Fishing the DMV

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/

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

#JamesRiver #ChickahominyRiver #BassFishing #VirginiaFishing #FishingTheDMV

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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 

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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 

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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 

Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/

#fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport 

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September is here, and Lake Anna is setting up for one of the most interesting fall transitions we’ve seen in a while.

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by two guys who spend a ton of time on Lake Anna — Matt McCluskey and SB Fishing — to break down exactly what the bass are doing right now and what anglers should expect as we move deeper into September.

The biggest story right now is the amount of fish still grouped up offshore and following bait. Blueback herring are playing a major role, bass are roaming from point to point, and when you find the right school at the right time, the bite can happen FAST. Sunny conditions and light wind have also been especially productive, with some of the best action coming later in the day rather than during the traditional early-morning window.

We also talk about Lake Anna’s hydrilla. The grass appears to be roughly a month behind where it was last year, but it continues to grow — including areas where hydrilla is getting within a foot of the surface in 7–8 feet of water. That could create some very interesting opportunities as the lake transitions into fall.

🎣 September Lake Anna baits discussed in this episode:

• Carolina Rig
 • Weightless Fluke
 • ChatterBait
 • Drop Shot
 • Koiki-style baits
 • Forward-facing sonar minnows
 • Riser/topwater-style baits
 • Spy Baits

Matt has been especially impressed with the Carolina Rig, including its ability to pull quality fish from schools without firing up the entire group. As the transition develops, he also expects the ChatterBait to become a major player around the growing grass. SB is keeping the Fluke and Drop Shot close, while also mixing in the minnow and Koiki when fish start following traditional presentations without committing.
 We get deep into how fast these fish are actually moving, why you sometimes only catch four or five bass from a school containing dozens of fish, how forward-facing sonar has changed our understanding of bass behavior, and why changing presentations can make such a difference on pressured fish.

If you fish Lake Anna, Central Virginia, or any blueback-herring reservoir, there is a TON of information in this conversation that can help you put more fish in the boat this September.

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]

High Pole Guide Services contact number: 571-288-9771

High Pole Guide Services email: [email protected]

High Pole Guide Services Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092234756251&mibextid=LQQJ4d

McCluskey Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_McCluskeyFishing 

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 

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The crew from Lew’s Golf and Fish Club returns to the show to talk about one of the most unique grassroots fishing and golf communities growing in Northern Virginia. What started as a group of friends who simply wanted more people to fish and golf with has grown into local tournaments, weekly leagues, new friendships, serious competition, and a genuine brotherhood built around getting outside.

If you’ve ever wanted to fish a bass tournament but felt like you didn’t have the right boat, enough experience, or the latest electronics, this episode is for you.

We break down how Lew’s Golf and Fish Club has created an approachable tournament format where first-time competitors can fish alongside some of the best anglers in the region—and actually have a chance to compete.

In this episode we talk about:

• Bass fishing tournaments in Northern Virginia
 • Fishing the Occoquan Reservoir and Potomac River
 • Aquia Creek bass fishing and tournament strategy
 • Why they’re adding the Rappahannock River to the schedule
 • Upper Potomac and Shenandoah River smallmouth fishing
 • Fishing tournaments without Forward Facing Sonar / LiveScope
 • Catch, photo, release tournament formats
 • Why smaller tournament boundaries can make anglers better
 • Fishing from kayaks, jon boats, aluminum boats and traditional bass boats
 • How water level, current and water clarity affect river smallmouth
 • Why giant smallmouth become incredibly difficult to catch during low, clear water
 • The mental similarities between competitive golf and bass fishing
 • Building a local fishing community instead of chasing social-media algorithms
 • How beginners can get involved in tournament bass fishing
 • Where Lews Golf and Fish Club could go in 2027 and beyond

We also get into some classic fishing stories—including broken trolling motors, project boats, learning bass fishing from scratch, winning your first-ever bass tournament, fishing the Brunswick-to-Point of Rocks stretch of the Upper Potomac, brutal summer river conditions, and why sometimes equipment failure actually forces you to fish BETTER.

One of the biggest conversations centers around the changing world of tournament bass fishing.

Forward-facing sonar and LiveScope aren't going anywhere, but there is also a growing appetite for grassroots tournaments where anglers have to read water, make decisions, manage time, find productive areas and figure out the fish without watching them on a screen.

That old-school style of tournament fishing is exactly what Lews Golf and Fish Club is trying to keep alive.

Link to Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Website: https://linktr.ee/lewsgolf_fishclub  

Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewsgolf.fishclub 

Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewsgolf_fishclub 

Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Fishing Schedule: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF8FSvenwM/oo9uSPuk4jO-24Wa0P-G5g/view?utm_content=DAF8FSvenwM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=UNAVAILABLE 

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

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/

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What are the BEST bass fishing lures to throw in September? In this episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down the top September bass fishing baits, techniques, and patterns for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass during one of the toughest transition periods of the year.

We’re LIVE from Jake’s Bait & Tackle talking about how to catch bass as summer begins turning into fall across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and the Mid-Atlantic.

September bass fishing can be frustrating. Water temperatures begin dropping, baitfish start moving, bass can become extremely focused on shad, minnows and blueback herring, and patterns that worked all summer can suddenly stop producing.

That’s why this episode is all about MATCHING THE HATCH and adjusting to the fall transition.

We cover some of our favorite September bass fishing lures and techniques, including:

• Keitech swimbaits and underspins for schooling bass
 • 5-inch and 7-inch flukes for blueback herring and shad eaters
 • Spy baits for long-distance schooling fish
 • Buzzbaits for shallow fall bass around docks, grass and cover
 • Frog trailers and downsized buzzbait presentations
 • Double drop shot rigs for tough September bass
 • Micro poppers and Torpedo-style topwaters for river smallmouth
 • Hellgrammite and creature baits for clear-water smallmouth
 • Weightless swimbaits and flukes over grass and vegetation
 • BFS finesse presentations for pressured bass
 • Megabass Karashi-style finesse topwater/jerkbait presentations
 • Shallow-running crankbaits in the 1–3 foot zone
 • Megabass Blow-Lee, 6th Sense Curve and other shallow cranks
 • Compact 1/2-ounce jigs with heavy-duty hooks
 • ChatterBaits, JackHammers, EVO, EVO HD, Stealth and WillowVibe
 • ChatterBait trailers including X Zone Swimmer-style and stinger baits
 • Big swimbaits and glide baits for late September into October

We also talk specifically about the September fishing transition on Lake Anna, where bass can become extremely dialed in on schools of shad, minnows and blueback herring. When those fish are chasing bait, traditional presentations may get ignored while fast-moving minnow imitators produce.

For Lake Anna bass fishing, speed can be critical. Burning a fluke, swimbait, spy bait or other baitfish imitation through schooling fish can trigger reaction strikes that slower presentations won't.

River anglers aren't forgotten either.

For the Shenandoah River, Upper Potomac River and other Mid-Atlantic smallmouth fisheries, we break down why tiny topwaters, micro poppers, hellgrammite-style baits and finesse presentations can be deadly when the water gets low, clear and heavily pressured.

We also discuss fishing grass and vegetation on fisheries like the Potomac River and Upper Chesapeake Bay, including one of our favorite alternatives to throwing another frog: fishing a weightless swimbait or fluke across the vegetation and allowing it to fall into openings in the mat.

And as September progresses toward October, BIG BAITS start entering the conversation.

Glide baits, segmented hard swimbaits and larger soft swimbaits may produce fewer bites—but they can produce some of the biggest bass of the fall.

If you're trying to figure out what bass are doing in September, this episode is packed with practical information you can use on the water immediately.

Whether you're fishing Lake Anna, the Shenandoah River, Upper Potomac, Potomac River, Rappahannock River, Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna or another Mid-Atlantic fishery, these September bass fishing techniques can help you adjust as the fish transition from summer into fall.

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

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/

Support the show

This is part two of the ULTIMATE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Special from Fishing the DMV — an incredible 11-hour Chesapeake Bay fishing marathon featuring some of the best fishing reports, techniques, fisheries discussions, conservation topics, charter captains, fishing guides, industry experts, and local anglers from across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Mid-Atlantic region.

This massive compilation covers Chesapeake Bay fishing in 2026, including late-summer fishing, fall fishing patterns, Maryland fishing reports, Virginia fishing reports, striped bass fishing, rockfish, cobia fishing, red drum, speckled trout, Northern Snakehead, blue catfish, white perch, flounder, sheepshead, menhaden, black drum, kayak fishing, saltwater fishing, inshore fishing, topwater fishing, fisheries management, invasive species, oyster restoration, and Chesapeake Bay conservation.

Whether you fish the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Ocean City Maryland, Virginia Beach, Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Tangier Sound, Smith Island, Severn River, Magothy River, Eastern Bay, Choptank River, or Lower Chesapeake Bay, this special was created for anglers who want to better understand one of the most diverse fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic.

🎣 ANGLER’S NIGHT OUT — SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

This special release celebrates my upcoming appearance at Angler’s Night Out on Thursday, September 10 at West End Sports Bar & Grill, presented by CCA Maryland and Waterfront Marine.

I’ll be there representing Fishing the DMV for an evening of fishing conversation, networking, and Q&A with fellow anglers from the Chesapeake Bay fishing community.

5:30 PM — Gather & Network
6:00 PM — Talk + Q&A

Link Below to event: https://www.ccamd.org/calendar/annapolis-chapter-anglers-night-out-6/ 

If you love Chesapeake Bay fishing, come out, meet other anglers, ask questions, and talk fishing!

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY MENHADEN DEBATE

Brian Collins discusses one of the most important and controversial topics in Chesapeake Bay fisheries: Atlantic menhaden and their role as forage for striped bass, bluefish, osprey, and the entire Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

CHESAPEAKE BAY COBIA FISHING WITH CAPT. NATE MYERS

Captain Nate Myers of Catch N Memories shares more than 15 years of cobia fishing experience and breaks down Lower Chesapeake Bay cobia fishing, Virginia Beach cobia fishing, sight-casting, chumming, water temperature, menhaden movement, boat traffic, offshore structure, and seasonal cobia patterns.

TOPWATER ROCKFISH & CHESAPEAKE BAY STRIPED BASS

Captain Tom Weaver brings more than 35 years of Chesapeake Bay experience to Fishing the DMV. We discuss topwater rockfish, shallow-water striped bass, Eastern Bay fishing, Choptank River fishing, Annapolis fishing, fly fishing, light-tackle fishing, bluefish, red drum, cobia, chain pickerel, and how Chesapeake Bay fishing has changed over the decades.

CHESAPEAKE BAY FALL FISHING

Bucky Osborne of Tri Waves Fishing joins the podcast for an in-depth look at fall Chesapeake Bay fishing, Virginia saltwater fishing, speckled trout, seasonal fish movements, inshore fishing, offshore fishing, and Chesapeake Bay fishing culture.

TANGIER SOUND & SMITH ISLAND FISHING REPORT

Captain Todd Bellamy of FishPit Charters provides an in-depth fishing report for Tangier Sound, Smith Island, Fishing Bay, and the middle-to-lower Chesapeake Bay, covering striped bass, rockfish, black drum, red drum, speckled trout, white perch, grass flats, marsh islands, creek mouths, baitfish movements, hard-bottom areas, and shallow-water fishing.

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

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

Support the show

Welcome to the ULTIMATE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Special from Fishing the DMV!

Get ready for an incredible 11-hour Chesapeake Bay fishing marathon covering fishing reports, techniques, conservation, invasive species, striped bass, cobia, snakehead, redfish, speckled trout, white perch, blue catfish, and more from across Maryland and Virginia!

ANGLER’S NIGHT OUT — SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

This special celebrates my upcoming appearance at Angler’s Night Out on Thursday, September 10 at West End Sports Bar & Grill, presented by CCA Maryland and Waterfront Marine

🕠 5:30 PM — Gather & Network
🎤 6:00 PM — Talk + Q&A

Link Below!! https://www.ccamd.org/calendar/annapolis-chapter-anglers-night-out-6/ 

I’ll be representing Fishing the DMV for an evening of fishing conversation, networking, and Q&A with anglers from across the Chesapeake Bay community.

NORTHERN SNAKEHEAD FISHING — MARYLAND & POTOMAC RIVER
Steve Kambouris of Kambotrout Fishing discusses Northern Snakehead fishing, Potomac River snakehead, kayak fishing, tournaments, conservation, and the future of the fishery.

BLUE CATFISH, SNAKEHEAD & INVASIVE SPECIES
Branson D. Williams of Maryland DNR breaks down blue catfish, Northern Snakehead, invasive species management, Maryland fisheries, and Chesapeake Bay conservation.

CHESAPEAKE BAY COBIA FISHING
Gettin Jiggy Baits discusses cobia fishing, jigging, bait presentation, lure design, fishing pressure, and Chesapeake Bay cobia tactics.

MARYLAND WHITE PERCH FISHING
EJ from Anglers of Annapolis covers white perch fishing around Annapolis, Kent Island, the Severn River, Magothy River, Eastern Shore, fishing piers, bait selection, and seasonal patterns.

STRIPED BASS, MENHADEN, BLUE CRABS & CONSERVATION
We examine striped bass management, Atlantic menhaden, blue crabs, oyster restoration, habitat, fisheries policy, and the long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay.

CCA MARYLAND & OYSTER RESTORATION
Jesse Howe of CCA Maryland discusses oyster reefs, water quality, habitat restoration, fisheries management, and the Living Reef Action Campaign.

OCEAN CITY MARYLAND FISHING REPORT
Taylor from Always Bent Fishing covers flounder, striped bass, bluefish, red drum, sheepshead, cobia, surf fishing, Ocean City Inlet, Route 50 Bridge, tides, structure, bait, and offshore fishing.

VIRGINIA BEACH & LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY REPORT
Brayden Cope breaks down Virginia Beach fishing, speckled trout, puppy drum, redfish, kayak fishing, shallow-water patterns, beaches, and inlets.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY MENHADEN DEBATE
Brian Collins discusses Atlantic menhaden and their critical role as forage for striped bass, bluefish, osprey, and the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

COBIA FISHING WITH CAPT. NATE MYERS
Captain Nate Myers of Catch N Memories shares 15+ years of experience with Lower Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach cobia fishing, including sight-casting, chumming, water temperature, menhaden movement, boat traffic, and seasonal patterns.

TOPWATER ROCKFISH & STRIPED BASS
Captain Tom Weaver brings 35+ years of Chesapeake Bay experience to discuss topwater rockfish, shallow-water striped bass, Eastern Bay, Choptank River, Annapolis, fly fishing, light tackle, bluefish, red drum, cobia, and how the Bay has changed.

CHESAPEAKE BAY FALL FISHING
Bucky Osborne of Tri Waves Fishing covers fall Chesapeake Bay fishing, Virginia saltwater fishing, speckled trout, seasonal fish movement, inshore fishing, offshore fishing, and Chesapeake Bay fishing culture.

TANGIER SOUND & SMITH ISLAND FISHING REPORT
Captain Todd Bellamy of FishPit Charters breaks down fishing in Tangier Sound, Smith Island, Fishing Bay, and the middle-to-lower Chesapeake Bay for striped bass, black drum, red drum, speckled trout, white perch, grass flats, marsh islands, creek mouths, baitfish, and shallow-water patterns.

Whether you fish the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Ocean City, Annapolis, Virginia Beach, Tangier Sound, Eastern Shore, or Lower Chesapeake Bay, this marathon is packed with fishing reports, techniques, fisheries science, conservation, and local knowledge to help you better understand and fish the Bay.

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

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

Support the show

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Captain Travis Edens of King Fisher Guide Services and Jared from Jake’s Bait & Tackle break down how to catch summer smallmouth bass on the Shenandoah River during hot, low-water conditions.

Travis explains where Shenandoah River smallmouth position around current seams, ledges, deeper holes, outside bends, wood, rocks, shade and subtle depth changes. We also break down some of the best summer smallmouth baits, including his weighted white fluke setup, jerkbaits, Whopper Plopper 110s, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, marabou jigs and hair jigs.

You’ll also learn how to fish push water around river ledges, approach shallow clear water without spooking fish, position your kayak or boat in moving water, and determine when smallmouth are feeding shallow versus holding in deeper current.

One of the biggest lessons from this episode: summer river smallmouth aren’t always sitting in the deepest hole. Small changes in current, depth, cover and shade can concentrate some of the best fish in the river.

If you fish the Shenandoah River, Potomac River, New River, James River, Susquehanna River, or any moving-water smallmouth fishery, this episode is packed with river fishing tips you can use on your next trip.

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