Fishing the DMV

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I'm joined by John and Jared to break down the best fall bass fishing lures, techniques, and patterns for October and November across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic! We're talking fall bass fishing on Lake Anna, Buggs Island (Kerr Lake), Lake Gaston, the Shenandoah River, and surrounding fisheries as largemouth and smallmouth bass transition into their fall feeding patterns.

What should you actually be throwing when bass start chasing baitfish into shallower water? We're diving into Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, glide baits, swimbaits, topwater lures, flat-sided crankbaits, finesse minnows, and jigs. From burning an A-rig through schools of baitfish to triggering reaction strikes with a silent jerkbait, we're sharing confidence baits, overlooked presentations, and the adjustments that can make all the difference.

We also discuss the incredible drought conditions affecting Buggs Island and other Virginia lakes, the challenging NVKBA Classic on Lake Anna, tournament fishing decisions, forward-facing sonar, and why knowing when to switch from big power-fishing presentations to smaller finesse baits can help you catch more bass this fall!

🎣 IN THIS EPISODE:

🍂 FALL BASS FISHING PATTERNS & CONDITIONS

Why October and November can produce some of the best bass fishing of the year.

How bass follow migrating baitfish and transition between deep and shallow water.

Understanding fall feeding windows, water temperatures, and baitfish concentrations.

Why finding bass during the fall transition can be more challenging than catching them.

🔥 BEST FALL BASS FISHING LURES

Alabama rigs: Smaller A-rigs, realistic swimbaits, stinger tails, and faster retrieves.

Jerkbaits: Megabass Vision 110, Berkley Stunna, silent presentations, colors, and cadence.

Glide baits: SPRO, Bucca, Berkley Chop Block, and a simple modification to improve its action.

Swimbaits and finesse minnows: Megabass MagDraft, Berkley Twitch Minnow, Keitech Easy Shiner, and more.

Topwater: Lucky Craft Gunfish, Megabass Giant Dog-X, Sammy, Z-Man Hellraiser, and Jackall Pompadour.

Crankbaits and jigs: Flat-sided crankbaits, Keitech casting jigs, and smaller crawfish presentations.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

Support the show

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by Hunter Smith and Len Bell of Fishing Pro Tech for a late-October Chickahominy River and James River bass fishing report! We're breaking down the fall largemouth bass bite in Virginia, how recent storms and extreme high tides have impacted fishing, the best bass fishing lures for October and November, and some exciting new tackle hitting the shelves at Fishing Pro Tech!

After weeks of northeast winds, heavy rain, and blowout tides, the Chickahominy and James River have been dealing with some challenging conditions. But according to Hunter Smith, the fishing has actually improved! With water temperatures hovering around 65–70 degrees, hydrilla and lily pads still holding strong, and bass beginning to focus more on shad and baitfish, the fall transition is creating some interesting opportunities.

Hunter takes us behind the scenes of his recent two-day bass fishing tournament, where he managed to catch four quality largemouth weighing approximately 16.5 pounds on the first day! We discuss why the bite completely shut down, how high tides can make productive docks nearly impossible to fish, and why rotating between grass, cypress trees, docks, and other structure is so important this time of year. He also shares his top fall bass fishing baits and explains how he adjusts when the big-fish pattern stops producing.

Then we're joined by Len Bell of Fishing Pro Tech for a look at the latest bass fishing tackle, hard-to-find Megabass lures, new Z-Man ChatterBaits, SPRO crankbaits, and some fascinating history behind legendary vintage fishing lures. Plus, we've got details about Fishing Pro Tech's upcoming Black Friday sale, rod-and-reel raffle, and winter fishing expo appearances!

🎣 IN THIS EPISODE:

CHICKAHOMINY & JAMES RIVER FALL FISHING REPORT

·       Late-October bass fishing conditions on Virginia's tidal rivers

·       How northeast winds, storms, and blowout tides affect largemouth bass

·       Current water temperatures and the fall transition

·       Why hydrilla and lily pads are still important

·       How bass transition toward shad and minnows during the fall

·       Fishing grass, cypress trees, docks, and man-made structure

·       Why falling water and low tides can create better fishing opportunities

HUNTER SMITH'S TOURNAMENT BREAKDOWN

·       Finding tournament-quality bass during practice

·       Catching four fish for approximately 16.5 pounds on day one

·       Why the bite shut down after the early morning

·       How incoming tides can make dock fishing more challenging

·       Using Senkos and finesse worms to generate bites

·       The importance of rotating through different types of cover

·       Big-fish strategies versus securing a five-fish limit

·       How tournament conditions force anglers to adjust

BEST FALL BASS FISHING LURES

·       Drop shots and finesse worms for difficult fishing conditions

·       Senkos for skipping docks and catching pressured bass

·       ChatterBaits around hydrilla and remaining vegetation

·       Buzzbaits, poppers, and Whopper Ploppers for fall topwater fishing

·       When cooling water temperatures make topwater less productive

·       Why having multiple presentations ready can make the difference

NEW FISHING TACKLE AT FISHING PRO TECH

·       Hard-to-find HideUp FullCast Quakee restocks

·       Megabass YAGOT creature baits and Grand Siglett

·       Megabass Dyna Response blade baits for colder water

·       Megabass Karashi 80 and replacement feather hooks

·       New Z-Man Octane Minnows and ChatterBait PZ2

·       John Crews Buzz Wagon buzzbaits

·       SPRO Rock Crawler crankbaits and their hunting action

VINTAGE BASS FISHING LURES & CRANKBAIT HISTORY

·       Why original pre-Rapala Wiggle Warts are so desirable

·       The legendary Bomber screw-tail crankbaits

·       Vintage Bagley crankbaits and collector favorites

·       Why certain older crankbaits have unique actions

·       Using snaps versus tying directly to crankbaits

·       How small tackle adjustments can improve lure performance

FISHING PRO TECH EVENTS & BLACK FRIDAY

·       Friday, November 27, 2026: Fishing Pro Tech's annual Black Friday sale

·       Storewide discounts, free coffee, donuts, and lunchtime pizza

·       A $500-value rod-and-reel combo raffle with $2 entries

·       Raffle proceeds matched by the store in support of cancer research

·       Upcoming Raleigh and Richmond fishing expo appearances

·       New Megabass Levante rods and Daiwa Tatula reels discussed

Whether you're planning a fall bass fishing trip to the Chickahominy River, learning how to fish the tidal James River, looking for the best November bass fishing lures, or just love talking fishing tackle, this episode has something for you!

Hunter Smith on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/hpsfishing/

Hunter Smith on YouTube:
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcYT38BxL_yFHkbb977e_Hw

Fishing Pro Tech on Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Fishing Pro Tech
 7812-A Richmond Road
 Toano, VA 23168
 Phone: (757) 566-1278

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

Support the show

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by kayak bass fishing tournament champion Joshua Evans for a full October Potomac River Fall Bass Fishing Report! We’re breaking down the changing conditions on the tidal Potomac River, the disappearing grass beds, fall bass fishing patterns, and what anglers need to know to find and catch more bass this fall!

The Potomac River has been fishing differently this year, with historically productive areas like Mattawoman Creek and Smallwood experiencing a significant decline in aquatic vegetation. Joshua shares what he's seeing on the water, why finding healthy grass is so important, and how he's adjusting his approach to catch bass in some of the toughest conditions we've seen on the tidal Potomac.

We also dive into Joshua's incredible Upper Chesapeake Bay kayak fishing championship victory, where he landed a massive 6-pound, 10-ounce bass and put together a 91¼-inch five-fish limit on day one! Joshua breaks down his tournament-winning spinnerbait pattern, how he located an overlooked stretch of productive grass, and the decisions that helped him dominate during challenging weather conditions.

🎣 IN THIS EPISODE:
Potomac River Fall Bass Fishing Report
• October fishing conditions on the tidal Potomac River
• Why Mattawoman Creek and Smallwood have become more challenging
• Finding productive bass fishing areas when grass beds disappear
• Comparing bass fishing opportunities in Pohick, Occoquan, and Mattawoman Creek
• How the fall transition is changing bass behavior

Tidal Bass Fishing Techniques & Strategies
• How rising and falling tides influence bass movement
• Finding productive fishing windows around high and low tides
• Following bass as they move out of shallow creeks
• Why healthy grass can be the key to catching fall bass
• How to adjust when traditional fishing spots stop producing

Upper Chesapeake Bay Tournament Championship
• How Joshua found an overlooked area loaded with bass
• Catching a 6-pound, 10-ounce bass during tournament competition
• Putting together a 91¼-inch five-fish limit
• How wind, rain, and tidal movement affected his fishing strategy
• Lessons learned from an incredible kayak tournament season

Best Fall Bass Fishing Lures & Tackle
• Why War Eagle spinnerbaits dominate Joshua's fall fishing approach
• Choosing the right spinnerbait blade size and weight
• Lipless crankbait techniques for fishing around vegetation
• iRod fishing rod setups for spinnerbaits and moving baits
• Fluorocarbon versus braided fishing line
• How the right rod action helps keep big bass hooked

We also discuss the mental side of tournament bass fishing, overcoming adversity, preparing for competition, and Joshua's impressive season on the water.
Whether you're fishing the Potomac River, Upper Chesapeake Bay, Mattawoman Creek, or any other Mid-Atlantic tidal bass fishery, this episode is packed with fishing reports, tournament insights, and techniques that can help you become a better angler!

FOLLOW JOSHUA EVANS:
Facebook: Joshua Evans Fishing
Instagram: @tightlinessharpminds 

SUPPORT FISHING THE DMV!

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!!
https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or discussing a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at:
[email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS:
Green Top Sporting Goods:
https://www.greentop.com/

Jake's Bait & Tackle:
http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech:
https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Flint Financial Planning:
https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures:
https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt

Max4 Fishing:
https://max4fishing.com/

LMD Enterprises:
http://lmdoil.com/

Support the show

Virginia Beach fall fishing is changing fast! Captain Chris of VB Backwater Guide Services joins Fishing the DMV to break down the October and November fishing patterns for speckled trout, redfish (puppy drum), and striped bass in Virginia Beach and the lower Chesapeake Bay. We discuss why redfish numbers have declined in the shallow backwaters, when the fall speckled trout bite really turns on, and how to catch stripers and trout around dock lights after dark.

After two difficult winters, Virginia's inshore redfish fishery has faced serious challenges. Captain Chris shares what he's seeing on the water, why young puppy drum have been particularly vulnerable, and how quickly the fishery could rebound with favorable winter conditions.

But there's plenty of opportunity for anglers heading into fall! As water temperatures cool, speckled trout begin moving into the backcountry, striped bass become more active around dock lights, and larger trout start showing up as November transitions into December.

IN THIS EPISODE:

🎣 Virginia Beach Redfish Report

·       Why puppy drum have been difficult to find

·       How the winters of 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 affected young redfish

·       What could help Virginia's redfish population rebound

Fall Speckled Trout Fishing

·       When trout move into Virginia Beach's shallow backwaters

·       Why water temperatures near 65°F are important

·       October and November fishing patterns

·       Why December can produce trophy speckled trout

Striped Bass & Night Fishing

·       How to catch striped bass around dock lights

·       Finding productive water using current, depth changes, oysters, and grass lines

·       Why small baitfish and shrimp presentations work

·       Topwater, fly fishing, and conventional tackle techniques

Best Fall Fishing Flies & Lures

·       EP Spawning Shrimp and Clouser Minnows

·       DOA Shrimp and small shrimp-style soft plastics

·       Matching Atlantic silversides with small, flashy flies

·       How to present lures naturally around dock lights

Cobia Fishing & World Record Stories

·       Sight fishing for cobia in the Chesapeake Bay

·       Fly rod setups for cobia, bull drum, trout, and redfish

·       The story of Cathy Kallberg's IGFA-recognized, record-tying cobia catch on fly tackle

Whether you're planning a Virginia Beach fishing trip, targeting Chesapeake Bay striped bass, learning saltwater fly fishing, or trying to catch more speckled trout this fall, Captain Chris shares practical advice from his experience guiding local waters.

BOOK A FISHING TRIP WITH CAPTAIN CHRIS

VB Backwater Guide Services
 Website: https://www.vbbackwater.com/
Phone: 757-403-2045

Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbbackwater?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

#VirginiaBeachFishing #SpeckledTrout #Redfish #ChesapeakeBayFishing #FishingTheDMV

Support the show

The Ocean City, Maryland fall fishing season is beginning, and the recent nor’easter may have helped kickstart the October striped bass bite. Taylor from Always Bent Fishing joins Fishing the DMV to break down the latest Ocean City fishing report, what happened to the summer bite, where stripers are beginning to show up, and what anglers should expect around Ocean City Inlet, Route 50 Bridge, Assateague, Chincoteague and the surrounding Eastern Shore waters.

We cover the transition from summer into fall fishing, including striped bass, flounder, red drum, bluefish, tog, sheepshead, triggerfish and several other species that have been showing up around Ocean City.

Taylor also explains some of his most reliable techniques for anglers fishing the area, including:

• How the October striped bass migration develops around Ocean City
 • Why the nor’easter could accelerate the fall bite
 • Fishing Route 50 Bridge and Ocean City Inlet current
 • Why ¾-ounce to 1½-ounce jig heads may be necessary in heavy current
 • Paddle-tail techniques for striped bass and flounder
 • Bucktail and Gulp combinations for Ocean City flounder
 • Why old-school spec rigs can still catch stripers, bluefish and flounder
 • Assateague surf fishing opportunities
 • Red drum opportunities around Chincoteague and Tom’s Cove
 • What happened with Ocean City’s offshore tuna and billfish season
 • Fall and winter opportunities for stripers and tog

We also discuss the incredible storm flooding around Ocean City, unusual shark activity, cobia and other warm-water species moving unusually far north, wreck fishing, surf fishing and what anglers should watch for as water temperatures continue to fall.

If you're planning an October or fall fishing trip to Ocean City, Maryland, this conversation gives you a practical look at what is happening now and how to approach the changing seasonal bite.

Subscribe to Fishing the DMV for more Maryland fishing reports, Virginia fishing reports, Mid-Atlantic fishing interviews, bass fishing content and regional fishing information.

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Always bent.com https://www.alwaysbent.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alwaysbentfishing 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbentfishingoc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AlwaysBentFishingOC 

 Slack Tide Kayak Fishing: https://www.slacktidekayakfishing.com/ 

Fish Assateague LLC: https://fishassateague.com/ 

Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam: https://fishnpaddle.com/ 

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

Support the show

Buggs Island/Kerr Reservoir is roughly 11 feet low, but the fall bass and striper bite is still going strong. Zach from Threadfin Guide Service joins Fishing the DMV to break down where largemouth bass, spotted bass and striped bass are positioning during the extreme low-water conditions—and how anglers can adjust as the lake transitions into October and November.

The severe drawdown has exposed rock veins, brush piles, points, boat ramps and other structure that anglers normally only see on electronics. Zach explains how he's using the low water to better understand these areas, why bass haven't necessarily abandoned their traditional locations, and where fish are staging when their normal shallow cover is completely out of the water.

We also break down:

• How low water is affecting Buggs Island/Kerr Reservoir fishing
 • Where largemouth and spotted bass are staging during the fall transition
 • Why finding rock with bait has been one of the biggest keys
• How stripers, spotted bass and largemouth are feeding around the same bait concentrations
• Why bass may continue feeding after a school of stripers moves away
• The current Buggs Island topwater bite
• How cold fronts and sudden water-temperature drops can change feeding times
• Why a gradual fall cooldown can make fish easier to pattern
• Where the fish may move as October progresses
• Fishing rocky points, coves, boat ramps, bridges and other remaining structure
• Topwater, flukes, spoons and Alabama rigs for fall bass
• Why Zach keeps an Acme Little Cleo spoon ready throughout much of the year
• How to cast and retrieve spoons for schooling bass and stripers
• Why smaller baitfish presentations become more important later in the fall
• What anglers can learn by physically seeing structure normally hidden underwater

Despite the extreme conditions, Zach is still finding excellent fishing, including mornings with 40–50 fish and a bite heavily dominated by topwater.

If you fish Buggs Island, Kerr Reservoir, Virginia or North Carolina—or you're trying to understand how bass react when a reservoir drops dramatically—this conversation has a ton of information you can apply on the water.

Threadfin Guide Service website: https://www.threadfinguide.com/about 

Book a guide trip right here: https://anycreek.com/threadfinguideservice

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

 #BuggsIsland #BassFishing #StriperFishing #FishingTheDMV

Support the show

How do you catch 24+ pounds of bass in roughly 90 minutes on the James River and Chickahominy River? Chaz and Jared break down their Elite 70 tournament win, including the perfect tidal window, an 8-pound largemouth, forward-facing sonar, the Koike bait, offshore cover, and the decisions that turned one morning into a winning Virginia bass fishing performance.

The guys explain why they committed to making the run to the upper Chickahominy, how incoming tide, low light, current, grass, brush piles and stumps positioned the fish, and how LiveScope helped expose bass they already knew were living offshore. The result was a rapid flurry of big fish—including 4- and 5-pounders, a topwater fish and the massive 8-pounder that changed the tournament.

We also get deep into the current state of James River and Chickahominy River bass fishing. Chaz and Jared discuss fishing pressure, tournament traffic, changing grass, drought and salinity, F1 bass stocking, why weights aren't carrying as deep through tournament fields, and why the upper Chick continues to produce giant largemouth even when other areas struggle.

Plus, we talk about one of the hottest baits in tournament bass fishing—the Koike—and why they believe it isn't just a forward-facing sonar bait. From fishing it around offshore cover to throwing it without LiveScope, the guys explain why this unusual bait continues catching pressured bass in tidal fisheries.

Topics include:
 • James River bass fishing
 • Chickahominy River bass fishing
 • Summer tidal bass fishing
 • How tide positions largemouth bass
 • Forward-facing sonar and LiveScope
 • Koike bait fishing
 • Offshore brush piles and stumps
 • Grass lines and tidal current
 • Tournament fishing pressure
 • Virginia bass tournament strategy
 • The changing James River fishery
 • BFL, MLF and tournament bass fishing

If you fish the James, Chickahominy, Potomac or any tidal bass fishery, there is a ton of information in this conversation about timing, pressure, offshore bass and knowing when to abandon your normal patterns.

Sponsor List for episode description: 

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

#JamesRiver #ChickahominyRiver #BassFishing #VirginiaFishing #FishingTheDMV

Support the show

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Thomas Arens sits down with Mark from Catoctin Creek Custom Rods, a longtime Northern Virginia rod builder and angler, to break down the science, craftsmanship, and real-world performance behind modern fishing rods.

Mark has been building custom fishing rods since establishing Catoctin Creek Custom Rods in 2009, and in this conversation we dive deep into what bass anglers should actually look for when choosing a rod.

We cover:

🎣 Rod Power vs. Rod Action — What medium, medium-heavy, fast, extra-fast, moderate and moderate-fast actually mean

🎣 Expensive Rods vs. Budget Rods — What separates a high-end bass rod from something like an Ugly Stik

🎣 Custom Fishing Rods — How blanks, reel seats, grips, guides and components affect performance

🎣 Graphite vs. Fiberglass — How rod construction affects sensitivity, durability and weight

🎣 Best Rod Actions for Bass Fishing — Extra-fast rods, crankbait rods, finesse fishing and more

🎣 Drop Shot & Jigging Minnow Setups — Mark breaks down the spinning rods, line and leaders he prefers

🎣 Fuji Guides, Alconite, NanoLite & Torzite — Does guide material really matter when fishing braid?

🎣 Carbon Fiber, Cork, EVA & Winn Grips — How modern rod handles have evolved

🎣 Custom Rod Repair — Replacing guides, rebuilding vintage rods and restoring broken fishing rods

🎣 Shenandoah River & Northern Virginia Bass Fishing — Including finesse fishing, smallmouth bass and local fishing conditions

We also talk about the economics of the custom rod industry, how inflation and material costs have affected rod builders, why some fishing rods cost hundreds of dollars, and whether a custom-built rod actually makes sense for the average angler.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

Support the show

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Thomas Arens sits down with Virginia Conservation Police Officer Jackson Diberg for a behind-the-scenes look at game wardens, wildlife crime, poaching investigations, boating enforcement, and protecting Virginia’s natural resources.

Jackson shares incredible stories from the field, including an undercover case involving a man illegally spearfishing bass at Lake Frederick, resulting in more than 20 violations, thousands of dollars in fines, and a five-year fishing-license revocation.

We also discuss:

• How to become a Virginia Conservation Police Officer
 • Illegal bass spearfishing and poaching
 • Spotlighting deer and illegal bait sites
 • Trout snagging and fishing-limit violations
 • Undercover patrols and wildlife investigations
 • Boating enforcement on Virginia waterways
 • Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley patrols
 • How hunters and anglers can report wildlife violations
 • How Virginia DWR and Conservation Police are funded

Jackson also shares a wild case involving a deer illegally shot inside Front Royal — and eventually discovered hidden inside a laundry hamper.

If you enjoy Virginia fishing, hunting, conservation, game warden stories, Shenandoah Valley outdoors, and Mid-Atlantic fishing content, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Subscribe to Fishing the DMV for more fishing, hunting, conservation, fisheries management, and outdoor stories from across Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and the Chesapeake Bay region.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

Support the show

September is here, and the fall transition is starting to take shape across Virginia’s tidal fisheries.

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Thomas Arens is joined by Hunter Smith of Fishing Pro Tech to break down the current state of bass fishing on the Chickahominy River and what anglers should expect as summer slowly gives way to fall.

Hunter talks about the unusually tough Chickahominy bite, hot water temperatures, heavy fishing pressure, hydrilla growth, changing salinity levels, and how all of those factors may be affecting the bass fishing.

We also break down some of the best September patterns, including:

• Frog fishing around hydrilla and lily pads
• Drop shots, Neko rigs, wacky rigs, and finesse worms
• Minnow fishing and offshore structure
• The late-evening topwater bite
• Whether the urchin bait craze is beginning to cool off
• How the Chickahominy could change as October approaches

Hunter also shares his thoughts on why September can be one of the more challenging months to consistently find quality bass—and why fishing should improve as temperatures finally begin to cool.

Later in the episode, we head inside Fishing Pro Tech for a tackle breakdown featuring new and trending bass fishing products from Deps, Megabass, Missile Baits, SPRO, Yamamoto, HideUp, Hags, and more.

We also recap ICAST, talk JDM tackle, new lure trends, and some of the products anglers should be watching heading into fall.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected]

Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech

Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected]

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168

Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/

FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt 

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

Support the show