Put in at Dutch Gap last night around 6 and fished near the Varina Enon Bridge until about 8 this morning. One 40 lb blue cat and one 20 lb blue cat.

Around 6:30 or in the AM we started getting passed by crazy numbers of bass boats. I've always wanted to try bass fishing the area and after seeing that I know its time.

Anyone got any pointers? Should I stick to the original bends in the river since they seem to be loaded with structure? With the high gizzard/mud shad population, are shad colors popular? And how do you work the tide?

The Historic James River - Lower River

1.  Very dangerous due to commercial boat and barge traffic so be careful and always wear your PFD.

2.  Mud flats move and what was good water today is a mud flat tomorrow so be careful going in and out of the creeks and cutting the corners.

3.  Get GMCO map of the James River and study it.

4.  Many places to fish the James and Appomattox Rivers. If you can travel long distances in your boat you can make it to the Chick, too.

5.  Always check water temperature. In the barge pit the water gets hot and drives the bass out.

6. Fish the pilings; all wood; creeks; and any grass you can find.  In the Appomattox Comstock area fish the docks and piers.

7.  Flip & Pitch to the shore line, wood, docks, piers and grass with plastics.

8.  Throw spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

9.  Throw crankbaits.

10. Throw buzzbaits.

Your assignment is to find where the fish are and what they will hit.  Fish the main river banks; creek mouths; in the creeks; and by any bridges and wood you can find.

Have fun and let us know what you catch. 

Kirby, working the tide is an art.

Visit Wood Dave's web site and see if he has any information on tides, http://www.woodaves.com/

You want an outgoing tide.

Check the tides before you go out.

http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/virginiasites.html

You need to read articles and purchase the Woo Daves DVD on tidal rivers, River Fishing Techniques: Tidal Rivers.

Also, check out You Tube for Woo Daves and visit all of his videos. 

Put in at Dutch Gap last night around 6 and fished near the Varina Enon Bridge until about 8 this morning. One 40 lb blue cat and one 20 lb blue cat.

Around 6:30 or in the AM we started getting passed by crazy numbers of bass boats. I've always wanted to try bass fishing the area and after seeing that I know its time.

Anyone got any pointers? Should I stick to the original bends in the river since they seem to be loaded with structure? With the high gizzard/mud shad population, are shad colors popular? And how do you work the tide?

shakey head!