthly meetings and periodic seminars, last year's seminar featured Elite Series angler John Crews and Potomac Guide Steve Chaconas. We are open to boaters but we are in need of more co-anglers as well!

This man speaks the truth. I went to at least 6 or 7 seven weigh ins this summer for warbirds and LAPR and seen many a teams come in second or third place with 23+ pounds. Its common to see guys come up with five fish all over 5 pounds. The LAPR is Dave Fauntelroys tournament and he is the best in the business and a very kind person as well. His weigh ins have set the standard for all other local tounreys. Teri Olinger who owns warbirds puts on a good tourney also and alot of pros fish both these events so be warned. You got guys like Rich newton and Tank mosely to contend with, they aint playin games out there. You better know where to go and what to do or your wasting your time. Also very expensive to fish those events. The payoffs are good tho. I know a guy by the name of Justin Thompson who fishes warbirds shootouts and he made somewhere around 9-10 grand this year in winnings and his team only finished around 8th place or so, goes to show you how much cash you can win. I plan on fishing a few of them next year. My fishing partner Brent has won many a tourneys out there on the club level so we plan on tryin to cash a few checks. You gotta have money tho as it gets very expensive.

Warbirds actually lowered their entry from 200$ to 100$ per team.  This should bring the participation way up from last year.  There is a team trail out of Pohick called the 'Arnolds Trail.'  I do not think there is any website out there for it, but I have fished them and they are pretty good.  Usually around 20 boats.  Check out also Championship Teams who fish Anna, Potomac, Kerr, Chick and a new Anglers Choice.  There is a new Anglers Choice for this year called the Basseast Trail.  Then of course you have the BFLs and Bass Weekend Series trails.

The 'Arnold Trail' out of Pohick that you speak of is actually called Potomac Teams.  I believe it was started by Arnold Aspelin but is now run by Bob Pettey. 

My partner and I fished 7 of the 10 regular season LAPR tournaments this past year.  The weights caught in some of the early tournaments were simply incredible.  Dave Fauntelroy runs a first class event.  As I recall, most of Dave's tournaments averaged 50-60 teams.  25lbs for a check is definetly an exaggeration but 25lbs to win a spring tournament is not.  Most of the time 17lbs will get you a decent check since he pays the top 10-12 places.  My partner and I did have some success last season so we plan on fishing all 10 tournaments this season.  If you want more info, feel free to shoot me a PM.

-Rob

just what i was looking for...thanks man.

Rob, good to see you around the boards again.  I've been meaning to send you a PM to see how things were going and if you were getting a chance to do any fishing.  I'll get around to it.  Finals start tomorrow so things are a bit busy.  Hope everything with the baby is good.  We'll catch up soon

Andrew,

Good luck with those finals.  That's the one part of college I don't miss.  Everything is great with the baby, thanks for asking.  I haven't been out since late October.  I pretty much hibernate for the winter, but usually around this time of year I start to get the itch again.  Discussions on the forums are usually enough to scratch it until March comes around.  Hope all is well with you.  If you decide to go out over Christmas break, let me know.

-Rob      

Rob is correct on the LAPR stuff.  They are typically won in the spring with 25 lbs, but high teens will cash.  As it progresses into summer, low 20's wins with 16-17 cashing.  Rob and I did very well, finishing in the $'s 6 of 8 events including the year end classic, and were in a position to win twice.  And I ain't afraid of no Tank...

Hey VAbasser

Actually, the quote is what Iaconelli says every time he hooks a fish, no matter how big it is.  I've been known to be accused of that as well...

I've been known to be accused of that as well...

Haha...if I had a nickel for every time...

I was just browsing some old fishing links and found this one from long ago. I certainly appreciate the kind words of "Bigs" mentioning me by name. The Potomac region is loaded with some of the best and most versatile anglers in the country. Until failing health made me stop competing, it was normal to be competing against guys that are still at the top of the game at the highest levels, including Bass master Classic Champs, Forrest Wood Cup Champs....studs! Bryan Schmitt, Jacob Powroznik,  David Dudley, Mike Hicks, Tom Hicks, Woo and Chris Dave's and so many others who were just amazing, consistent anglers. It was a privelage to compete with these guys regularly  If you wanted to win, you better put in the time and bring your A game. One mistake and you were left behind. Those were some great days. I hope the Potomac gets back to where it once was. My best bag was over 27 lbs, and I quit fishing after 2 hours to keep others from finding my fish...Memories 

Good to have you here Rich!