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REPORT FOR 5/13/08 I’ve been building an ark! Maybe this is global wetting!??? Whatever it is, the river is muddy and FULL of debris! Just when things were heating up, we have to wait again…or not! The 12th annual St Jude Potomac Teams Tournament is JULY 11th…Friday…Leesylvania! Email me for REGISTRATION forms. Also, tune to WUSA Ch 9 news this THURSDAY at 5pm…. I took sports anchor Levan Reid out and he caught his first bass! I had a lot of success in the muddy water fishing docks, wood and even grass. The key is to darken up, bulk up and slow down! Fish will still eat, but you have to be prepared. My favorite bait is the new one from MIZMO! The 5 inch black/blue fleck Swamp Monster creature/craw is the perfect muddy water soft plastic. Also, 5-inch Mizmo tubes are working! Again, go with the dark colors. The Swamp Monsters has two arms in addition to the flapping craw claws. These arms also have pockets for the Mizmo Thunder Rattles! Very loud, big target! A heavy soaking in Garlic Jack’s Juice is a huge help too! I have also inserted some packing peanuts pieces to float the arms! Pitch to cover, and let it sit! Shake and be patient! As the water begins to clear or in areas where the water has cleared a bit, thumping spinnerbaits and the Mann’s Baby 1-Minus are the best bets. Colorado/Indiana Mann’s Classic gold bladed spinnerbaits slowly crawled next to shallow cover is the best way to fish now. For the Baby 1-Minus, same thing. Firetiger and the new Elite Series BABY 1-MINUS Mat tiger is louder and shows up well n stained water. Lipless cranks at higher tides enable you to touch the grass along the main river and in the mouths of creeks. I like the Lucky Craft LVR D-7! Mad craw, aurora black. On all moving baits, I recommend replacing hooks with Mustad Ultra Point trebles. BTW! The BEST split ring pliers ever, from Texas Tackle! http://texastackle.com/pliers.htm none like it anywhere! For cranks, I like the 7” medium action rod like the 2iG Ultra Strike, perfect to feel cover and hookset! It’s not too limber or too stiff to keep you from landing fish. Until the water clears a bit more…topwaters might be tough. The best now are walking baits. The aurora BLACK Gunfish 115 is great on the river especially in stained water! A slow walk and keep it moving after a strike. Have a follow-up bait; second chance baits are stick worms like the Mann’s Hardnose Freefall worm. I like to rig them wacky style with the Mustad wacky worm hook. Carolina rigs and split shot rigs are best in bare banks and just beyond the main grass spawning areas. Small finesse worms, like the Mann’s Hardnose 5 inch Finesse worm work for drop shot and for shakey heads. Green pumpkin and other darker colors are best. Can you believe our government is trying to impose a tax on bass boaters? It’s true! I was at a Capitol Hill breakfast briefing. Livewells, bilges and water discharge from your outboard! http://www.fishingworld.com/News/Read.php?ArtID=000022485 This year I changed insurance companies. So many guys I know insure through their car insurance or homeowners. This year, I went to the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Angler is a membership program that's part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters whose mission is to protect the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. Anglers should ask these five questions when shopping for insurance for their fishing boats…scroll down to find out what’s missing in your policy! You can check out the new Skeeters, including the one I run, the Skeeter ZX225! Stop by 1214 Portsmouth Blvd, Suffolk VA 23434 or call for details 757-923-0663, Frank, Chuck, Jack and Steve will be there. Pick up some Yamalube and Ring Free and also check out their other lines of boats. Under New Management, www.SeaportMarineServices.com. Some other techniques around docks and hard cover are Mizmo tubes with an insert tube head. I have been using the Gerkin head for 6 years! Made with a Mustad Ultra Point hook...it has a wire weed guard and an elongated lead head…this makes the bait glide. The Gerkin tube head, now owned by R&R Custom Baits can be found at Dance’s Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling…804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. The key is to slow down. Stop when you can. For extended periods! Jack’s Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig! I spent some time on the water with writer Pete Robbins and his wife. Pete did a great job on this article…How (not) To Teach Your Wife How To Fish! How many of you bought a baitcasting reel, tried it and gave up! Apparently there are a lot of you out there! Don’t give up, learn how to use them! Start with a decent reel, $120-140 on up. Then practice…but what do you practice? Check out my free videos (http://www.monkeysee.com/channel/show/89) and you’ll learn how to cast…if you can cast, but with only one hand, you can learn how to use your other hand too! It’s no secret Maui Jims are the best polarized sunglasses…but they just made a huge improvement for anglers over 40…Maui Readers are equipped with a small magnifier on the bottom of the lens so you can see to tie knots!!! The added magnifier doesn’t interfere with regular vision! I love them! See what you’ve been missing! Mauijims.com. I suggest Maui Jim HCL (high contrast lens) polarized sunglasses for picking up cover in the water and seeing fish. Check around, most serious anglers are wearing them. Eye protection is important!!! Get a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. Sunglass Huts carry these. If you see me on the water, I’ll let you check mine out. Polycarbonate Maui Sports are light as a feather and the optics are great. For drop shots, Mann’s Hardnose green pumpkin finesse worm is the best. The bait’s tough head stays on the hook and the soft-bodied pencil point tail does a whole lot of shaking! I also like this worm for the shakey head application. I use the plain lead Gerkin jig heads for shaky head fishing…heat the head and coat with BROWN vinyl powdered coat available from lurecraft.com. It’s also a good choice for the split shot rig. For the drop shot and the split shot rigs, I am using a 2/0 Mustad Ultra Lite Mega Bite hook. I like to use an 8-inch leader on my drop shot. The Carolina rig is pretty good now too! In Spoils and Smoots and in areas close to deep water! BTW I have found the PERFECT drop shot tool! The FISHING Butler (Fishingbutler.com) secures drop shot weights to your rod when putting away! No VELCRO or rubber bands! This device is adjustable and can also be used to secure rods to each other. There’s confusion over what licenses are required to guide on the Tidal Potomac River. I worked very closely with the PRFC this summer to come up with a grid of requirements to comply with DC, MD, VA and the PRFC on the Tidal Potomac. If you would like a copy, let me know! I support Capt. Ken Penrod’s efforts to see to it that these rules are enforced! INSURANCE QUESTIONS?????? 1. Do you need an "actual cash value" or "agreed value" policy? If you have a claim, actual cash value policies take depreciation into account when reimbursing for a loss. Actual cash value policies are generally the less expensive option. On the other hand, agreed value policies are more expensive, but pay for repairs or replacement up to the value stated on the policy - except for a few specified items - regardless of the age or condition of the boat or equipment. 2. Is fishing gear covered? Any fishing boat insurance policy should automatically include some coverage for expensive tackle. If the boat is trailerable and used in freshwater, you may find a policy that includes this coverage without any additional cost. 3. What is the fine print on using towing services? Some fishing boat insurance policies include on-the-water towing or roadside assistance service. The problem is that when you need to call upon these non-emergency services - such as an on-the-water gas delivery, a tow back to the launch ramp or roadside tow vehicle jumpstart - it counts against you as an insurance claim. Find an insurance company that does not require filing an insurance claim. You shouldn't be penalized when taking advantage of these valuable services. 4. Where can I go? Most boat insurance policies have "cruising areas" limiting where the policy is in force. Trailer your fishing boat outside those areas and you'll need to call your insurer for an "extension" to ensure coverage remains in effect. Find an insurance policy that doesn't put limits on where you can trailer your boat. 5. What about tournament coverage? Make sure you have the liability coverage required. What if you've paid your entry fee but miss the tournament due to a breakdown while trailering? Look for a policy that offers some type of reimbursement for your entry fee if trailering troubles or other covered losses prevent you from competing. BoatU.S. Angler offers insurance policies specifically designed to meet the needs of today's anglers with fishing boats, including coverage for accidents with non-insured boaters, medical coverage for injuries, as well as salvage costs related to the recovery of a sunk or totaled boat. They also offer GUIDE programs!!!! Visit http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call 866-532-1829 for more information. Pour some great finesse worms and other soft plastics with precise and easy to use molds from lurecraft.com. They have all of the supplies and plastic mixes for floating and for softness. Go on–line to find out more! (www.lurecraft.com 1-800-925-9088 for a free catalog). Make straight tail finesse worms for shakey head fishing, drop shots, and split shots! They can even make a mold for your design! Take a look at some of the baits I have made on: www.nationalbass.com (articles/lure-craft.htm)…call now to put your orders in! 1-800-925-9088 I’m the BASS FISHING EXPERT for the Boatus.com website. I answer fishing questions based on my experience as a guide and with a little help from my friends: other writers, manufacturers, guides and top pros will contribute to my responses. Check it out at: http://my.boatus.com/askexperts/ I keep a few Frogg Toggs on board for sudden showers…whenever they come. The new Elite Series has become my year-round windbreaker and rain suit. These new Toggs are amazing and they are loaded with pockets and features…and come with a very reasonable price tag! Stop me and check it out! Frogg Toggs (www.froggtoggs.com) are always on board. They block the wind and are breathable! I carry extras for my passengers! My Sportsman's Magazine article will focus on signature baits! Three big name pros tell you what goes into a product before their name goes on it. Look for my Tournament Talk column in Woods & Waters. Check www.woodsandwatersmagazine.com. A limited FREE supply at Belle Haven Marina and at Bowes and Arrows. I detail features and benefits of specific products in my reports I have used extensively and have confidence. Mentioning product names is easier for you to match up with what I’m using. It’s Teva Time!!!! I sometimes start with some Seal Skinz socks for the cool mornings…but sunscreen on my feet and I’m ready for the longer 10-14 hour days. Check out this video. Let's put the controversy to rest! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9V_nFWSQUE - There’s a new style TEVA I just LOVE! Karnali Wraptor (http://teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6960&model=Karnali+Wraptor) have a toe guard! They are perfect for water sports…. they have drains and are great for standing all day! New TEVA sandals are sport shoes…especially water sports like bass fishing! If you do not wear sport sandals from TEVA, you should! Just cover your feet with sunscreen and you'll feel better! I have tried other footwear, including expensive basketball shoes. TEVA's are very comfortable and have boat safe surfaces along with anti-microbial protection. TEVA’s are comfortable and keep me on my feet...no butt seat either! Check out www.teva.com. Senior BASSMASTER writer, Robert Montgomery has taken decades of writing and fishing experience with the best in the fishing business and compiled it into one huge E-Book. Ratio's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS contains nearly 300 VERY specific tips from pros to help you catch more fish! I found a TON of great tips to help me. Get RONTICO's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS here: www.killer-bass-fishing-secrets.com. It's only $19.95…about a nickel a tip! Well worth it! The site has some FREE tips! There are some great tackle specials this month at Jann's Netcraft! If you want to be on the email list for these specials, contact me! Contact Jann's Netcraft for your free catalog! They have a great assortment of do-it-yourself supplies, and a great line of soft plastics too! By this time of the year, my rod tips are just about worn out on my cranking rods. The guides take a constant beating too! Toss out the rod that is really still in great shape? No way! I’ve learned how to replace guides on my favorite rods and they’re ready to go! Check out their rod building and repair supplies. Get a tip kit, with many sizes for a variety of rods. If you want to learn how to make repairs or even build your own custom rods, they have a great rod-building instructional book and all tools and parts! They also have everything you need to make crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. You can start from scratch or assemble the parts to build the baits you like to your exact specs…and save money too! Jann's Netcraft luremaking, flytying, rod building, and soft baits! They've been around for a long time and have a great selection of lure making materials too! Check them out at www.jannsnetcraft.com or call 1-800-NETCRAFT! I drive a 1995 Nissan 4WD truck. This old truck really tows my Skeeter with ease! I bought this truck from PASSPORT Nissan and I’ve been buying my vehicles from the owner since 1978! If you have any questions about NISSAN trucks, please forward to me! Nissan is running low interest rates or cash back on Titan, Frontier and Xterra. Bob Gasbarri knows NISSANS and he knows trucks! Give him a call at 703-461-5279 with any towing questions! Let me know if you’d like to set up a test drive! CONTACT ME; I’LL GET YOU A BELOW INVOICE NO HASTLE PRICE! I have also found a new product that is awesome! I interviewed the makers of Hawg Pockets after they won the ICAST new product showcase award. I had the gadgets in my basement for a while. I took a fishing trip to West Virginia. My wife started to freak out when I started to load my rods with crankbaits into her new Passport Nissan Murano. She didn't want me to hook her leather interior. I remembered the Hawg Pockets, read the instructions and snapped them into place. They did their job. I also found out they didn't tangle when I moved them and I could see my bait thru them! Check out the website. They keep my rods from tangling and I can see the baits on the rods. This is the best fishing lure guard I have ever seen! Check them out! http://www.hawgpockets.com MIZMO tubes, Punisher Jigs, and most of the Lucky Craft and Mann's baits are now in Bass Pro Shops latest catalog…look for them! 2008 Potomac Tides under “REPORTS AND TIDES”. Print a copy. New to the river? Get a pro-quality map for fishing the Potomac and for other Virginia waters map from GMCO: www.gmcomaps.com. They list popular locations and hidden dangers of navigating the Potomac. I’ve switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle…I have already noticed they don’t take long to recharge! More on these later! Have fun! Questions, comments or booking a trip: info@nationalbass.com. I have a lot of articles on various strategies and techniques on my site. If you have a suggestion for an article, let me know. Check out my website: www.nationalbass.com. I can't fish the entire river all the time; so if you have some information to share, let me know. Captain Steve Chaconas/National Bass Guide Service/SEOPA "Take me fishing!" .·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> > About Us | Contacting Us | Rates and Reservations | FAQ | Fishing Report & Tides | Articles & Tips | Photo Album | Client Comments | Sponsors | Corporate Trips |
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