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On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by kayak bass fishing tournament champion Joshua Evans for a full October Potomac River Fall Bass Fishing Report! We’re breaking down the changing conditions on the tidal Potomac River, the disappearing grass beds, fall bass fishing patterns, and what anglers need to know to find and catch more bass this fall! The Potomac River has been fishing differently this year, with historically productive areas like Mattawoman Creek and Smallwood experiencing a significant decline in aquatic vegetation. Joshua shares what he's seeing on the water, why finding healthy grass is so important, and how he's adjusting his approach to catch bass in some of the toughest conditions we've seen on the tidal Potomac. We also dive into Joshua's incredible Upper Chesapeake Bay kayak fishing championship victory, where he landed a massive 6-pound, 10-ounce bass and put together a 91¼-inch five-fish limit on day one! Joshua breaks down his tournament-winning spinnerbait pattern, how he located an overlooked stretch of productive grass, and the decisions that helped him dominate during challenging weather conditions. 🎣 IN THIS EPISODE: Potomac River Fall Bass Fishing Report • October fishing conditions on the tidal Potomac River • Why Mattawoman Creek and Smallwood have become more challenging • Finding productive bass fishing areas when grass beds disappear • Comparing bass fishing opportunities in Pohick, Occoquan, and Mattawoman Creek • How the fall transition is changing bass behavior Tidal Bass Fishing Techniques & Strategies • How rising and falling tides influence bass movement • Finding productive fishing windows around high and low tides • Following bass as they move out of shallow creeks • Why healthy grass can be the key to catching fall bass • How to adjust when traditional fishing spots stop producing Upper Chesapeake Bay Tournament Championship • How Joshua found an overlooked area loaded with bass • Catching a 6-pound, 10-ounce bass during tournament competition • Putting together a 91¼-inch five-fish limit • How wind, rain, and tidal movement affected his fishing strategy • Lessons learned from an incredible kayak tournament season Best Fall Bass Fishing Lures & Tackle • Why War Eagle spinnerbaits dominate Joshua's fall fishing approach • Choosing the right spinnerbait blade size and weight • Lipless crankbait techniques for fishing around vegetation • iRod fishing rod setups for spinnerbaits and moving baits • Fluorocarbon versus braided fishing line • How the right rod action helps keep big bass hooked We also discuss the mental side of tournament bass fishing, overcoming adversity, preparing for competition, and Joshua's impressive season on the water. Whether you're fishing the Potomac River, Upper Chesapeake Bay, Mattawoman Creek, or any other Mid-Atlantic tidal bass fishery, this episode is packed with fishing reports, tournament insights, and techniques that can help you become a better angler! FOLLOW JOSHUA EVANS: Facebook: Joshua Evans Fishing Instagram: @tightlinessharpminds  SUPPORT FISHING THE DMV! Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or discussing a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at: [email protected] CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS: Green Top Sporting Goods: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake's Bait & Tackle: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Support the show

Virginia Beach fall fishing is changing fast! Captain Chris of VB Backwater Guide Services joins Fishing the DMV to break down the October and November fishing patterns for speckled trout, redfish (puppy drum), and striped bass in Virginia Beach and the lower Chesapeake Bay. We discuss why redfish numbers have declined in the shallow backwaters, when the fall speckled trout bite really turns on, and how to catch stripers and trout around dock lights after dark. After two difficult winters, Virginia's inshore redfish fishery has faced serious challenges. Captain Chris shares what he's seeing on the water, why young puppy drum have been particularly vulnerable, and how quickly the fishery could rebound with favorable winter conditions. But there's plenty of opportunity for anglers heading into fall! As water temperatures cool, speckled trout begin moving into the backcountry, striped bass become more active around dock lights, and larger trout start showing up as November transitions into December. IN THIS EPISODE: 🎣 Virginia Beach Redfish Report ·       Why puppy drum have been difficult to find ·       How the winters of 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 affected young redfish ·       What could help Virginia's redfish population rebound Fall Speckled Trout Fishing ·       When trout move into Virginia Beach's shallow backwaters ·       Why water temperatures near 65°F are important ·       October and November fishing patterns ·       Why December can produce trophy speckled trout Striped Bass & Night Fishing ·       How to catch striped bass around dock lights ·       Finding productive water using current, depth changes, oysters, and grass lines ·       Why small baitfish and shrimp presentations work ·       Topwater, fly fishing, and conventional tackle techniques Best Fall Fishing Flies & Lures ·       EP Spawning Shrimp and Clouser Minnows ·       DOA Shrimp and small shrimp-style soft plastics ·       Matching Atlantic silversides with small, flashy flies ·       How to present lures naturally around dock lights Cobia Fishing & World Record Stories ·       Sight fishing for cobia in the Chesapeake Bay ·       Fly rod setups for cobia, bull drum, trout, and redfish ·       The story of Cathy Kallberg's IGFA-recognized, record-tying cobia catch on fly tackle Whether you're planning a Virginia Beach fishing trip, targeting Chesapeake Bay striped bass, learning saltwater fly fishing, or trying to catch more speckled trout this fall, Captain Chris shares practical advice from his experience guiding local waters. BOOK A FISHING TRIP WITH CAPTAIN CHRIS VB Backwater Guide Services  Website: https://www.vbbackwater.com/ Phone: 757-403-2045 Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbbackwater?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  #VirginiaBeachFishing #SpeckledTrout #Redfish #ChesapeakeBayFishing #FishingTheDMV Support the show

The Ocean City, Maryland fall fishing season is beginning, and the recent nor’easter may have helped kickstart the October striped bass bite. Taylor from Always Bent Fishing joins Fishing the DMV to break down the latest Ocean City fishing report, what happened to the summer bite, where stripers are beginning to show up, and what anglers should expect around Ocean City Inlet, Route 50 Bridge, Assateague, Chincoteague and the surrounding Eastern Shore waters. We cover the transition from summer into fall fishing, including striped bass, flounder, red drum, bluefish, tog, sheepshead, triggerfish and several other species that have been showing up around Ocean City. Taylor also explains some of his most reliable techniques for anglers fishing the area, including: • How the October striped bass migration develops around Ocean City  • Why the nor’easter could accelerate the fall bite  • Fishing Route 50 Bridge and Ocean City Inlet current  • Why ¾-ounce to 1½-ounce jig heads may be necessary in heavy current  • Paddle-tail techniques for striped bass and flounder  • Bucktail and Gulp combinations for Ocean City flounder  • Why old-school spec rigs can still catch stripers, bluefish and flounder  • Assateague surf fishing opportunities  • Red drum opportunities around Chincoteague and Tom’s Cove  • What happened with Ocean City’s offshore tuna and billfish season  • Fall and winter opportunities for stripers and tog We also discuss the incredible storm flooding around Ocean City, unusual shark activity, cobia and other warm-water species moving unusually far north, wreck fishing, surf fishing and what anglers should watch for as water temperatures continue to fall. If you're planning an October or fall fishing trip to Ocean City, Maryland, this conversation gives you a practical look at what is happening now and how to approach the changing seasonal bite. Subscribe to Fishing the DMV for more Maryland fishing reports, Virginia fishing reports, Mid-Atlantic fishing interviews, bass fishing content and regional fishing information. LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Always bent.com https://www.alwaysbent.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alwaysbentfishing  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbentfishingoc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  Facebook: http://facebook.com/AlwaysBentFishingOC   Slack Tide Kayak Fishing: https://www.slacktidekayakfishing.com/  Fish Assateague LLC: https://fishassateague.com/  Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam: https://fishnpaddle.com/  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ #fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport  Support the show

Buggs Island/Kerr Reservoir is roughly 11 feet low, but the fall bass and striper bite is still going strong. Zach from Threadfin Guide Service joins Fishing the DMV to break down where largemouth bass, spotted bass and striped bass are positioning during the extreme low-water conditions—and how anglers can adjust as the lake transitions into October and November. The severe drawdown has exposed rock veins, brush piles, points, boat ramps and other structure that anglers normally only see on electronics. Zach explains how he's using the low water to better understand these areas, why bass haven't necessarily abandoned their traditional locations, and where fish are staging when their normal shallow cover is completely out of the water. We also break down: • How low water is affecting Buggs Island/Kerr Reservoir fishing  • Where largemouth and spotted bass are staging during the fall transition  • Why finding rock with bait has been one of the biggest keys • How stripers, spotted bass and largemouth are feeding around the same bait concentrations • Why bass may continue feeding after a school of stripers moves away • The current Buggs Island topwater bite • How cold fronts and sudden water-temperature drops can change feeding times • Why a gradual fall cooldown can make fish easier to pattern • Where the fish may move as October progresses • Fishing rocky points, coves, boat ramps, bridges and other remaining structure • Topwater, flukes, spoons and Alabama rigs for fall bass • Why Zach keeps an Acme Little Cleo spoon ready throughout much of the year • How to cast and retrieve spoons for schooling bass and stripers • Why smaller baitfish presentations become more important later in the fall • What anglers can learn by physically seeing structure normally hidden underwater Despite the extreme conditions, Zach is still finding excellent fishing, including mornings with 40–50 fish and a bite heavily dominated by topwater. If you fish Buggs Island, Kerr Reservoir, Virginia or North Carolina—or you're trying to understand how bass react when a reservoir drops dramatically—this conversation has a ton of information you can apply on the water. Threadfin Guide Service website: https://www.threadfinguide.com/about  Book a guide trip right here: https://anycreek.com/threadfinguideservice Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  #BuggsIsland #BassFishing #StriperFishing #FishingTheDMV Support the show

How do you catch 24+ pounds of bass in roughly 90 minutes on the James River and Chickahominy River? Chaz and Jared break down their Elite 70 tournament win, including the perfect tidal window, an 8-pound largemouth, forward-facing sonar, the Koike bait, offshore cover, and the decisions that turned one morning into a winning Virginia bass fishing performance. The guys explain why they committed to making the run to the upper Chickahominy, how incoming tide, low light, current, grass, brush piles and stumps positioned the fish, and how LiveScope helped expose bass they already knew were living offshore. The result was a rapid flurry of big fish—including 4- and 5-pounders, a topwater fish and the massive 8-pounder that changed the tournament. We also get deep into the current state of James River and Chickahominy River bass fishing. Chaz and Jared discuss fishing pressure, tournament traffic, changing grass, drought and salinity, F1 bass stocking, why weights aren't carrying as deep through tournament fields, and why the upper Chick continues to produce giant largemouth even when other areas struggle. Plus, we talk about one of the hottest baits in tournament bass fishing—the Koike—and why they believe it isn't just a forward-facing sonar bait. From fishing it around offshore cover to throwing it without LiveScope, the guys explain why this unusual bait continues catching pressured bass in tidal fisheries. Topics include:  • James River bass fishing  • Chickahominy River bass fishing  • Summer tidal bass fishing  • How tide positions largemouth bass  • Forward-facing sonar and LiveScope  • Koike bait fishing  • Offshore brush piles and stumps  • Grass lines and tidal current  • Tournament fishing pressure  • Virginia bass tournament strategy  • The changing James River fishery  • BFL, MLF and tournament bass fishing If you fish the James, Chickahominy, Potomac or any tidal bass fishery, there is a ton of information in this conversation about timing, pressure, offshore bass and knowing when to abandon your normal patterns. Sponsor List for episode description:  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  #JamesRiver #ChickahominyRiver #BassFishing #VirginiaFishing #FishingTheDMV Support the show

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Thomas Arens sits down with Mark from Catoctin Creek Custom Rods, a longtime Northern Virginia rod builder and angler, to break down the science, craftsmanship, and real-world performance behind modern fishing rods. Mark has been building custom fishing rods since establishing Catoctin Creek Custom Rods in 2009, and in this conversation we dive deep into what bass anglers should actually look for when choosing a rod. We cover: 🎣 Rod Power vs. Rod Action — What medium, medium-heavy, fast, extra-fast, moderate and moderate-fast actually mean 🎣 Expensive Rods vs. Budget Rods — What separates a high-end bass rod from something like an Ugly Stik 🎣 Custom Fishing Rods — How blanks, reel seats, grips, guides and components affect performance 🎣 Graphite vs. Fiberglass — How rod construction affects sensitivity, durability and weight 🎣 Best Rod Actions for Bass Fishing — Extra-fast rods, crankbait rods, finesse fishing and more 🎣 Drop Shot & Jigging Minnow Setups — Mark breaks down the spinning rods, line and leaders he prefers 🎣 Fuji Guides, Alconite, NanoLite & Torzite — Does guide material really matter when fishing braid? 🎣 Carbon Fiber, Cork, EVA & Winn Grips — How modern rod handles have evolved 🎣 Custom Rod Repair — Replacing guides, rebuilding vintage rods and restoring broken fishing rods 🎣 Shenandoah River & Northern Virginia Bass Fishing — Including finesse fishing, smallmouth bass and local fishing conditions We also talk about the economics of the custom rod industry, how inflation and material costs have affected rod builders, why some fishing rods cost hundreds of dollars, and whether a custom-built rod actually makes sense for the average angler. Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ #fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport  Support the show

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Thomas Arens sits down with Virginia Conservation Police Officer Jackson Diberg for a behind-the-scenes look at game wardens, wildlife crime, poaching investigations, boating enforcement, and protecting Virginia’s natural resources. Jackson shares incredible stories from the field, including an undercover case involving a man illegally spearfishing bass at Lake Frederick, resulting in more than 20 violations, thousands of dollars in fines, and a five-year fishing-license revocation. We also discuss: • How to become a Virginia Conservation Police Officer  • Illegal bass spearfishing and poaching  • Spotlighting deer and illegal bait sites  • Trout snagging and fishing-limit violations  • Undercover patrols and wildlife investigations  • Boating enforcement on Virginia waterways  • Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley patrols  • How hunters and anglers can report wildlife violations  • How Virginia DWR and Conservation Police are funded Jackson also shares a wild case involving a deer illegally shot inside Front Royal — and eventually discovered hidden inside a laundry hamper. If you enjoy Virginia fishing, hunting, conservation, game warden stories, Shenandoah Valley outdoors, and Mid-Atlantic fishing content, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Subscribe to Fishing the DMV for more fishing, hunting, conservation, fisheries management, and outdoor stories from across Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and the Chesapeake Bay region. Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ #fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport  Support the show

September is here, and the fall transition is starting to take shape across Virginia’s tidal fisheries. On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Thomas Arens is joined by Hunter Smith of Fishing Pro Tech to break down the current state of bass fishing on the Chickahominy River and what anglers should expect as summer slowly gives way to fall. Hunter talks about the unusually tough Chickahominy bite, hot water temperatures, heavy fishing pressure, hydrilla growth, changing salinity levels, and how all of those factors may be affecting the bass fishing. We also break down some of the best September patterns, including: Frog fishing around hydrilla and lily padsDrop shots, Neko rigs, wacky rigs, and finesse wormsMinnow fishing and offshore structureThe late-evening topwater biteWhether the urchin bait craze is beginning to cool offHow the Chickahominy could change as October approachesHunter also shares his thoughts on why September can be one of the more challenging months to consistently find quality bass—and why fishing should improve as temperatures finally begin to cool. Later in the episode, we head inside Fishing Pro Tech for a tackle breakdown featuring new and trending bass fishing products from Deps, Megabass, Missile Baits, SPRO, Yamamoto, HideUp, Hags, and more. We also recap ICAST, talk JDM tackle, new lure trends, and some of the products anglers should be watching heading into fall.   Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ #fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport  Support the show

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  Support the show

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  LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ Support the show

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/  LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.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. Kingfisher Website: http://www.kfguideservices.com/  Kingfisher Email Address: [email protected]  Kingfisher Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/POTOMACRIVERSMALLIES#!/potomacriversmallmouth   Kingfisher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingfisherguideservices/?hl=en  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   Support the show

Occoquan Reservoir can humble even experienced bass anglers—but when you understand timing, rotation, and the right summer presentations, the Rez can produce some incredible largemouth bass fishing. In this episode of Fishing the DMV, local angler and tournament winner Jake Ham breaks down how he approaches summer bass fishing on Occoquan Reservoir, one of Northern Virginia’s most challenging and rewarding fisheries. Jake explains why simply finding good-looking water isn't always enough on Occoquan. Being in the right area at the right time can be the difference between going hours without a bite and suddenly putting multiple quality bass in the boat. We also dive into Jake's recent Occoquan Reservoir tournament win, where he caught an early three-fish limit before spending the rest of the day searching for the bigger bites needed to upgrade. Jake explains how practice helped narrow down productive areas, why he kept his bait selection simple, and how he was able to win by fishing shallow without relying on LiveScope. IN THIS EPISODE: Why Occoquan Reservoir bass fishing can be so humbling Why timing and fishing productive areas in rotations can be critical How Jake approaches the reservoir during the dog days of summer Fishing grass, standing timber, rock walls, shallow cover, and offshore structure Why a drop shot has become one of Jake's confidence baits Using jigs and big worms for summer largemouth bass Jake's tournament-winning shallow-water strategy How he put together a tournament limit roughly 45 minutes after launch Why tournament practice helped him narrow down his best areas and presentations Fishing areas around Fountainhead, Lake Ridge, Sandy Run, Bull Run, and the lower reservoir The difference between fishing Occoquan from a boat and a kayak Giant largemouth, snakehead, flathead catfish, and some of the wild fish stories surrounding the Rez Northern Virginia tournament fishing and the local Occoquan bass community JAKE'S TOURNAMENT-WINNING APPROACH During his Occoquan tournament win, Jake focused heavily on what he already had confidence in rather than constantly changing presentations. After launching from Lake Ridge Marina, Jake and his partner started in an area known as the Fingers and quickly put together their three-fish limit. As the morning bite slowed and summer heat set in, they rotated through additional areas before eventually finding the bigger fish needed to upgrade later in the day. Among the presentations discussed are the Bronco Bug, custom jigs, drop shots, and large plastic worms. One of Jake's biggest lessons from fishing Occoquan? Finding fish is only part of the equation. Timing can be everything. Jake Ham is a Northern Virginia angler who grew up fishing the banks of Occoquan Reservoir before eventually transitioning to fishing it from a boat. 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 Support the show