The Mid-Atlantic's - Potomacbass Message Board

[Guest]

Hey everyone. I'm new to Bass fishing and had a few questions. I live in Northern Virginia and trying to research and find the best starter boat for the area I plan to fish. I live near Algonkian Park (Sterling) so that is where I will do most of my fishing. I could use a few ideas before I go making a purchase. Any help is greatly appreciated. I will check back if any questions are presented to me. I'm trying to get all of this for under 5k. I think that is pretty reasonable. Well anyways thanks again.

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[Eman]

Give Sherman and Anthony a call at Dumfries Marine. I'm pretty sure they just picked up a few that might be right in your range. The number is 703-221-6491

Good luck,

E

[woosuh]

I fish that area quite a bit...if you are looking for a boat that area, you should get a jet motor on a aluminum boat. The water there is shallow and rocks can damage your boat and prop.

[Guest]

I agree...It's VERY Shallow in this area....I fished it a few times in my Jon Boat...2 feet average depth was about it and I drove all over this place...docking was hard due to the current for my lil boat and I tore up my prop there. Just beware...IT IS SHALLOW throughout...as for the fishing I caught many many channel cats there...biggest being 12lbs...and a 10lb carp. Other then that...it aint a whole lot fun in there...maybe a smallie or so...but not much. Good luck

[Don Neidig]

You should seriously consider a jet drive outboard on a flat bottom boat. Dumfries may have something you want but Mare Marine in both MD and VA have been doing this type of rig for many years and may have a used one you would be interested in. 301-898-3717

[Robert]

Make sure you get a good trailer because you'll need it soon after you fish that area of the river. You'll be trailering to an area that has some smallmouth. That area of the river is very shallow with hardly any cover except isolated grass beds that really dont hold many fish. You would be better off fishing deeper stretches.

[Jim C.]

Actually, I LIKE the area around Algonkian. I've found a few places where smallies abound. Nothing for the record books, but certainly quantity if you know where to look. As for boats, I have taken my aluminum Bass Tracker (Proteam 175) out there, but won't do it again. As folks have so accurately noted, water levels tend to be shallow. I chewed up two props before I decided not to go there with my bigger boat. Never hit the bottom of the boat, but replacing/repairing the props was enough for me.

If you are looking for a decent and versatile boat set up for under $5K, have you thought about a Gheenoe or River Hawk? They are canoe-type boats with built in outriggers in the hull so they are incredible stable. You can stick a smallish outboard on them and go all over the Upper Potomac. Backyard Boats in Woodbridge sells the River Hawks for under $1K and a small outboard like a Briggs and Stratton 5hp will set you back about $700. Add a trailer for a few hundred and you've got a very nice light rig for a bit over $2K. Trust me when I saw you won't find an aluminum rig with jet outboard for under $5K - not new or even nearly new in any event. Do a google search on "Gheenoe" and "River Hawk" and you'll get a few sites with additional info.

Good luck.