Fishing the DMV

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Ty to break down his second-place finish in the Virginia Bass Nation Kayak Series tournament on the Chickahominy River in Virginia. Ty landed 81.50 inches of largemouth bass while figuring out a changing tidal bite built around buzzbaits, poppers and spinnerbaits. Anglers interested in Chickahominy River bass fishing, kayak tournament strategy and summertime tidal-water fishing will hear exactly how he adjusted throughout the day.

Ty entered the tournament with limited recent experience on the Chickahominy River system and made a last-minute decision to launch from Chickahominy Riverfront Park instead of returning to the water he practiced near Rockahock. He began by searching a winding creek, concentrating on bends, grass, cypress trees and other shallow-water cover. His usual drop shots, shaky heads, wacky rigs and soft plastics failed to produce consistently, forcing him to abandon his original plan and pay closer attention to what the bass were actually doing.

The pattern changed when a buzzbait generated three strikes within roughly 10 minutes. Ty then picked up a popper and found largemouth bass feeding around grass and chasing large baitfish that appeared to be gizzard shad. He explains why accurate casts, lure color and matching the available forage were so important, along with how incorrect replacement hooks contributed to several lost popper fish. When the clouds disappeared, the wind increased and the water became muddier, Ty transitioned to a spinnerbait and caught the biggest bass of his day.

One of the most valuable lessons involved presentation angles. Several spinnerbait strikes came while Ty retrieved the lure in the opposite direction from what he expected based on the current. Once he recognized that pattern, he repeatedly covered the same productive stretch instead of leaving. His Old Town Autopilot 120, remote steering and Spot-Lock helped him stand up, maintain position and make precise casts between isolated grass clumps.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Ty finished second with 81.50 inches on the Chickahominy River
• Locating largemouth bass in tidal creeks, grass and cypress trees
• Why he turned off LiveScope while fishing shallow water
• Switching from soft plastics to buzzbaits and poppers
• Matching large baitfish with topwater lures and spinnerbaits
• Adjusting to changing wind, sunlight, tide and water clarity
• Using unexpected casting angles to trigger spinnerbait strikes
• Kayak positioning, Spot-Lock and tournament decision-making 

 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] 

Bass and Furious on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BassandFurious 

 Bass and Furious on Facebook: facebook.com/tybassandfurious

 Bass and Furious on Instagram: instagram.com/bassandfurious

 Check out Ty’s sponsors down below.  

 Nest Realty:  https://www.nestrealty.com/fredericksburg/ 

 Rapala: https://www.rapala.com/us_en/

 Bass and Furious Shop  https://www.bonfire.com/store/bassandfurious-shop/ 

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

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV I have on Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist John Odenkirk for an in-depth Lake Anna fishing report covering largemouth bass, northern snakeheads, striped bass, hybrid stripers, Saugeye, crappie, chain pickerel and the lake’s forage populations. Anglers fishing Lake Anna, the North Anna River, Pamunkey Creek, Contrary Creek and the greater Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County area will get a detailed look at why this Virginia fishery continues to improve.

Lake Anna’s largemouth bass population is producing historic survey results. During DWR’s latest standardized electrofishing survey, biologists collected an average of 138 bass per hour and 122 adult, stock-size bass per hour—both new records for the lake’s long-term sampling program. John explains why those numbers are so impressive for a large, clear-water reservoir and how submerged aquatic vegetation, water willow, woody cover, abundant forage and a productive watershed have helped Lake Anna move far beyond its old “Dead Sea” reputation.

We also break down the return of hydrilla and other aquatic vegetation, the difference between today’s limited grass carp management and the massive stockings of the 1990s, and why healthy vegetation matters for bass habitat, shoreline protection and nutrient control. John discusses wake-boat concerns in the narrower portions of the lake, harmful algal blooms, drought conditions and the potential effects of future water demands and data-center development within the North Anna watershed.

Beyond largemouth bass fishing, this episode covers the future of Lake Anna’s northern snakehead population, DWR’s striped bass and hybrid striped bass stocking strategy, and the major success of the saugeye program. John explains why pure stripers grow slowly at Lake Anna, why hybrids may be better suited to the reservoir and where anglers may find saugeye during the winter. We also discuss rising crappie numbers, chain pickerel in the upper Contrary Creek area, the difficulty of measuring blueback herring and threadfin shad, and other improving Virginia bass fisheries such as Nye Reservoir, Occoquan Reservoir and the tidal Rappahannock River.

In this episode, we cover:

• Record-setting Lake Anna largemouth bass survey results
• How hydrilla, water willow and aquatic habitat support bass
• Northern snakehead population trends and possible future regulations
• Striped bass, hybrid striped bass and saugeye stocking updates
• Crappie, chain pickerel and Lake Anna forage populations
• Productive areas of the North Anna and Pamunkey arms
• Grass carp management, wake boats and shoreline erosion
• Ni Reservoir, Occoquan Reservoir and tidal Rappahannock bass fishing

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

Fishing the DMV now has a website: https://www.fishingthedmv.com/

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

Northern Snakehead: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/snakehead/#:~:text=Any%20unusual%20fish%20needs%20to,804%2D367%2D2925). 

Report snakehead: 804-367-2925

Virginia Department of Natural Resources website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/ 

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

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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

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Williamsburg, Virginia, is surrounded by more bass fishing opportunities than many Mid-Atlantic anglers realize. In this episode of Fishing the DMV, I sits down with Brain Boog, a local tournament angler and Woods & Waters writer, to discuss largemouth bass, spotted bass, chain pickerel, and bowfin fishing throughout Williamsburg, Newport News, Gloucester, Suffolk, and the greater Hampton Roads region.

he  breaks down the lakes he has been fishing through a local electric-only tournament trail, including Waller Mill Reservoir, Diascund Reservoir, Lake Prince, Beaver Dam Reservoir, Chickahominy Lake, and several of the Suffolk water-supply reservoirs. Anglers planning a Virginia bass fishing trip will hear firsthand observations about which fisheries are producing quality fish, which lakes can become difficult under tournament pressure, and how these bodies of water change throughout the summer.

A major part of the conversation focuses on Chickahominy Lake, located above the Chickahominy River near Williamsburg. Bryan explains why the lake remains one of his favorite places to fish large wake baits around shallow cover, grass, and warm summer water. The discussion also covers the impressive weights being brought into local Tuesday-night tournaments, the lake’s largemouth bass population, and the bowfin that regularly surprise bass anglers.

Brain also highlights Harwood’s Mill Reservoir as an overlooked destination for anglers searching for quality largemouth bass and trophy-sized chain pickerel near Newport News. Other valuable topics include punching thick vegetation at Newport News Park, targeting offshore structure at Diascund Reservoir, fishing bridge pilings at Lake Prince, and learning how to use forward-facing sonar without allowing electronics to distract from productive fishing.

Thomas and Brian also discuss access changes at Little Creek Reservoir and Western Branch Reservoir, the unique bass fishing opportunities around Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and the possibility of a future Virginia state-record largemouth coming from an overlooked lake or private pond. That conversation was inspired by a massive bass caught from the runoff lake beneath the roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

In this episode, we cover:

• Chickahominy Lake summer bass fishing and large wake-bait techniques
• Harwood’s Mill Reservoir largemouth bass and chain pickerel fishing
• Waller Mill, Diascund, Lake Prince, and Beaver Dam tournament conditions
• Punching grass mats at Newport News Park
• Forward-facing sonar and the challenges of learning new electronics
• Little Creek and Western Branch Reservoir access updates
• Overlooked bass fishing lakes around Williamsburg and Hampton Roads
• Virginia’s largemouth bass record and hidden trophy fisheries

Which Williamsburg-area lake are you fishing right now? Leave a comment with your latest fishing report, the lure producing your best bites, or the Virginia fishery Bryan should cover in his next Woods & Waters article.

Subscribe to Fishing the DMV for more Virginia bass fishing reports, Mid-Atlantic tournament coverage, local lake breakdowns, and conversations with the anglers who know these waters best. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen to Fishing the DMV on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Please support Fishing the DMV and join our Club 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] 
 

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

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

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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

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Captain Tom Weaver of Tom Weaver Fishing Guide Service joins the Fishing the DMV Podcast for an information-packed conversation about more than 35 years of fishing and working on the Chesapeake Bay. Operating from the Annapolis area, Captain Weaver offers light-tackle fishing, Chesapeake Bay fly fishing, and family-friendly fishing charters targeting everything from shallow-water rockfish and winter pickerel to bluefish, cobia, red drum, and other seasonal species.

Captain Weaver shares how he arrived in Maryland in 1990, just as striped bass fishing reopened following the moratorium, and immediately fell in love with the Chesapeake Bay. Before becoming a full-time Chesapeake Bay fishing guide, he spent approximately 25 years racing sailboats professionally, competed in America’s Cup campaigns, raced around the world, helped lead an Italian America’s Cup team, and later started a boatbuilding company. He also spent more than a decade guiding during the winters in Key West before earning one of Maryland’s limited-entry guide licenses and building his Maryland fishing charter business.

The conversation takes a detailed look at how Chesapeake Bay fishing has changed since the 1990s. Captain Weaver explains how major schools of striped bass gradually shifted north from traditional Mid-Bay locations such as The Hill near Poplar Island toward Love Point, Swan Point, Tolchester, Baltimore, and the Susquehanna Flats. Rather than following those fish farther north, he adapted by locating smaller groups of rockfish in extremely shallow water around Eastern Bay and the Choptank River. He now regularly fishes in three feet of water or less, sometimes sight-casting to wary striped bass in water barely deep enough to float his boat. He also discusses the growth of the Severn River chain pickerel fishery, improving water clarity, expanding grass beds, oyster restoration, striped bass spawning conditions, and serious concerns surrounding white perch recruitment.

Captain Weaver also breaks down his favorite Chesapeake Bay fishing techniques. During the summer, he frequently throws topwater lures throughout the day—even under bright afternoon sun. His preferred spinning lures are the Heddon Super Spook XT and Heddon One Knocker, modified by replacing the treble hooks with inline single hooks. For fly anglers, he recommends eight- or nine-weight equipment, accurate presentations, clear fly lines when fish are especially wary, topwater poppers, and learning to use a proper strip-set instead of lifting the rod with a traditional trout-set.

Captain Weaver also shares memorable Chesapeake Bay fishing stories, including catching large winter striped bass near the Bay Bridge, targeting pickerel on fly tackle, encountering a group of huge tarpon south of Taylor’s Island, and getting shots at 17 cobia near Poplar Island during a single fly-fishing trip. He explains why late summer can bring opportunities for cobia, red drum, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout, while winter offers catch-and-release opportunities for trophy striped bass and chain pickerel.

The episode also explores Captain Weaver’s fisheries advocacy work. He explains why he supports responsible winter catch-and-release fishing, how seasonal closures can protect striped bass during periods of high water temperatures, and why keeping anglers connected to the resource is important for the long-term future of Chesapeake Bay conservation. His observations come from decades spent on the water, but he also emphasizes the importance of listening to fisheries biologists, managers, and scientific research.

 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]  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fishwithweaver/ 

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

Website: https://fishwithweaver.com/home 

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

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
 
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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
   
Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs 

Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N

 #FishingtheDMV #FishingReport #ChesapeakeBayfishing 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV!! I have on EJ from Anglers of Annapolis to discuss white perch fishing around Annapolis, Kent Island, the Severn River, the Magothy River, and Maryland’s tidal tributaries. Whether you are introducing a child to fishing or looking for a dependable summer bite, this conversation offers practical information you can use on your next trip.

EJ is a lifelong Maryland angler who has fished the Chesapeake Bay since childhood and has been visiting Anglers of Annapolis since he was around 14 years old. He explains why white perch are such a great species for beginners, how anglers can get started without spending a fortune, and where these fish can be found throughout the year. We discuss public fishing opportunities at places such as Matapeake Fishing Pier, Romancoke Fishing Pier, Jonas Green Park, and other shoreline locations throughout Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

We also break down the best bait for Chesapeake Bay white perch. EJ explains why bloodworms remain one of the most productive choices in the main bay, while night crawlers can be an affordable and effective option farther inside tributaries where the water becomes fresher. He also walks through the early spring spawning run, the movement of white perch toward docks and piers during the warmer months, and the deeper-water schools anglers may find during the fall.

The conversation then turns to the 11th Annual White Perch Open hosted by Anglers of Annapolis. The family-friendly event includes youth divisions, prizes, food, music, and hundreds of white perch being cleaned, cooked, and served on-site. This year’s event honors the late Charlie Ebersberger, a longtime owner of Anglers of Annapolis who loved white perch fishing and played an important role in the local fishing community.

EJ also shares the mission behind Combos for Kids, a nonprofit that introduces underserved children, children with special needs, at-risk youth, and children in foster care to fishing. Volunteers donate their boats, equipment, time, and knowledge, while every child participating in the boating events gets to keep their fishing setup and continue their journey on the water.

In this episode, we cover:

• The best bait for catching Chesapeake Bay white perch
• Bloodworms versus night crawlers in tidal tributaries
• Public fishing spots near Annapolis and Kent Island
• Seasonal white perch movements from spring through fall
• The history and format of the White Perch Open
• The secret ingredient in Anglers’ fried white perch recipe
• How Combos for Kids introduces children to fishing
• Changes EJ has witnessed across the Chesapeake Bay fishery

 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]

To enroll in the White Perch Open: https://www.anglerssportcenter.com/white-perch-open/

Anglers Sport Center website:
 www.anglersannapolis.com  

Combos for Kids: www.combosforkids.org 

Combos for Kids donation: https://donorbox.org/combos-for-kids

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
 
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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
   
Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs

Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N

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

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on Susquehanna River fishing guide Chris Gorsuch returns to Fishing the DMV for a detailed look at summer smallmouth bass fishing across one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable river systems. From the main stem near Harrisburg and North Liverpool to the North Branch around Laceyville and the Endless Mountains, Chris explains what he is seeing from the fishery and how anglers can adjust when quality smallmouth are not holding in their usual places.

Chris believes the Susquehanna River is still fishing well, especially for anglers looking to catch numbers of smallmouth bass. However, he has seen fewer fish in the 19- to 20-plus-inch range than during the previous several springs. Bigger bass are still available—including two 23-inch smallmouth caught from his boat—but finding them has required more movement, more fuel and a willingness to fish away from the same heavily pressured areas. We discuss how year classes, winter ice, delayed grass growth, floods, low water, high summer temperatures, pollution, predators and changing forage can all influence the Susquehanna River smallmouth population.

The conversation also turns toward summer smallmouth fishing techniques and the best baits for different sections of the river. Chris considers a chatterbait essential on the lower Susquehanna and main stem, while crankbaits are a major part of his North Branch fishing from spring through late fall. On the nearby Delaware River, he leans heavily on spinnerbaits, especially white skirts paired with silver, gold or copper blades that resemble young American shad and other baitfish.

Chris also breaks down several developments from FITT Lures, including the Flea Flicker swimbait, VIG and Javelin. The Flea Flicker features a keeled body that allows anglers to shorten the bait while maintaining its profile and action. The VIG is a compact, thick-walled tube-style bait that can be fished on a Ned head, screw-lock jig, Carolina rig or other presentations. Chris explains how these baits can be used around grass, deeper holes, current breaks and other productive river smallmouth habitat.

Fish care is another important part of this episode. Chris shares why he nets every bass, keeps his camera ready before lifting a fish from the water and releases weak post-spawn fish without taking a picture. He also discusses shortening fight times during warm-water periods and why proper handling matters when catching large Susquehanna River smallmouth.

In this episode, we cover:

• The current state of Susquehanna River smallmouth fishing
• Why anglers are seeing fewer 20-inch bass than in recent springs
• How to locate bigger smallmouth by covering water and changing areas
• Chatterbait, crankbait and spinnerbait fishing for river smallmouth
• Grass, current, deeper holes and summertime bass positioning
• FITT Lures Flea Flicker, VIG and Javelin rigging options
• Choosing lure colors based on depth, water clarity and forage
• Proper summertime smallmouth bass handling and fish care

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]  

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

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
 
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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
   
Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs 

Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N

 #FishingtheDMV #SmallmouthFishing #FishingReport 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV I have o Captain Nate Myers of Catch N Memories for a deep dive into Chesapeake Bay cobia fishing and the unique sight-fishing culture that has developed across the Lower Bay and Virginia Beach region. With more than 15 years of experience chasing cobia from the Outer Banks to the Chesapeake Bay, Nate breaks down what anglers need to know about locating, presenting baits to and landing one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most unpredictable gamefish.

This Chesapeake Bay fishing report covers a season that started with a strong spring migration but transitioned into a more challenging summer sight bite. At the time of the conversation, Lower Chesapeake Bay water temperatures were running in the upper 70s, while some cobia had already been caught in water close to 60 degrees earlier in the migration. Nate explains why more fish may be holding deeper in the water column, why chumming can remain productive when cobia refuse to surface and how increasing boat traffic, shifting menhaden concentrations, warmer water and offshore structure could be changing traditional migration patterns.
We also break down the two primary approaches to Virginia cobia fishing: sight-casting from a tower boat and chumming along cuts, sloughs and depth changes. Nate explains how to locate cobia around stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, buoys, wrecks and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, along with the importance of polarized glasses, boat positioning and placing a bait several feet ahead of a moving fish. The tackle discussion includes longer casting rods, Penn Slammer spinning reels, 40-pound braid, 50-pound leaders, circle hooks, live eels, finfish, cobia jigs and soft-plastic swimbaits.

July can bring tougher fishing while cobia are focused on spawning, but Nate expects the action to improve as fish begin grouping and feeding more aggressively during August and September. He also shares the story of a rare 47.5-inch piebald cobia that was tagged and released, the challenge of netting big fish under Virginia’s no-gaff regulations and how the offshore Virginia wind turbines are developing into habitat for cobia, flounder, sea bass, triggerfish, mahi and other species.

website should be up soon and will setup to book trios and order rods: www.catchnmemories.com 

FB - Catch22 - Catch’n Memories 
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ej1bV9ouv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

FB - Nate Myers 
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IG - Catch22 - Catch’n Memories 
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IG - Nate_Catch22 
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TikTok - natecatch22
https://www.tiktok.com/@natecatch22?_r=1&_t=ZP-97eiHdGbnwM

 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]  

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
 
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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
   
Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs 

Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N

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

#ChesapeakeBayFishing #CobiaFishing #VirginiaFishing #VirginiaBeachFishing #FishingReport #SightFishing #SaltwaterFishing #CBBTFishing #MidAtlanticFishing #FishingTheDMV

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The James River and Chickahominy River summer bite is heating up! In this episode of Fishing the DMV, we’re joined by Hunter Smith and Len Bell from Fishing Pro Tech to break down everything anglers need to know heading from July into August.

Hunter shares the latest fishing conditions, including rising tournament weights, water temperatures in the 80s, improving hydrilla and why the Chickahominy continues to be one of the most consistent areas in the entire river system. We also dive into summertime lily-pad fishing, how bass reposition with the tide and why covering water with frogs, weedless swimbaits and swimming worms can be the key to finding a winning-quality bag.

We discuss Hunter’s preferred frog setup, how to identify productive areas inside massive pad fields and when anglers should move from fishing the outside edges to targeting vegetation all the way back toward the bank.

Later in the episode, Len showcases some of the hottest new products available at Fishing Pro Tech, including urchin-style baits, specialized rigging options, frogs, Megabass hard baits and other new tackle generating attention throughout the bass-fishing community. Len also previews what he is most excited to see during his upcoming trip to ICAST.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Current James River and Chickahominy River fishing conditions
 • July and August tidal bass patterns
 • Frog fishing around lily pads and hydrilla
 • How high and low tide reposition bass
 • Walking frogs versus popping frogs
 • Weedless swimbaits and swimming worms
 • Hunter Smith’s frog rod, reel and braided-line setup
 • The latest urchin-style baits and rigging techniques
 • New tackle available at Fishing Pro Tech
 • Upcoming ICAST products and industry releases
 • The future health of the James River bass fishery

Check out Fishing Pro Tech for frogs, urchin-style baits, rods, reels and the latest bass-fishing tackle.

 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]  

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
 
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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
   
Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs 

Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N

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

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by Mickey to break down his back-to-back tournament victory on Conowingo Reservoir.

Mickey explains how he prepared for an unusually early spring tournament, tracked smallmouth bass as they moved from their wintering areas toward spawning grounds, and adjusted when cold rain, powerful winds, rising water and changing current made tournament day a grind. After going nearly an hour without a bite, Mickey stayed patient and eventually put together a winning limit that included an 18.25-inch smallmouth and a 19-inch kicker.

We discuss the exact areas he targeted, how he found fish positioned around protected pockets, deeper cuts and current transitions, and why a red-craw flat-sided crankbait produced most of his fish. Mickey also explains how a fire-craw chatterbait helped him make a late upgrade when the crankbait bite disappeared.

The conversation also covers the challenges and dangers of kayak fishing Conowingo Reservoir, tournament photo-submission mistakes, adjusting between a grinder and a slugfest, fishing around changing tides and current, and the advantages of using an inflatable fishing kayak in shallow, rocky rivers.

Whether you’re preparing to fish Conowingo Reservoir, chasing pre-spawn Susquehanna River smallmouth or trying to become a better kayak tournament angler, this episode is packed with valuable information you can apply on the water.

 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]  

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
 
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.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
   
Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs 

Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N

Fitt Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt

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Smith Mountain Lake July Fishing Report: Low Water Bass Fishing, Grass Carp & Big Bait Trends

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by Billy Kohls of Smith Mountain Lake Guide Service for a full Smith Mountain Lake July fishing report and deep dive into summer bass fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. If you’re looking for the latest on Smith Mountain Lake bass fishing, Virginia bass fishing, low water bass fishing, and how to catch largemouth bass and smallmouth bass during tough summer conditions, this episode is packed with information.

Billy breaks down the current Smith Mountain Lake water level, why the lake is still very fishable, which areas are most affected by the low water, and how anglers should safely approach boat ramps, main-lake channels, pockets, docks, and offshore structure. We also discuss how the low water, cooler spring, and fluctuating conditions have impacted the bass spawn, bluegill spawn, shad spawn, fry guarders, and overall summer bass patterns.

From there, we get into the actual fishing. Billy explains how bass are setting up around docks, points, brush piles, bluegill beds, offshore structure, deep water, and schooling areas. We talk about key July bass fishing techniques like drop shot fishing, topwater fishing, big worm fishing, deep crankbait fishing, dock fishing, brush pile fishing, and offshore bass fishing. Whether you’re fishing a tournament, planning a summer trip to Smith Mountain Lake, or just trying to understand how bass adjust during low-water conditions, this report gives you a solid game plan.

We also cover the ongoing Smith Mountain Lake grass carp and aquatic vegetation debate, including the latest update on the reduced grass carp stocking number and why angler involvement may have helped protect important bass habitat. Billy shares why aquatic grass matters, how grass impacts bass fishing, and what anglers should be watching for moving forward.

Toward the end of the episode, we dive into one of the hottest trends in bass fishing right now: hairy ball baits, dice baits, urchin-style baits, JDM bass baits, and forward-facing sonar bass fishing. Billy explains why these weird-looking baits are catching big bass, how they can be used around docks, brush piles, suspended fish, bluegill patterns, and open water, and why they are not just a forward-facing sonar bait.

If you fish Smith Mountain Lake, follow Virginia bass fishing, love summer bass fishing reports, or want to stay ahead of new bass fishing trends like dice baits, urchin baits, and offshore sonar fishing, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

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

Check out Billy Kohls website at:  Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Guide
 https://www.smithmountainlakefishing.com/about
 
 

 Check Billy out on Instagram down below:
   https://www.instagram.com/billy_kohlsfishing/

Check out Billy Kohls YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@billykohlsfishing3697

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
 
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/
 
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Phone Number: (757) 566-1278

Email: [email protected]

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