So I definitely started the year right yesterday.  Fourth time out.  Decided I was gonna swing for the fences and not go for the smaller fish today.  Water temps at the local ponds now hitting 50 degrees on the mark over the last two days.  Caught a personal best 5lb 14oz on an okechobee Greg Hackney jig with a matching Rage Tail Craw trailer, then an hour later landed a 5lber even.  Both on the Rapala digi.  First pics of the pb were on cell because I forgot I had my cam in the car.  Second ones were with my cam, luckily my dad showed up to fish with me so he was able to take em'.  What a day, gotta get back out here for the spawn!

Trying to figure out pic sizes, brb.

did u catch these around woodbridge ?

In that vicinity. Kind of overlooked.  I had never actually fished it prior to yesterday. Bet I'll be out there again though.

I think most ponds in woodbridge/dale city get overlooked. I never see anyone talk about fishing from shore out here. With leesylvania 3 miles from my house , it's hard to pass it up on any given day spring-fall. I think most ppl here in dale city go straight to the potomac and rightfully so.

Most of the ponds/lakes I fish are actually damed up areas of local creeks or drainage ponds that lead in (off larger creeks).

Over the last year I've managed to find a lot more "big fish" ponds and such, just struggled catching em'.  Now that I got jigging down real well though and have broke or tied my pb 4 times since last summer with that bait I think I'm on my way to getting off the dink boat.

Nice J! Those pix came out looking antique!

How were you workin the jig? swimming, draggin, hopping?

Andrew it's weird.  Alot of the time I catch big fish with jigs it's not really so on the fall.  It's either on a shake after I have hopped it pretty good or during a long swift pull of the bait.

This day basically they wanted it to make a long slow hop (so I sweeped my rod upwards slowly and let it fall), then I would shake it and fish on.  I think a lot of it had to do with the presentation though because both catches were on flips to specific structure, ledges, points, etc.  While they didn't hit on the fall of those flips I think since the entrances were quiet and what not they weren't spooked so they hit once they saw it shaking or moving.

I really wish Paul Naj got on here more.  I need to thank him so much for teaching me that technique last year as a lot of my catches over the last 6 to 7 months have been a result of good flips.  It has become one of my favorite techniques.  And the bait I was so intimidated by the first couple of seasons fishing has become my go to FAVORITE big bass bait.

Of course I think the Rage Craw trailers may have a bit to do with it too.  For anyone who hasn't seen the action of those appendages on a jig... just go throw it in some clear water and watch.  Then you will know why they hit it.

Wow, nice fish Jason! I shoulda come out with you!

Kev, when you're good to hook up let me know.  I'll take you out there.

I'll just have to add this spot to the COT.