Fishing the DMV

On this eye-opening episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) budget crisis and what it means for anglers across Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and the entire DMV fishing region. Ryan Brown and Mike Bednarski dive deep into the budget cuts, conservation funding issues, and declining fishing license sales that are putting serious pressure on fishery management. If you care about bass fishing, trout fishing, striped bass, or freshwater fishing in Virginia, this is a must-listen conversation that connects the dots between policy, conservation, and your time on the water.

We also break down the bigger picture—why the traditional “user-funded conservation model” (hunters and anglers funding wildlife management) is starting to fail, and what a new funding system could look like in Virginia. From fish stocking cuts to habitat management challenges, this episode gives you the real story behind what’s happening and how it could impact your next fishing trip. If you’re serious about Virginia fishing reports, bass fishing tips, fisheries management, conservation, and the future of fishing in the DMV, this episode delivers critical insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

If you want to get involved you can email Mike at [email protected] and his phone is 804 432-7244. 

Please get in touch with him if you want to weigh in on what’s going on in Virginia!! 

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 

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On this action-packed episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down the 2026 NVKBA Trail Stop II – “Battle of Five Lakes I”, where anglers spread out across five of Northern Virginia’s top fisheries: the Occoquan Reservoir, Lake Frederick, Sleeter Lake, Germantown Lake, and Burke Lake.

Fishing conditions were a little slower than expected, but steady enough for anglers to grind it out and put together solid limits across all five lakes. When it was all said and done, it was Jonathon Mehus, the 2022 Angler of the Year, who separated himself from the field with an impressive 88.00 inches to take home the win.

The key decision? Jonathon committed to the 2,100-acre Occoquan Reservoir, a highly technical fishery known for its standing timber, dock lines, creek channel swings, and bluff walls—and it paid off in a big way.

In this episode, Jonathon gives a full, in-depth Occoquan Reservoir fishing report, breaking down:

How he located and patterned bass in tough conditions 

Key areas that produced (including timber and bluff wall structure) 

Lure selection, adjustments, and decision-making throughout the day 

Why Occoquan stood out compared to the other four lakes in the tournament 

Tournament strategy tips that helped him close out the win 

If you’re looking to unlock the secrets of one of Northern Virginia’s most consistent bass fisheries, this is a must-listen breakdown packed with real tournament-winning insight.

Whether you're a kayak angler, tournament fisherman, or just love learning new water, this episode delivers the exact strategy and mindset needed to compete at a high level.

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]

NVKBA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nvkba 

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 

Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 

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On this episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down everything you need to know about Chesapeake Bay fishing with Dillon Waters from The Waters Edge YouTube Channel! This is a must-watch Chesapeake Bay fishing report packed with real-time insight, proven tactics, and on-the-water experience from one of Maryland’s most dedicated outdoorsmen.

We dive deep into striped bass fishing (rockfish), redfish (red drum), saltwater fishing tactics, and tidal fishing strategies across the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding Maryland waters. Dillon shares what’s working right now—from best lures for striped bass, topwater fishing, jigging techniques, trolling setups, live bait fishing, and artificial lure selection—to help you catch more fish immediately.

This episode covers:
 • Current Chesapeake Bay fishing report and conditions
• Maryland fishing report and seasonal patterns
• Striped bass fishing tips (rockfish tactics that produce)
• Redfish / red drum fishing in the Chesapeake Bay
• Saltwater fishing techniques for tidal rivers and inshore waters
• Best fishing spots in Maryland & Chesapeake Bay hotspots
• How tides, water temperature, and bait movement impact fishing success
• Conservation, fishery management, and protecting the Chesapeake Bay

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]

The Waters Edge on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@watersedgetv 

The Waters Edge on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamWaters 

The Waters Edge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watersedgetv/ 

FishTalk Magazine: https://www.fishtalkmag.com/fishing-reports 

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 

Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 

#ChesapeakeBay #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips 

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On this data-driven episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on PA Biologist Geoffrey Smith as we break down the Susquehanna River smallmouth bass fishery using real insights from biologists and the latest 2025 survey data to give you a true Susquehanna River fishing report heading into 2026. If you’re serious about river smallmouth fishing, tournament kayak fishing, or preparing for your next Bassmaster kayak tournament, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

We dive deep into the Middle Susquehanna, Lower Susquehanna, North Branch, and Juniata River systems, explaining how each section fishes differently and what that means for kayak bass fishing strategy, smallmouth bass patterns, and tournament success. Using electrofishing data and population metrics, we analyze catch rates (CPUE), size structure, and age class distribution to show you exactly where the fishery stands today and how it impacts your time on the water.

According to the latest fisheries management data, all major sections of the river are currently meeting their biological objectives—meaning the Susquehanna River smallmouth population is stable, healthy, and producing strong year classes . We break down what that actually means for anglers, including why the river continues to be one of the best destinations on the East Coast for smallmouth bass fishing, kayak fishing tournaments, and multi-fish limit events.

Beyond bass, we touch on emerging opportunities in the Susquehanna system, including:

• A growing concern over flathead catfish expanding upstream 
• The return of walleye stocking programs 
• Ongoing evaluation of muskellunge stocking and growth rates 

If you’re into smallmouth bass fishing, kayak bass tournaments, river bass fishing techniques, fishing reports, and tournament strategy, this is one of the most important breakdowns we’ve ever done.

 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]

Pennsylvania Wildlife & Games Commission Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/where-to-fish/biologist-reports 

Contact Geoffrey Smith at: [email protected] 

PA Fish and Boat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pafishandboat/ 

PA Fish and Boat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaFishandBoat/ 

PA main Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennsylvania_wild?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

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 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down with Buggs Island Alpha Series Champion Billy Shelton to break down a high-level tournament bass fishing masterclass that every angler needs to hear!

Competing against 82 of the region’s best sticks, anglers were faced with a brutal cold front bass fishing scenario, with temperatures dropping nearly 35 degrees overnight—classic post-frontal conditions that typically shut down the bite. But despite the odds, Billy Shelton delivered an elite-level performance, bringing in a 20.43 lb tournament-winning bag to claim victory.

His dominant day earned him $11,000 in tournament winnings, plus an additional $10,000 contingency bonus from Vexus Boats, totaling an incredible $21,000 payday in a one-day bass fishing tournament.

In this episode, Billy breaks down his entire approach—from patterning bass in changing weather conditions to dialing in the right fishing tackle setup and choosing the best bass fishing lures for success. He reveals how he located fish early in main lake bays, stayed on an aggressive bite, and capitalized using chatterbaits to trigger reaction strikes—one of the most effective bass fishing techniques for pressured fish.

We also dive into:
 • Tournament fishing strategies used by top-level anglers
• Bassmaster-style decision making in high-pressure events
• How to adjust your bass fishing setup during a cold front
• The importance of lure selection, including when to throw moving baits vs. slowing down
• Proven fishing tips and techniques to help you catch more largemouth bass

Billy Shelton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billy.shelton.378 

VA Elite 70 team and Alpha Series on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=va%20elite%2070%20team%20and%20alpha%20series 

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]

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

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

Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we dive into one of the most unique stories in the bass fishing world—where military service meets competitive angling at the highest level.

I’m joined by MSG John Branch, SFC Brian Galleger, and Sam Pollock from the U.S. Army Outdoors Team (AOT), an elite group of Soldier-anglers representing the Army on the national stage. If you didn’t know the Army had a professional bass fishing team—this episode will open your eyes.

We break down how the U.S. Army Outdoors Team, part of the Marketing and Engagement Brigade, competes in the National Professional Fishing League—going head-to-head with some of the best anglers in the country. More importantly, we talk about how these anglers balance military service with a passion for bass fishing, tournament fishing, and the outdoors.

This conversation goes beyond just fishing. We explore how the team uses bass fishing as a platform for community outreach, mentorship, and recruitment, showing the next generation that you can serve your country while still chasing your passion for the outdoors.

If you’re into bass fishing, tournament strategy, professional fishing leagues, military life, or just inspiring stories from the water, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎣 Topics include:
 • How the Army Outdoors Team was formed
 • Competing in the NPFL and national-level bass fishing tournaments
 • Balancing military careers with tournament fishing
 • Outreach, youth mentorship, and growing the sport of bass fishing
 • What it really takes to fish at a professional level

Whether you're a weekend angler or a hardcore tournament fisherman, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live the fishing lifestyle.

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

US Army Outdoor team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usarmyoutdoors/ 

US Army Outdoor team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armyoutdoors/ 

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

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

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

Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down one of the most underrated bass fishing destinations in the Mid-Atlantic—Lake Gaston on the North Carolina–Virginia border—and why this fishery is quickly turning into a tournament bass fishing powerhouse. Nestled between Buggs Island (Kerr Lake) and Roanoke Rapids Lake, Lake Gaston has quietly become a hotspot thanks to the ongoing F1 largemouth bass stocking program, now entering its third year. With explosive growth rates and elite genetics, this lake is on track to produce consistent 25-30 lb tournament bags in the next 5-6  years ! making it a must-watch destination for serious anglers.

We dive deep into a Lake Gaston fishing report with tournament angler Brody, who breaks down his team’s winning tournament strategy and how they cracked the code during practice. From dialing in a precise dock fishing pattern to identifying key staging areas, this episode is loaded with advanced bass fishing tips and techniques that apply to both weekend anglers and competitive fishermen.

Brody shares how they got locked into a specific dock pattern bite during official practice and capitalized on it during tournament day to secure their first win in a highly competitive field. We cover his go-to fishing tackle, including his highly effective minnow-style rig setup, rod and reel choices, and how subtle adjustments in presentation made all the difference.

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]

 Brody Luckey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bassbrody77/ 

Brody Luckey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084368622202

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

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

Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down with Shane Flint of Shane Flint Outdoors—one of the leaders behind one of the largest online bass fishing tournament communities—to deliver a power-packed spring bass fishing report for the Fredericksburg, Virginia region.

If you're looking to catch more largemouth bass and smallmouth bass this spring, this episode is loaded with high-level bass fishing tips, techniques, and proven patterns for some of the most productive fisheries in the DMV area, including Abel Lake, Motts Run Reservoir, Hunting Run Reservoir, Ni Reservoir, and Lake Mooney

We break down exactly how bass behave during the pre-spawn and spawn transition, when fish are aggressively feeding and moving shallow—making it one of the BEST times of the year to catch a trophy bass . Shane shares current fishing conditions, water temperature trends, seasonal patterns, and key locations that are producing right now.

This episode is packed with actionable bass fishing strategies, including:

• The best spring bass fishing lures (jerkbaits, chatterbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and soft plastics) 
• How to fish shallow cover, grass lines, docks, and transition areas 
• Understanding water clarity, structure, and bass movement 
• How to adjust your approach based on pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn phases 

We also dive into why lure selection and presentation are critical—since artificial lures are designed to mimic baitfish and trigger predatory instincts through movement, vibration, and flash . Whether you're fishing from the bank, kayak, or bass boat, these techniques will help you locate active fish and maximize your catch rate.

This is a must-listen for anglers who want:

• The best spring bass fishing techniques 
• A breakdown of top-producing lakes and rivers near Fredericksburg

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon down below: 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]

 Check out Shane Flint Outdoors online fishing tournaments, and his social media platforms down below. 

Website: https://shaneflintoutdoors.com/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShaneFlintOutdoors 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067824541655 

 Please check-out our show Sponsors
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

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road,

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down with Kerr Lake native and professional catfish guide Tim from King’s Catfishing Guide Service to break down everything you need to know about catfish fishing on Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake)—one of the top trophy catfish fisheries in the entire country.
Born and raised around Kerr Lake, Tim started fishing at just 10 years old alongside his grandfather, where he quickly developed a passion for catfishing, freshwater fishing, and targeting giant blue catfish. As a teenager, he took things to the next level—launching his own kayak and dialing in his approach to kayak catfishing, drift fishing, anchored fishing, and structure fishing. Over time, he refined his techniques and built a reputation for consistently catching trophy blue catfish, flathead catfish, and channel catfish.
In this episode, Tim gives us an in-depth breakdown of Kerr Lake catfishing patterns, seasonal movements, and proven tactics to help you catch more fish. We dive into:
• The best areas on Kerr Lake to target big catfish
• How to locate fish using electronics, sonar, and side imaging
• The most effective catfish baits (cut bait, live bait, and fresh shad)
• When to use drift fishing vs anchoring techniques
• How weather, current, and water temperature impact the bite
• Gear setups including catfish rods, reels, rigs, and terminal tackle
Tim also shares stories from the water—including a jaw-dropping 130-pound blue catfish caught on a guided trip—and explains what it takes to consistently land fish of that caliber on Kerr Lake.
Since launching King’s Catfishing Guide Service and his YouTube channel in 2017, Tim has guided hundreds of successful trips and takes pride in introducing beginners, kids, and families to the sport of catfishing and outdoor fishing adventures. 

Website: https://www.kingscatfishing.com/about/captain-tim-king 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kingscatfishing671 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kings-Catfishing-Guide-Services/100095388464003/ 

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]

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 

Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5

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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with tournament hammer Hunter Smith to break down one of the hottest spring bass fishing bites in the country—the legendary Chickahominy River! Fresh off multiple tournament wins this spring and landing several giant 7+ pound largemouth bass, Hunter gives us a full, in-depth Chickahominy River fishing report and explains why this fishery is widely considered one of the best tidal bass fishing rivers in the United States. 

We dive deep into proven bass fishing techniques, including how to locate and catch big fish in changing tidal river conditions, how water temperature, tide cycles, and current impact the bite, and the exact fishing patterns that are producing right now in April. Hunter breaks down key areas to target—like spawning flats, creek mouths, backwater sloughs, and grass lines—and reveals the best strategies for both pre-spawn and spawning bass fishing. 

You’ll also learn what bass fishing lures are dominating the Chickahominy, including soft plastics, jigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures, along with the exact fishing tackle setups (rods, reels, line, and gear) you need to maximize your success. Whether you’re fishing from a kayak or bass boat, this episode is packed with actionable insight to help you catch more and bigger bass on any tidal fishery. 

To close out the show, I’m joined by local legend Lin Bell, owner of Fishing Pro Tech, who gives us an exclusive look at the latest JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) fishing tackle, including cutting-edge bass lures, rods, and gear that are taking the fishing world by storm. If you’re serious about upgrading your bass fishing setup and staying ahead of the curve, you don’t want to miss this segment. 

If you're looking for the ultimate spring bass fishing report, tips on how to fish tidal rivers, or want to learn the best bass fishing techniques and lures for April, this is an episode you cannot miss! 

Follow Hunter on his social media accounts below: 

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hpsfishing/ 

Hunters Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... 

Hunters YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcYT38BxL_yFHkbb977e_Hw 

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]
 

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 

Support the show