• Readers reports (from our FISHLOG.)

• Readers reports (from our message board.)

• Maryland Reports (linked to Bass Fishing Home Page)

• Virginia Reports (linked to Bass Fishing Home Page)

"Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited Fishing Report
For Week Ending July 20, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Kens cell: 240-447-2206. E-mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net
Office Answering Service: 301-937-0010, Fax: 301-931-2040
www.penrodsguides.com www.fishdeepcreek.com

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER:
Bass fishing has been quite good, despite the hot weather, at Lander, Whites Ferry and Edwards Ferry where Case Magic Sticks, and small topwater baits have been best by far. Upriver, Twin Sisters and The Fence pool provides more prime habitat. We use Teaser or Big Boy tubes, in green pumpkin, Penrods Choice; roadkill and Pumpkin/purple, attached to six or eight pound test Xcell monofilament and Gator Rods. Case Magic Stiks are deadly for summer smallmouth, particularly near water stargrass. Water temp near 80 degrees, clear on the MD side, and murky along the Virginia side.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA:
The river reads 3.5 and steady at Harrisburg, which is normal for this time of year. Youll need a 4.0 reading to safely navigate a jet boat. The main stem plus the Juniata River between Clemson Island and Fort Hunter is still providing plenty of smallmouth bass action, albeit a confining experience for larger boats. Nice smallmouth bass in the morning on buzzbaits and poppers, reports Mike Breeding. Good fishing from Swatara launch, especially upriver atand near the short dam. John Cunningham of Riverfront Campground, Duncannon (717-834-5252) will shuttle you and your boat (or rent one from John) upstream to float back to the Campground. Mizmo tubes, as always, are producing our quality fish with topwater lures garnering strikes from good bass in low light conditions.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER:
District of Columbia water, Mattawoman Creek and bridge structure near Leesylvania provided our best action this week. In the District water, some respectable largemouth bass at Key Bridge and Long Bridge. Smallmouth bass across from Washington Harbor--and windows three through six at the Kennedy Center. The Washington Channel dropoff along Fort McNair and old underwater piers between the Anacostia and Bolling have been pretty good (we use Hot Lips crankbaits, Case Magic Stiks and Mizmo tubes). In the WW Bridge area we use deep diving crankbaits in front of the Spoils, parallel to the barges. Piscataway and Broad Creeks have been fair but we still manage to take some quality bass during high water with Case Magic Sticks. Pomonkey Creek was just OK this week where algae growth hinders lure placement. Mattawoman Creek was very good near the mouth. The grass and wood cover within the 6-MPH zone was excellent (Bigmouth buzzbaits, Case Buzzin Frogs & Case Magic Sticks). Chicamuxin grass was perhaps our best stop with topwater frogs and Case Magic Stiks on weed line edges. Grass at select areas on Arkendale Flats and grass near Quantico are worth your while.


UPPER BAY:
The grass beds on the flats near the Battery Islands are holding some quality bass. The river continues to give up quality smallmouth, above Port Deposit and along portions of Garrett Island. Grass beds near Garrett Island are holding good numbers of largemouths where we throw topwater lures in the morning and Case Magic Stiks and Mizmo tubes as the sun rises.


NANTICOKE RIVER:
This eastern shore tidal river has been doing quite well recently, but you still need low water to hook decent bass. The Marshyhope was stingy but spatterdock, near channel drops, upriver from Broad Creekand boat docks, have been fair to good.

POCOMOKE RIVER:
Nasawango Creek has been the best especially during the last few hours of falling water (buzzbaits, Case Sticks, Buzzin Frogs & Big Mouth Spinnerbaits). Fish average 2-pounds but we catch a 3-4 pound bass every trip. Between Shad Landing and Pocomoke City we find spatterdock with wood cover or a tidal gut as our high percentage areas.

Kerr Lake, VA:
Water Temps are running 85-90 degrees. Water level is 298.4, main lake and creeks clear, while rivers remain stained, reports LOU associate guide Tim Wilson. Fishing has been average. Most of the bass are suspended near baitfish, and in their mid-summer haunts. Topwater presentations are working in the early AM. After that, Tim goes to a Rattletrap as the sun rises. Stripers are deep and can be caught from Henderson Point to the dam. Trollers are scoring best trolling spoons and bucktails. Good sized crappie are on deep brush and 1/16 ounce jigs are working well. Catfish are biting great in the rivers.

DEEP CREEK LAKE:
This has become our most popular summertime destination and Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) and Bret Winegardner are pleasing their substantial clientele with catches of pan fish and bass. Largemouth bass fishing has been tough this week but smallmouths are cooperating in low light conditions. Topwater poppers and Bigmouth buzzbaits are producing. www.fishdeepcreek.com"

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"Beginning Monday, July 28, 103.5 FM WTOP Radio will be airing a TWO-WEEK SERIES, "Troubled Waters", on the condition of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. I spoke with award-winning WTOP reporter Michelle Basch. The series will air weekday mornings. We discussed the Wilson bridge construction, and other development along the Potomac as well as raw sewage spills and farm runoff as contributors to potential damage to the river and the mid summer algae blooms. But, we didn't leave out the homeowner, and not just the ones living on the river. Fertilizers from lawns and runoff from home construction projects are also major contributors!
In addition, there will be video segments at wtopnews.com

Hot high water&walking baits, frogs, toads, poppers, buzzbaits&they all work&at the highest tides, I like the walkers. Lucky Craft Gunfish in shad patterns work well&in tandem, I also like the Lucky Craft BDS 4 a big-bodied shallow crank with a wide bobbling action. White is a good color here. Also at all tides, the Baby 1-minus in Splatterback Holographic is my favorite. In spinnerbaits, the ¼ ounce Manns Classic&gold blades, white skirt over shallow grass and wood when the skies are cloudy or the water is a bit stained. Vary the speed of the retrieve and rip from grass. Also, waking baits like the Manns Waker or even the Manns Mid-Minus in citrus colors or shad patterns are working over grass and around docks and wood!
The key is to draw bass out of grass with a slower presentation.

The hollow frog bite continues and it doesnt matter what time of day as long as you have LOW water! If there is sun and a low tide, they work all day! Braid is the only way to go! I like the Spiderwire 65 pound Stealth Ultra cast. Also a good stiff rod with a slightly softer tip for better casting like the 2iG Ultra Strike 72 frog and a solid reel and hold on!!!!! Casts well and has the backbone to get them out of the grass! I am adding rabbit fur to all of my Manns Super Frogs! Its easy&a drop of Pros Soft Bait Glue&JannsNetcraft.com has rabbit fur strips in many colors! I am also using a Furbit popper found at Warbirds in Woodbridge and sfttackle.com. Capt. Karl Bunch turned me on to these about 2 years ago after the Furbit won Best of Show at ICAST&annual Vegas industry tackle show!

The 13th annual St Jude Potomac Teams Tournament was a huge success! Lots of prizes&BoatUS, Abu reels, Berkley line, SealSkinz socks and gloves, Manns Baits, and Frogg Toggs! If you want to be on the email list, forward yours to me. You will be contacted for next year! Thanks to all who participated and Regions 1 and 9 for their help! Russ Shetley does a great job running this event! For standings: nationalbass.com

My follow-up bait is the new chatterbait style bait, the Rock N Runner&a Road Runner on steroids complete with small silver willow blade on the underside which gives it a unique action and more flash! This thumper combined with the Manns HardNose Craw is killer! I am using green pumpkin and watermelon skirts with contrasting or matching craws! Various retrieves in the grass are working. I look for clear water close to deeper water and to stained water for the best bites.

Mann's HardNose Frogs with a 5/0 Mustad Ultra Point tube hook in white, when the sun is out, black on very cloudy days or in off color water. In between, green pumpkin! Poppers over clear water or at lower tides are producing on main river grass and in creeks. Find the right speed. I have found a pop, pop, pop, at a very slow pace will get bites.

After that&Stick worms and weightless plastics&split shot, drop shot, and slow down! Incoming tides produce cooler water. This activates the fish a bit. Otherwise its a slow patient presentation.

WUSA Ch9 Morning Meteorologist Kim Martucci is really talking up fishing and boating during her morning weathercasts! Her reports are easy to follow and accurate! Slowly but surely, she is teaching me about weather! She is really into it! I hope she can get back out on the boat with me again soon! But, I am going to have to be careful about telling her some of my secrets! She posted photos and some of my secrets on her blog Kim Martucci! Maybe I shouldnt let her into my workroom again&who knows what photos she will get next time! I am putting in my requests for weather for our next trip!

Punching mats is in season! Best on flat calm, hot sunny days when the tide is coming in! Tru-Tungsten weights with bobber stoppers are the best way to go! Find high water mats on incoming tides&these have more space underneath!

Im also fishing a lot of Mizmo tubes now! Pitching to marsh clumps in creeks to grass clumps and to hard cover. Manns HardNose 9 inch worms offer a bigger target to fish with a huge food supply all around. The Spoils area is also a good place for Mizmos! Im pitching them Texas rigged and with the Gerkin insert heads. 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 Dances Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling&804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jacks Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

Pros Soft Bait Glue is new and improved&how could they? They improved the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water! Just in time for stick worm time! (senko style baits)

In June I went fishing with WUSA Channel 9 sports Anchor Levan Reid! He wanted to go in February! We had a blast! He caught his very first bass! Wait until you see how excited he was!
http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=752271440&maven_referrer=sta

If you are a boater&or board a boat for any recreational use&PAY ATTENTION!!! Under threat of a new potentially costly EPA permit program to be in place by September 30 of this year, recreational boaters and anglers have only a short time to encourage their Senators and Representatives in Congress to support the "Clean Boating Act of 2008." The bill would retain a 35-year-old exemption under the Clean Water Act of 1972 for "normal operational" discharges from recreational boats, such as deck run-off from rain or engine cooling water. The proposed Clean Boating Act of 2008 does not weaken any existing environmental laws that restrict the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, or sewage.
Help is needed to convert the 93 House sponsors who had previously co-sponsored a similar House bill, H.R. 2550 - now dormant - to be co-sponsors of the newest version, H.R. 5949.
To easily contact your federal legislators or learn more about the issue, go to http://www.BoatBlue.org or http://www.BoatUS.com/gov.

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! Its not too limber or too stiff to keep you from landing fish.

This year I changed insurance companies; I went to the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. 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. BoatUS offers GUIDE programs!!!! Visit http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call 866-532-1829 for more information.

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.

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! Dont 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 youll learn how to cast&if you can cast, but with only one hand, you can learn how to use your other hand too!

Its 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 doesnt interfere with regular vision! I love them! See what youve 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, Ill let you check mine out. Polycarbonate Maui Sports are light as a feather and the optics are great.

Theres 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 efforts to see to it these rules are enforced!

How about pouring your own swimbaits? Senkos? Now you can! Lure Craft makes it EASY!!! Now they have a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! Now they offer durable and exact aluminum molds that enable you to make round baits! You can customize your swimbaits and for a huge savings. 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 online 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

Im 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 staying cool on the hot humid days! The right clothing and a new product from Frogg Toggs&the Chilly Pad! 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 Im using.

Its Teva Time!!!!...sunscreen on my feet and Im 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 - Theres 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. TEVAs 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! Ive learned how to replace guides on my favorite rods and theyre 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 Ive 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 youd like to set up a test drive! CONTACT ME; ILL GET YOU A BELOW INVOICE NO HASTLE PRICE!

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 freaked 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! I now use them on my boat! 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.

Ive switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle&I have already noticed they dont 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!"
.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >"

Water Temperature: 88. degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"Weve had fair to good top water action on the high part of the tide during the morning. The bass seemed to like a grass frog or buzzbaits and poppers worked over grass beds and along marsh edges. The bite slowed as the sun rose until the tide, made higher by the full moon, was at least half way out and then the action picked up. Stick worms were the most productive baits for us. Any dark color worked. We rigged our baits wacky style around grasses and weedless when we worked around wood cover. Some bass would strike the stickworm when we would swim it across the tops of grasses. Chatterbaits and Manns Baby-1 Minus continue to catch bass also. The Bass like the Baby-1 Minus worked like a topwater bait, twitch it several times before starting a retrieve."

Water Temperature: 86 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"The hollow frog bite continues and it doesnt matter what time of day as long as you have LOW water! If there is sun and a low tide, they work all day! If cloudy, they work all day! Braid is the only way to go! I like the Spiderwire 65 pound Stealth Ultra cast. Also a good stiff rod with a slightly softer tip for better casting like the 2iG Ultra Strike 72 frog and a solid reel and hold on!!!!! Casts well and has the backbone to get them out of the grass! I am adding rabbit fur to all of my Manns Super Frogs! Its easy&a drop of Pros Soft Bait Glue&JannsNetcraft.com has rabbit fur strips in many colors! I am also using a Furbit popper found at Warbirds in Woodbridge and sfttackle.com. Capt. Karl Bunch turned me on to these about 2 years ago after the Furbit won Best of Show at ICAST&annual Vegas industry tackle show!

The 13th annual St Jude Potomac Teams Tournament was a huge success! Lots of prizes&BoatUS, Abu reels, Berkley line, SealSkinz socks and gloves, Manns Baits, and Frogg Toggs! If you want to be on the email list, forward yours to me. You will be contacted for next year! Thanks to all who participated and Regions 1 and 9 for their help! Russ Shetley does a great job running this event!

My follow-up bait is the new chatterbait style bait, the Rock N Runner&a Road Runner on steroids complete with small silver willow blade on the underside which gives it a unique action and more flash! This thumper combined with the Manns HardNose Craw is killer! I am using green pumpkin and watermelon skirts with contrasting or matching craws! Various retrieves in the grass are working. I look for clear water close to deeper water and to stained water for the best bites. If you are getting catfish, move closer to the clearer water!

Another topwater favorite is Mann's HardNose Frogs with a 5/0 Mustad Ultra Point tube hook! I like white, when the sun is out, black on very cloudy days or in off color water. In between, green pumpkin! Poppers over clear water or at lower tides are producing on main river grass and in creeks. Find the right speed. I have found a pop, pop, pop, at a very slow pace will get bites. Also walking the dog with baits like the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 really draws the bigger fish.

After that&Stick worms and weightless plastics&split shot, drop shot, and slow down! You can use cranks or spinnerbaits appropriate for the water clarity. Remember, chop, low light and some color to the water make for the best spinnerbait conditions. The incoming tides produce cooler water. This activates the fish a bit. Otherwise its a slow patient presentation.

WUSA Ch9 Morning Meteorologist Kim Martucci is really talking up fishing and boating during her morning weathercasts! Her reports are easy to follow and accurate! Slowly but surely, she is teaching me about weather! She is really into it! I hope she can get back out on the boat with me again soon! But, I am going to have to be careful about telling her some of my secrets! She posted photos and some of my secrets on her blog Kim Martucci! Maybe I shouldnt let her into my workroom again&who knows what photos she will get next time! I am putting in my requests for weather for our next trip!

Manns Baby 1-Minus in Slatterback Holographic is my favorite. In spinnerbaits, the ¼ ounce Manns Classic&gold blades, white skirt over shallow grass and wood when the skies are cloudy or the water is a bit stained. Vary the speed of the retrieve and rip from grass. Also, waking baits like the Manns Waker or even the Manns Mid-Minus in citrus colors or shad patterns are working over grass and around docks and wood!

Punching mats is in season! Best on flat calm, hot sunny days when the tide is coming in! Tru-Tungsten weights with bobber stoppers are the best way to go! More on this next week!

Im also fishing a lot of Mizmo tubes now! Pitching to marsh clumps in creeks to grass clumps and to hard cover. The Spoils area is also a good place for Mizmos! Im pitching them Texas rigged and with the Gerkin insert heads. 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 Dances Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling&804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jacks Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

Pros Soft Bait Glue is new and improved&how could they? They improved the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water! Just in time for stick worm time! (senko style baits)

Last month I went fishing with WUSA Channel 9 sports Anchor Levan Reid! He wanted to go in February! We had a blast! He caught his very first bass! Wait until you see how excited he was!
http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=752271440&maven_referrer=sta

If you are a boater&or board a boat for any recreational use&PAY ATTENTION!!! Under threat of a new potentially costly EPA permit program to be in place by September 30 of this year, recreational boaters and anglers have only a short time to encourage their Senators and Representatives in Congress to support the "Clean Boating Act of 2008." The bill would retain a 35-year-old exemption under the Clean Water Act of 1972 for "normal operational" discharges from recreational boats, such as deck run-off from rain or engine cooling water. The proposed Clean Boating Act of 2008 does not weaken any existing environmental laws that restrict the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, or sewage.
Help is needed to convert the 93 House sponsors who had previously co-sponsored a similar House bill, H.R. 2550 - now dormant - to be co-sponsors of the newest version, H.R. 5949.
To easily contact your federal legislators or learn more about the issue, go to http://www.BoatBlue.org or http://www.BoatUS.com/gov.

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! Its not too limber or too stiff to keep you from landing fish.

This year I changed insurance companies; I went to the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. 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. BoatUS offers GUIDE programs!!!! Visit http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call 866-532-1829 for more information.

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.

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! Dont 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 youll learn how to cast&if you can cast, but with only one hand, you can learn how to use your other hand too!

Its 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 doesnt interfere with regular vision! I love them! See what youve 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, Ill let you check mine out. Polycarbonate Maui Sports are light as a feather and the optics are great.

Theres 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 efforts to see to it these rules are enforced!

How about pouring your own swimbaits? Senkos? Now you can! Lure Craft makes it EASY!!! Now they have a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! Now they offer durable and exact aluminum molds that enable you to make round baits! You can customize your swimbaits and for a huge savings. 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 online 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

Im 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 staying cool on the hot humid days! The right clothing and a new product from Frogg Toggs&the Chilly Pad! 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 Im using.

Its Teva Time!!!!...sunscreen on my feet and Im 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 - Theres 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. TEVAs 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! Ive learned how to replace guides on my favorite rods and theyre 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 Ive 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 youd like to set up a test drive! CONTACT ME; ILL GET YOU A BELOW INVOICE NO HASTLE PRICE!

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 freaked 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! I now use them on my boat! 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.

Ive switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle&I have already noticed they dont 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!"
.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >"

Water Temperature: 84 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited Fishing Report
For Week Ending July 13, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Kens cell: 240-447-2206. E-mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net
Office Answering Service: 301-937-0010, Fax: 301-931-2040
www.penrodsguides.com www.fishdeepcreek.com

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER:
The river is fishing GREAT with summertime smallmouth patterns shifted into high gear. LOU guide Mike breeding is catching 50 to 200 smallmouth bass in a day. Bass are taking Mizmo tubes, Case Magic Stiks and Bigmouth spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Our guides are fishing upriver of Lander, in calmed water along rocky flatsand as the sun climbs high, we seek submersed ledges. Fly fishing enthusiasts will do well using elk hair caddis and mayfly imitations. Small poppers in the evening are also taking plenty of smallmouth. We continue to concentrate our efforts in the Whites Ferry section on the Virginia side. Maryland sideHarrison Island, will continue to produce bass up to 19-inches long.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER. PA:
Water temps will range in the mid 70s. The river is quite low (3.3 feet at Harrisburg) but weather forecasts predict some rain in the valley this week. River may rise 1 foot. Smallmouth bass fishing between Montgomery Ferry and Riverfront Campground continues to be excellent but this is no place for power boats until the water reaches the 4.0 mark. John Cunningham of Riverfront Campground (717-834-5252) will shuttle you and your boat (or rent one from John) upstream to float back to the Campground. Mizmo tubes continue to be the leading lure but try your topwater baits in the early morning. If you are serious about fishing, be on the water at dawn because the good bite will only last until noon. Monitor river conditions at 1-888-881-7555.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER:
Look for an early morning topwater bite with buzzbaits, Case Buzzin Frogs (on the grass mats) and poppers near weedline edges on both main river grass and marsh banks further up in creeks. As the sun rises, the guides pitch un-weighted Case Magic Stiks to grass edges along with Jigs and June Bug colored worms. Punching the hydrilla grass mats, with a heavy weighted plastic is another tactic that is scoring on big bass. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Belle Haven areas have been stingy but grass beds between Piscataway Creek and Chickamuxen Creek have been very good. A few crankbait bass in the Spoils and some fish are holding on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge pilings. Remember, you have to cover a lot of water to find the productive zones. Bridge foundations of Long Bridge and Key Bridge will give-up some nice smallmouth and largemouth bass. Troll Luhr Jensen, Firetiger Brush Baby crankbaits in 12-feet of water along the Fort McNair side of the Washington Channel and you will catch some stripers. Grass in the Occaquan River and select sections of the Arkindale Flats give up big bass as do grassbeds in and around Quantico Marina. We use Case Magic Sticks (watermelon/gold) and buzzbaits. Pomonkey Creek has been productive with Case Magic Sticks (Were using the 6-inch with a 3/0 hook) and the Case Buzzin Frog. Feeder creeks in Hallowing Cove, the mouth of Mattawoman and Chickamuxen and grass near Chopawamsic have been good stops.

UPPER BAY:
The grass beds between Tydings and the bridges are still holding some quality bass. The river has been quite good for smallmouth, above Port Deposit and along portions of Garrett Island. Grass beds near Dundee State Park and in the back of the Gunpowder River are very difficult to fish but you can catch some nice bass on Bigmouth buzzbaits and weightless Case magic Stiks. Middle river piers have some nice bass now where an out-going tide is best.



POCOMOKE RIVER, MD:
Good fishing most of the week in conjunction with falling tides made bass fishing pleasurable and productive. Nassawango Creek spatterdock and cypress roots seemed best during the outgoing tide and we used Big Mouth spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and Case Magic Sticks. Remember, this is a great trip for Ocean City vacationers who want to include a day of bass fishing in their itinerary.

DEEP CREEK LAKE:
LOU guides Bret Winegardner and Brent Nelson are landing plenty of small 12 to 16 inch smallmouth bass on secondary points leading into up-lake coves. Water temps near 75 degrees. Largemouths are alternating between shoreline grasses and docks. Walleyes are still cooperating near submerged vegetation in 6 to 18 feet of water. Large bluegills are hitting nightcrawlers under a slip bobber near docks and weedlines. Look for trout to begin their annual migration to the deeper cooler waters near the dam. Trout are taken at night using submersible lights and small minnows. See our complete report at www.fishdeepcreek.com."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"We have concentrated our efforts on grassbeds in the main river and on tidal creeks during lower tide phases. Spro Bronzeye frogs and Scum Frog poppers work well over the thicker mats, while a 1 oz. weight rigged with a 7" Zoom trick worm or 4" Berkley Chigger Craw work when punching through mats or fishing the outer deep isolated grass clumps. Buzzbaits have produced during low light and a popper/chugger type of bait is a good choice in the early morning when fished on creek edges. Bass in creeks have been concentrating in good numbers on wood, and a 4" finesse worm or 7" trick worm or a 5" soft stickbait in green pumpkin has produced a number of quality bass. We continue to catch snakeheads on a regular basis and have found that most snakeheads that we have caught have been relating to marsh banks with less than 3 feet of water. No single lure seems to be a preference of the snakeheads, but a chatterbait has produced a good number of these fish. Don't forget, if you catch a snakehead, you must kill it and it is against the law to return it to the water, even after you have killed it."

Water Temperature: 84 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"We are experiencing an excellent early morning topwater bite in creeks along marsh banks or grass beds and along the main river grass beds by using buzz baits, poppers and grass frogs. Strikes can be explosive. As the sun gets higher, we switch to a Manns Baby-1 Minus crank bait or Chatterbaits and fish along grass edges and wood. As the tide falls, we are finding good action around wood and docks when we using plastic crawfish imitators or jig and craw combos. A creature bait rigged Texas style with a heavy sinker and pitched into heavy mats of grasses can produce some good bass. We continue to make contact with Snake Heads on almost every trip now. The Snake
Heads like the same baits as the bass."

Water Temperature: 82 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited Fishing Report
Week Ending July 6, 2008,
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office Answering Device: 301-937-0010. Kens BlackBerry: 240-447-2206
E-Mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net. Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net
www.penrodsguides.com. www.fishdeepcreek.com
Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC

Our sympathies to the friends and family of Officer Richard Findley who was killed by a low-life individual in Laurel, Maryland, this week. Richard went to school with some of our sons and he will be missed by so many.

Independence isnt freeit takes the men and women of the United States Military and we just want to say thank you.

NOTES: I will be at my lodge in North-central Pennsylvania conducting our summer youth camp so Brent Nelson will provide the fish report for the next few weeks.

TIP-OF-THE-WEEK: This is the time of year when I usually change my river smallmouth spinning reel line from eight pound test to six pound test. I use Gator graphite rods, Shimano or Pflueger reels and highly recommend Excel monofilament by Bass Pro Shops.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: Jack Packard and I caught more than 240 fish over a two day period this week from Whites Ferry and Lander sectors of the upper Potomac River. The water temperature in the morning is 76 degrees and will warm a few degrees during the day. The river level is still fine for motor-fishing but algae is beginning to appear. Massive insect hatches all week in the form of flying ants and trico. Bass fishing has been awesome.
Whites Ferry is the perfect area for those not so skilled in boatingand we are catching more fish here than anywhere else. We run upriver until you can see the smoke stack of the Dickerson Power Plant. Ill drift the middle of the river tossing Mizmo tubes (teasers in Penrod Special, Irish Coffee, Juniata Treat and Roadkill) or small in-line spinners. You can float all the way to the ferry if you wish but I generally cease this float at the rock cliff or south tip of Mason Island. You can make this drift as many times as you wish. We also do pretty well from the north tip of Harrison Island all the way to Balls Bluff. The semi-fast water is best.
Lander is still a ledge pattern and its the same upriver or down. We do best from Burkharts Riffle to the Fence but the area between the power-lines and end of Bald Eagle Island is productive now also. Six pound test monofilament and Mizmo teasers tubes along with four inch Case Magic Stiks are all you really need. Mike Breeding escorted a seven year old boy and his father on day this week and they caught more than 60 fish. This is a great place to teach the youngsters.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: The West Branch got a pretty good soaking so the river may come up somewhatbut until then we have suspended our schedule here until the level is 4-feet or more.
My youth camp depends on smallmouth fishing from West Branch tributaries so Ill report on the Sinnamahoning Branch, First Fork and Curwensville Dam the next several weeks.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: One giant golf course from Braoc Creek to the 301 bridge with just deeper channel water open. Bass fishing has been fair all week but finding productive grass beds that hold-up foe a few days or more is the real challenge. Water temperature in the 80s and algae appears on the surface from Pomonkey-south.
In Washington D.C., the Washington Channel has been pretty good but you will be warned-away from the most productive areathat being the dropoff along Fort McNair. Smallmouth bass are once again thriving on bridge foundations, especially Long Bridge (railroad).
I n the Woodrow Wilson Bridge vicinity, Penrod Cove, Fox Ferry Point, WW Barges and old bridge foundations are holding some nice bass but they have so much natural food to eat. I recommend Luhr Jensen Hot Lips and Speed Trap crankbaits; Case Sticks, Sweet Ps & critter baits; Big Mouth spinnerbaits (Penrod Special) and Chatter baits. Outside edges of grass beds in Broad and Piscataway Creeks are good topwater lure opportunities most days.
Grass and dropoffs in Gunston Cove and grass edges in Pomonkey Creek may be the best areas where Penrod Special spinnerbaits, frog, buzzbaits and weightless worms do the deed
In the Mattawoman Creek area, the grasses dominate the shallow water where frogs and Case plastics score often in the morning and low water hours.

KERR LAKE, VA: LOU associate Tim Wilson (kickassbassin@aol.com) reports that the lake level is just a little more than 299 and the water is bath-tub warm (80s). Bass are available on steep points between the town and Goat Island where Carolina-rigged plastics or deep dive crankbaits (Hot Lips) work well. Tim also points out that big schools of largemouth are in open water feeding on bait-balls of shad.

DEEP CREEK LAKE: Marylands Other Vacation Destination is doing well as far as our guides report. Vacationing anglers are escorted to early morning or late day trips where the guides teach them how to skip soft plastics under boat dock where quality largemouth bass hide. Its a great adventure and Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner know this lake as well as any person ever has. See more at www.fishdeepcreek.com

POCOMOKE RIVER: Very good bass fishing when the day includes an outgoing tide. Fish spatterdock between the park and Pocomoke Cityor Nassawango Creek with Penrod Special spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and Case Magic Stiks."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"For the week ending June 29, 2008

Folks if you get a chance check out our pictures page on our website I just updated it to include some of our spring results and a bird or two.



Tidal Potomac River

It has been a while since I've went a whole week and not have someone catch a 5-pound bass. But this week was that week we caught a lot of fish but no "Goochie Mamas". May be taht I've went to the well too many times in the same areas. I spent most of my days fishing at Arkendale and Quantico. I'm going to head back north this week focusing on Occoquan, Mattawoman, and Greenway Flats. Arkendale is producing a lot of 14 to 15-inch bass but it's getting a lot of pressure and I think that has the big girls shut down a little. They are there just a little pressured. We had a lot of wind this week so I had my Booyah HD spinnerbait working overtime and they chomped on it good. The bass preferred the herring color pattern. Got some bass on buzzbaits but more on the YUM buzzin frog in black or green pumpkin. A word on froggin; this is a technique that you have to commit to. Sure you may hit a pocket of bass that eat it right away. However most of the time you have to commit for an hour or so to get results.



Lake Anna

No report this week.

For more info on Lake Anna check out this site www.va-outdoors.com

Rappahannock River

No report this week.



Other Places

OA Guide Eddie Griggs was at the Chick again this week he has been a busy guide down there these last two weeks. Here is his report.

I've always stated that the hotter, the better for the Chick......for me anyhow and the fish are finally starting to move a little into the summer haunts. A week ago, hardly any bite on my main river summertime stuff, but this week both numbers and chubs cooperated. New clients Mark and Tracy Murphy had and enjoyable day on the river, catching approximately 35 or so bass with the largest being a tad over 5 pounds and a couple good 2 - 3 pound fish mixed in as well. The Yum Craw Papi accounted for the big one, but the majority came on 1/8 slider head with a Houdini worm on wood in the main river. The Rebel Wee R also took a few on grass lines and brush piles.

Water temps: Low - Mid 80's
Water Clarity - clear - stained

Capt. Eddie Griggs
804-543-7168

Water Temps: Low/mid 80's
Water clarity: clear to stained on outgoing water, stained to muddy on incoming














Sponsor of the week: Booyah




I cannot stress enough your need to have the Booyah HD spinnerbait in your box. When fishing weeds this lure just flat out catches them. It's so efficient to use over the grass the extra wide willows give it great lift, it has Booyah's counter rotating system providing a true track through the water, weight forward system, and the leverage hook system. If your not throwing this lure your killing your blade fishing."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited Fishing Report
Week Ending June 29, 2008,
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office Answering Device: 301-937-0010. Kens BlackBerry: 240-447-2206
E-Mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net. Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net
www.penrodsguides.com. www.fishdeepcreek.com
Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC


NOTES: Im absolutely disgusted with the city of Salisbury, Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Environment. Two more sewage treatment failures last week and this after assurances that the plant will be fixed. While Im on my bandwagon, let me point out that Maryland bent over backward to welcome National Harbor and guess what: they are overloading the sewage treatment plant in Broad Creek and Im betting they get away with it.
We need to file a law suite against Salisbury.


UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: Wow! The river is at an excellent level (1.9 at Point of Rocks) with just a little algae color but she is heating-up quickly, 77-degrees as of Thursday. A very strong ant hatch and later in the daya fine May fly hatch.
The railroad tracks we must cross to reach the Lander launch are damn-near impassable. Be careful. The ruts are really bad. What a great neighbor they are.
At Lander it looks like a small tornado touched down in several places including the parking lot where big trees were uprooted and twisted apart. The fishings really good though.
Its best upriver from the launch where we use Mizmo tubes (Irish Coffee, Penrod Special & Juniata Treat), Case Magic Stiks (green pumpkin/gold & pink), Luhr-Jensen crankbaits (speed trap in crawfish patterns) and in-line spinners. We had two bass over 18-inches long on Wednesday (one @ 19.5).
This is a ledge pattern where baits are cast over the surface bulge and allowed to drop into the canopy. In addition we had two separate musky strikes. We fish between the power lines at Hales Pool all the way upriver to Burkharts Riffle.


SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: The river is low , to low for our jet boat routine, but we are ready and willing when she rises again. We will be working stretches of the West Branch all of July when my summer youth camp kicks in. Meanwhile, try one of John Cunninghams shuttle trips from Riverfront Campground. By the way, lots of dead and dying bass have been seen recently and I would hope the scientists are doing their jobs. Pisssst; its the chicken, turkey and hog farms folks.


TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: The bass fishing between Key Bridge and Little Falls has been quite good, especially if you cast crankbaits (Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps) to rocky cover on the Virginia side.
The river is in good shape again, free of that massive flotsam but warming quickly. Fishing has been only fair though. Low 80s on the surface.
In the WW Bridge vicinity, Penrod Cove can be good or baddepending on the day. We do well with tubes, L-J Brush Babys and Case Stiks on the conctete cover. The old bridge foundations have never been quite removed so Ive marked them on my Lowrance GPSand bass are gathered on the underwater rubble and I use crankbaits to bank the debris and catch bass.
In and around Belle Haven Marina, the coves are providing nice bass on Case Stiks and Penrod Special spinnerbaits. Hog Island and boat docks south of there are worth some time. Broad Creek is just so-so. Piscataway Creek is a tough-fish but if you work the outer edges of the massive grass bed you can catch some chunky largemouth bass. I like Big Mouth buzzbaits in the morning, Case Stiks and spinnerbaits.
South, we like Pomonkey Creek during a falling tide; Mattawoman Creek near the state park all day and the 6-MPH zone spatterdock with spinnerbaits.


DEEP CREEK LAKE: This is a very popular destination for Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania vacationing families--and my guides, Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner are locked-in on the patterns. You will want to contact us as soon as possible because our days are very limited now. Remember that gasoline prices affect us also so we will be adding a surcharge when appropriate. Go to www.fishdeepcreek.com and get excited. Rememberfishing results are directly related to skill-level and mother nature.


POCOMOKE RIVER: Another Wow! The river is chock-full of medium-size bass but the cover (spatterdock) is extensive. This is a very underfished water. Great results with Penrod Special (Big Mouth Lures) spinnerbaits; Big Mouth buzzbaits; weightless worms in pink and white and LJ crankbaits


THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Mare Inc,; Ranger; Rangertrail Trailers; Xpress Boats; Lowrance Electronics; Luhr-Jensen; Minn Kota Trolling Motors and Battery Chargers; NRA; Gator Rods; Mizmo; Case Plastics; Big Mouth Lures; Jennelle Optics.
www.penrodsguides.com
kenpenrod@comcast.net
www.fishdeepcreek.com
bbnelson@comcast.net"

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"Topwater action is awesome! I like two baits right now! I can toss them all day until there is a high tide and high sun! If there is sun and a low tide, they work all day! If cloudy, they work all day! I use a Furbit Frog and Furbit popper. Capt. Karl Bunch turned me on to these about 2 years ago after the Furbit won Best of Show at ICAST&annual Vegas industry tackle show! The rabbit fur is so lively; I am replacing the legs on some of my other Frogs like the Manns Super frogs! JannsNetcraft.com has these! Add them to your frogs! 65 pound Spiderwire Stealth and a good stiff frog rod like the 2iG Ultra Strike...a slightly softer tip for better casting&a solid reel and hold on! The fish are inhaling them!

Its just around the corner; the 12th annual St Jude Potomac Teams Tournament is JULY 11th&Friday&Leesylvania! &I really would like more boats this year! Email me for REGISTRATION forms

My follow-up bait this week was the new chatterbait style bait, the Rock N Runner&a Road Runner on steroids complete with small silver willow blade on the underside which gives it a unique action and more flash! This thumper combined with the Manns HardNose Craw is killer! I am using green pumpkin and watermelon skirts with contrasting or matching craws! Various retrieves in the grass are working. I look for clear water close to deeper water and to stained water for the best bites. If you are getting catfish, move closer to the clearer water!

WUSA Ch9 Morning Meteorologist Kim Martucci is rally talking up fishing and boating during her morning weathercasts! Her reports are easy to follow and accurate! Slowly but surely, she is teaching me about weather! She is really into it! I hope she can get back out on the boat with me again soon! But, I am going to have to be careful about telling her some of my secrets! She posted photos and some of my secrets on her blog Kim Martucci! Maybe I shouldnt let her into my workroom again&who knows what photos she will get next time! I am putting in my requests for weather for our next trip!

Another topwater favorite is Mann's HardNose Frogs with a 5/0 Mustad Ultra Point tube hook! I like white, when the sun is out, black on very cloudy days or in off color water. In between, green pumpkin! Poppers over clear water or at lower tides are producing on main river grass and in creeks. Find the right speed. I have found a pop, pop, pop, at a very slow pace will get bites. Also walking the dog with baits like the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 really draws the bigger fish.

After that&Stick worms and weightless plastics&split shot, drop shot, and slow down! You can use cranks or spinnerbaits appropriate for the water clarity. Remember, chop, low light and some color to the water make for the best spinnerbait conditions. The incoming tides produce cooler water. This activates the fish a bit. Otherwise its a slow patient presentation.

After that, Manns Baby 1-Minus in Slatterback Holographic is my favorite. In spinnerbaits, the ¼ ounce Manns Classic&gold blades, white skirt over shallow grass and wood when the skies are cloudy or the water is a bit stained. Vary the speed of the retrieve and rip from grass. Also, waking baits like the Manns Waker or even the Manns Mid-Minus in citrus colors or shad patterns are working over grass and around docks and wood!

I am fishing a lot of Mizmo tubes now! Pitching to marsh clumps in creeks and to grass clumps. I am pitching them Texas rigged and with the Gerkin insert heads. 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 Dances Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling&804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jacks Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

Pros Soft Bait Glue is new and improved&how could they? They improved the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water! Just in time for stick worm time! (senko style baits)

Last month I went fishing with WUSA Channel 9 sports Anchor Levan Reid! He wanted to go in February! We had a blast! He caught his very first bass! Wait until you see how excited he was!
http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=752271440&maven_referrer=sta

If you are a boater&or board a boat for any recreational use&PAY ATTENTION!!! Under threat of a new potentially costly EPA permit program to be in place by September 30 of this year, recreational boaters and anglers have only a short time to encourage their Senators and Representatives in Congress to support the "Clean Boating Act of 2008." The bill would retain a 35-year-old exemption under the Clean Water Act of 1972 for "normal operational" discharges from recreational boats, such as deck run-off from rain or engine cooling water. The proposed Clean Boating Act of 2008 does not weaken any existing environmental laws that restrict the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, or sewage.
Help is needed to convert the 93 House sponsors who had previously co-sponsored a similar House bill, H.R. 2550 - now dormant - to be co-sponsors of the newest version, H.R. 5949.
To easily contact your federal legislators or learn more about the issue, go to http://www.BoatBlue.org or http://www.BoatUS.com/gov.

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! Its not too limber or too stiff to keep you from landing fish.

This year I changed insurance companies; I went to the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. 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. BoatUS offers GUIDE programs!!!! Visit http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call 866-532-1829 for more information.

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.

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! Dont 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 youll learn how to cast&if you can cast, but with only one hand, you can learn how to use your other hand too!

Its 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 doesnt interfere with regular vision! I love them! See what youve 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, Ill let you check mine out. Polycarbonate Maui Sports are light as a feather and the optics are great.

Theres 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 efforts to see to it these rules are enforced!

How about pouring your own swimbaits? Senkos? Now you can! Lure Craft makes it EASY!!! Now they have a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! Now they offer durable and exact aluminum molds that enable you to make round baits! You can customize your swimbaits and for a huge savings. 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 online 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

Im 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 staying cool on the hot humid days! The right clothing and a new product from Frogg Toggs&the Chilly Pad! 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 Im using.

Its Teva Time!!!!...sunscreen on my feet and Im 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 - Theres 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. TEVAs 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! Ive learned how to replace guides on my favorite rods and theyre 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 Ive 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 youd like to set up a test drive! CONTACT ME; ILL 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.

Ive switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle&I have already noticed they dont 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!"
.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >"

Water Temperature: 85 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"Good bass catches continue throughout the river. In tidal creeks, we have had great success on outgoing tidal phases,using Rico poppers, Sammy stickbaits, and buzzbaits during low light hours, chatterbaits and Berkley Jointed Bladedancer around marsh banks during the higher portions of the outgoing tide, and crankbaits and 4" and 7" soft plastic worms and stickbaits around wood and creek channels during the bottom half of tides. Worm and stickbait productive colors have been green pumpkin, watermelon/gold flake, or red bug. Crankbaits colors have been shad or black/chartreuse, and all topwaters have been black or white. On main river grassbeds, we are finding a great bite on many types of frogs, with Strike King rage tail or the Bronzeye Frog our best producers. Frogs in white, black, or black/chartreuse have been very consistent, and strikes have been vicious. The best parts of the grassbeds for consistently catching larger bass have been those near deeper water. We are catching a large number of snakeheads in tidal creeks, with snakeheads caught in Mattawoman, Chickamuxen, Quantico, and Pomonkey Creeks. At least a dozen snakeheads have been caught in the past two weeks by clients and friends fishing these areas."

Water Temperature: 83 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"For the week ending June 22, 2008





Tidal Potomac River

I rolled all over the big river this past week but everywhere I went it was the same old MO. Rising or high water work the edge with a weightless 5-inch YUM dinger. Once the water started draining you could throw the tackle box at them. I usually preferred the YUM buzzin frog or a 5/16-ounce Booyah baby-boo jig in PB&J with a green pumpkin YUM craw-papi as the trailer. The jig bite has been the best I've seen on this river in a long time. I'm trimming about a 1/4-inch off my trailer to make the lure more compact and give it what I think is the right fall rate. If the water is a little dirty I switch to a black and blue jig. Good places for me this week were numerous Greenway Flats, Arkendale, Quantico, Wades Bay, Chicamuxen, and Marshall Hall.



Lake Anna



OA Guide Scott Hammer worked here this week and found it a tough road. Scott pulled back to his summer confidence pattern of main-lake docks around the splits. Bass are still transitioning to deep summer structure.

For more info on Lake Anna check out this site www.va-outdoors.com

Rappahannock River

No report this week.



Other Places

OA Guide Eddie Griggs spent some time on the Chickahominy this week here is his report.

The bite got a little better for me and my clients this week..... as far as numbers go. The big fish still have me a little befuddled as the 4 pound plus fish have disappeared on me. I still believe there was a later spawn here than usual and the fish are still recuperating and yet to move into the summer patterns. However we did average about 20+ keepers and had a few in the 3 pound class. The frog bite in the pads is getting stronger, but still more bites than hookups. The best deal for me this week was throwing soft plastics and small cranks in the down river creeks on the grass lines. On outgoing water, all the feeder creek mouths in the major tributaries can be counted on for a few bites and isolated wood in the bends are holding the better fish I caught. Right now, my main choices are the Yum Craw Papi Texas rigged with a 3/16 sinker pegged and the Yum Houdini worm with a 1/8 oz. sliderhead on 10lb fluorocarbon.

Water Temps: Low/mid 80's
Water clarity: clear to stained on outgoing water, stained to muddy on incoming

Capt. Eddie Griggs
804-543-7168












Sponsor of the week: Mercury Outboards




I can sum it up in two words "fuel economy". Besides the blistering speed of my Pro XS 250 I love the way it sips gas and that helps the old profit margin in my business."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited Fishing Report
Week Ending June 22, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office Answering Device: 301-937-0010. Kens BlackBerry: 240-447-2206
E-Mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net. Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net
www.penrodsguides.com. www.fishdeepcreek.com
Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC



NOTES: The minimum size for black bass in the tidal waters of Maryland reduced to 12-inches as of the 15thand catch & release was eased on much of Marylands fresh water. Our guide service is a catch & releasecompany all year.



UPPER POTOMAC RIVER:
LOU guide Mike Breeding fished the Lander section this week with good results, landing over 60 smallmouth bass. Mizmo tubes in Road Kill Camo and Penrod Special teasers were Mikes premier baits, along with small in-line spinners and Sugar Shads. Most of the bass were in the 10 to 12 inch class with a dozen or so topping the 16 inch mark. Upriver from the Launch to the Fence held dozens of smallmouth bass. Breeding recommends an early start for the bigger fish.
Edwards Ferry holds fish, where Mike finds bass in four-feet of water where chunk rock or submersed ledges exist.



SUSQUEHANNA RIVER:
The Juniata River from Newport to Duncannon is producing 12 to 16 inch smallmouth bass with and occasional 19 inch fish mixed in. Big Mouth buzzbaits accounted for some bruisers. Both Campground Special and Penrod Special spinnerbaits accounted for big fish after the sun reached its zenith. LOU Mike breeding says that on all Mid-Atlantic free flowing rivers, the morning to noon bite is best. Bass fishing has been steady between Montgomery Ferry and Harrisburg where smallmouth bass have been eating soft plastic jerk baits, Mizmo tubes, Big Mouth spinnerbaits and Case Magic Sticks.



TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER:
A good tide week with plenty of strong wind but on the few good days, we caught plenty of bass. The Mattawoman area remains the strongest for productivity although the WW Bridge vicinity is coming-on. LOU guide Capt. Brent Nelson recommends starting your day with topwater lures. On a high tide, Nelson casts Bigmouth buzzbaits, Pop Rs and Swim Baits over the grass and as the tide resends, his clients cast unweighted Case Magic Stiks to deeper grasslines on the main river just outside major creeks where post spawn bass have congregated.



In Washington, D.C. there has been a fairly strong smallmouth bite between Three Sisters Islands and Little Falls where Speed Trap crankbaits (crawfish) and Mizmo Tubes (road kill camo) do best along rocky shores. LOU guide, Capt. Keith Barker says the water temps average around 77 degrees. Barker and his clients caught plenty of bass near Belle Haven, Washington DC sector and the Spoils areas.

There are still some stripers in the Washington Channeland some quality bass in the Channel, Key Bridge, Long Bridge and Blue Plains. Piscataway Creek, Brians Point, Bulltown Cove and mouth of Pomonkey grass beds are thick and productive in certain areas where Case Magic Stiks are the real-deal. Grass beds at Quantico, Chickamuxen and Chopawamsic have been pretty good.



POCOMOKE RIVER, MD:
LOU guide Brian Barnes says theres fairly good fishing this week between Snow Hill and Pocomoke City especially in Nassawango Creek, main stem spatterdock and Cemetery Pond. A falling tide is always preferred on this beautiful, underused tidal river. We usually launch from Shad Landing. Big Mouth Spinnerbaits (Penrod Special), floating worms, Brush Baby crankbaits and Mizmo tubes are the lures we recommend for most of the day, but a 3/8th ounce buzzbait is a must for early morning. A big bass for the Pocomoke is 4-pounds but there are plenty of 2-3 pound largemouth bass to keep you interested. For those vacationing in Ocean City this summer and want to get a day of bass fishing in, this river fits the bill.



KERR LAKE:
LOU associate guide Tim Wilson says the water Level is 300.36. The river is stained and theres clear water from Clarksville to the dam. Water temps are running 80-86 degrees. Plenty of smaller bass up to 2 lbs are shallow between 2-12 feet around rocks and stumps. Crankbaits in shad patterns that reach that depth are working well. Jigs are also accounting for many of these fish. Topwater lures are working early and late in the day. Try black Bigmouth Buzzbaits and Zara Spooks. Favorite areas have been from above Clarksville to just below Goat Island on the main channel. Wilson says the mouth of Grassy and around the mouth of Mill creek have been good places also. Crappies are being caught in good numbers on deep brush and around the bridge pilings in Clarksville. Try jig and minnow combinations for these fish. Stripers are being caught by trollers from the mouth of Eastland to the dam on Sutton Spoons and downrigger weighted plugs and live shad. Catfish are cooperating at night in the rivers and the upper lake above Bluestone Creek.



DEEP CREEK LAKE:
LOU guides Bret Winegardner and Brent Nelson are both busy with the summer vacationers on this highland reservoir. Both guides competed in the Maryland BASS Federation Nations Tournament Trail event on Saturday with Winegardner taking 3rd place and Nelson taking 4th. The guides note that smallmouth bass are prolific in the shallows where dock walkways meet the shore. Largemouths are in the transitional stage with some post spawn fish deep on secondary points and some fish still on beds in the shallow up-lake coves. Case Magic Stiks, Mizmo tubes and swim baits are producing fish. Big bluegills are on beds and aggressive and walleyes are hitting small crankbaits and rattletraps in eight to ten feet of water."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"There is a good early morning topwater bite. Bass like buzz baits, poppers and grass frogs worked over grasses and around marsh banks in creeks and on the main river. Chatter baits are productive in the same areas as are motor oil color plastic worms or stick worms. Manns Baby 1-minus lures worked around shoreline cover draws strikes from quality bass. A jig and craw combo pitched around downed trees, wood or boat docks, will turn up better than average size fish. All tides are producing but the bite gets even better on the low end of the out going tide."

Water Temperature: 76 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"REPORT FOR 6/20/08

Im went fishing again WUSA Ch9 Morning Meteorologist Kim Martucci last Friday afternoon! It was hot! I asked her to give us some cool breezes, and some cloud cover&she did not! I am going to have to be careful about telling her some of my secrets! She posted photos and some of my secrets on her blog http://www.wusa9.com/life/community/persona.aspx?plckPersonaPage=PersonaBlog&plckUserId=483ea8355d864a69a42dc70bf89dfbcb&U=483ea8355d864a69a42dc70bf89dfbcb&sid=sitelife.wusa9.com! Maybe I shouldnt let her into my workroom again&who knows what photos she will get next time! I am putting in my requests for weather for our next trip!

Its just around the corner; the 12th annual St Jude Potomac Teams Tournament is JULY 11th&Friday&Leesylvania! &I really would like more boats this year! Email me for REGISTRATION forms

Water temperatures have cooled down to the low 80s! That combined with the ending of post spawn have fish very active&feeding on crawfish and baitfish. I have seen bluegill tails in some bass! My best bait this week was the new chatterbait style bait, the Rock N Runner&a Road Runner on steroids complete with small silver willow blade on the underside which gives it a unique action and more flash! This thumper combined with the Manns HardNose Craw is killer! I am suing green pumpkin and watermelon skirts with contrasting or matching craws! Various retrieves in the grass are working. I look for clear water close to deeper water and to stained water for the best bites. If you are getting catfish, move closer to the clearer water!

Dont overlook topwater bites in the morning, and when the water is low ANYTIME! Mann's HardNose Frogs with a 5/0 Mustad Ultra Point tube hook works well! I like white, when the sun is out, black on very cloudy days or in off color water. In between, green pumpkin! Poppers over clear water or at lower tides are producing on main river grass and in creeks. Find the right speed. I have found a pop, pop, pop, at a very slow pace will get bites. Also walking the dog with baits like the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 really draws the bigger fish.

After that&Stick worms and weightless plastics&split shot, drop shot, and slow down! Cooler mornings best for other moving baits too! Here you can use cranks or spinnerbaits appropriate for the water clarity. Remember, chop, low light and some color to the water make for the best spinnerbait conditions. The incoming tides produce cooler water. This activates the fish a bit. Otherwise its a slow patient presentation.



After that, Manns Baby 1-Minus in Slatterback Holographic is my favorite. In spinnerbaits, the ¼ ounce Manns Classic&gold blades, white skirt over shallow grass and wood when the skies are cloudy or the water is a bit stained. Vary the speed of the retrieve and rip from grass. Also, waking baits like the Manns Waker or even the Manns Mid-Minus in citrus colors or shad patterns are working over grass and around docks and wood!

I am fishing a lot of Mizmo tubes now! Pitching to marsh clumps in creeks and to grass clumps. I am pitching them Texas rigged and with the Gerkin insert heads. 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 Dances Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling&804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jacks Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

For drop shots, Manns Hardnose green pumpkin finesse worm is the best. I also like the HardNose Freefall 5 worm. These baits have a tough head to stay 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. Its 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 to target the last of the post spawners! 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.

Pros Soft Bait Glue is new and improved&how could they? They improved the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water! Just in time for stick worm time! (senko style baits)

Last month I went fishing with WUSA Channel 9 sports Anchor Levan Reid! He wanted to go in February! We had a blast! He caught his very first bass! Wait until you see how excited he was!

http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=752271440&maven_referrer=sta

If you are a boater&or board a boat for any recreational use&PAY ATTENTION!!! Under threat of a new potentially costly EPA permit program to be in place by September 30 of this year, recreational boaters and anglers have only a short time to encourage their Senators and Representatives in Congress to support the "Clean Boating Act of 2008." The bill would retain a 35-year-old exemption under the Clean Water Act of 1972 for "normal operational" discharges from recreational boats, such as deck run-off from rain or engine cooling water. The proposed Clean Boating Act of 2008 does not weaken any existing environmental laws that restrict the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, or sewage.

Help is needed to convert the 93 House sponsors who had previously co-sponsored a similar House bill, H.R. 2550 - now dormant - to be co-sponsors of the newest version, H.R. 5949.

To easily contact your federal legislators or learn more about the issue, go to http://www.BoatBlue.org or http://www.BoatUS.com/gov.



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! Its not too limber or too stiff to keep you from landing fish.

This year I changed insurance companies; I went to the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. 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. BoatUS offers GUIDE programs!!!! Visit http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call 866-532-1829 for more information.

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.

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! Dont 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 youll learn how to cast&if you can cast, but with only one hand, you can learn how to use your other hand too!

Its 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 doesnt interfere with regular vision! I love them! See what youve 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, Ill let you check mine out. Polycarbonate Maui Sports are light as a feather and the optics are great.

Theres 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 Penrods efforts to see to it that these rules are enforced!

How about pouring your own swimbaits? Senkos? Now you can! Lure Craft makes it EASY!!! Now they have a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! Now they offer durable and exact aluminum molds that enable you to make round baits! You can customize your swimbaits and for a huge savings. 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 online 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

Im 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 shoulder injuries not just for ball athletes. I had to go though a lot to get back into fishing shape after off-season surgery. Prevention is best! ! 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 Im using.

Its Teva Time!!!!...sunscreen on my feet and Im 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 - Theres 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. TEVAs 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! Ive learned how to replace guides on my favorite rods and theyre 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 Ive 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 youd like to set up a test drive! CONTACT ME; ILL 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.

Ive switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle&I have already noticed they dont 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!"

.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >"

Water Temperature: 80 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"For the week ending June 15, 2008

Every year I always encounter an individual that questions the validity of our fishing reports. Usually it's someone that has a hard time with this sport and needs someone to blame for their lack of productivity. But sometimes it's someone that observes us doing something on the water, or something one of my guides may provide in another fishing report. Fishing reports are a combination of what we have done as well as a little prognostication on our part in what we think will be happening in the coming week. We are always running around looking at new patterns on a given body of water. But in the end I have the last say in what goes in my reports. I filter my reports for viable patterns and locations that will help the public catch fish. Example of this for the last couple of weeks there has been a bream, bluegill, shell-cracker, etc pattern working on the Potomac, Buggs Island, and to a lesser degree Lake Anna, but that pattern was waning and was not going to be viable by the time this past weekend rolled around therefore it was omitted form one of my guides reports. Our reports are as accurate as we can make them in fact if we don't fish a body of water that week we don't provide a report. So all in all take our reports use them to help develop a plan for your day on the water we truly wish you success we have a long track record of helping folks and we love it; but in the same breath if you're going to question the validly (actually my character) of our reports please just don't read them.



Tidal Potomac River

I spent a great deal of time here on the big river this week as did OA Guides Eric Peterson and Eddie Griggs. I spent my time at Greenway Flats, Chickamuxen, Mattawoman, Arkendale, and the Quantico area. The key was to find the packs of fish on these areas. You pretty much caught them on your favorite lure but I had it narrowed down to just a few lures. First of the bass I was catching were especially the quality bass were really keyed on the outside edge of the weeds. When bass stage in this area it means they are really active. We had a little pull back by the end of the week but not a lot. My best lures were a Booyah HD spinnerbait in a herring color pattern, a black Booyah buzzbait, black YUM buzzin frog, and a PB&J Booyah baby boo jig with a green-pumpkin YUM craw papi as the trailer. This was without question one of the best jig bites this past week that I have ever experienced on the river.

OA Guide Eric Peterson worked from Occoquan to DC using a 4-inch YUM wooly-bug and topwaters. Eric contends up north it's all about finding clean water and advises you to put your time into down south till the weather patterns mediate.

OA Guide Eddie Griggs gives his report in his own words this week.

No spawn hangover on this river!!! I was out 4 days this week and it is simply on fire. Long time client Russ Bailey and John Fravel whacked a nice bag of fish on Monday and I would have to take my shoes off to count how many 4 pound bass I caught this week. My main baits were a black 1/4oz Booyah buzzbait, 5 inch YUM Dinger, and YUM Craw Papi rigged w/ 1/4oz weight. It seemed that the bigger fish bit better during the first two hours of an incoming tide. I caught some fish in the creeks, but most of the 4+ fish came on main river stretches on: Arkandale, Wades Bay, and Greenway Flats.

Capt. Eddie Griggs
eddiegriggs13@aol.com
804-543-7168



Lake Anna



No report this week.

For more info on Lake Anna check out this site www.va-outdoors.com

Rappahannock River

I had to reschedule a whole slate of trips here a couple weeks ago but hopefully starting next week we will be on the Rapp in earnest. Bar anymore heavy rain.



Other Places

OA Guide Eddie Griggs spent some time on the Chickahominy this week here is his report.

The bite has gotten a little more stingy here over the last couple weeks as the fish are still transitioning into their summer patterns. YUM buzzin frogs worked around the pads and a 1/4 oz. buzzbait entices bites in low light conditions. During high sun and a falling tide I switch over to the Rebel Wee R, YUM Houdini worm and craw papi to catch a few more on the grass edge and brush piles. I look for the bite to pick in the next week or so."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited Fishing Report
Week Ending June 15, 2008
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Office Answering Device: 301-937-0010. Kens BlackBerry: 240-447-2206
E-Mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net. Webmaster Brent Nelson: bbnelson@comcast.net
www.penrodsguides.com. www.fishdeepcreek.com
Guiding on fresh & brackish waters of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania & DC



NOTES: I will be in Alaska next week so Brent Nelson will file our fishing reports. My Summer Youth Camp begins the first week of July and we apologize to those that we could not accommodate. We will have four sessions and during my absence, Brent Nelson will handle the fish reports.


Tip of the week: While tide is the major factor in tidal water, sun penetration is the top factor for free flowing rivers. Topwater action on our tidal rivers is best by far between dawn and 9-PM. If you want to catch smallmouth bass from regional rivers nowdo it early and go home at noon. The evening hours will be productive also.



UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: 4.2(low caution) @ Point of Rocks, 76 degrees & murk, ****.
Wowthe best bass fishing in the region, by far, and the launch sites are empty. Whites Ferry, Edwards and Lander are the same pattern. The high water is gone and the bass fishing results are rewarding. At Lander we go upriver and work on ledges from Burkharts to the Sawbuck. Plastic tubes (Mizmo; Penrod Special, road-kill teasers & red-craw), Case Stix and Case Brush Puppies have been very productive. Dont be fooled by the ease in which you can motor about because when the water gets to summer lowthe grasses are down there and it will look like a gold course again.
At Whites Ferry fishing buddy/client Bill Giles reports 50-plus bass with several over 18-inches long.



SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: 3.7 (to low for us) @ Harrisburg, 76 degrees & clear, **.
LOU guide Mike Breeding (443-614-9842) reports a very low river and worries about the dead bass he is seeing as well as hearing about. Now is the time the scientists should be doing their case studies as to water quality. The fishery is a great onebut this river is overloaded by pollutants that can be attributed to poor sewage treatment and extensive poultry/hog/cattle waste.
John at Riverfront Campground loves this river level because he can send out most of his rental boats without fear. Try a river float when you get the chance. You will learn so much.



TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: much flotsam, 80+ degrees & stained, ***.
LOU guide Brent Nelson (bbnelson@comcast.net) is on a solid pattern in the mouth of Mattawoman Creek where he and his clients caught 40-plus largemouth bass from deep grass edges on soft plastics and topwater frogs. Cast Case Magic Stixs on a 3/0 wide-gap hook to the edge of the grass and let it slowly settle, says Brent. LOU guide Keith Barker (301-509-2102) has been finding the same success between the 6-MPH zone and the river but he also works the interior where spinnerbaits and plastic do well in the spatterdock fields. Nearby Chickamuxen Creek, Powells Creek and Neabsco Creek have been worth the time also.
In the Washington, D.C. area, it was much like driving through a mine field with so much flotsam but bass fishing in Pentagon Lagoon, Washington Channel and main river bridge foundations is as good as Ive seen it in years.
The Woodrow Wilson Bridge sector remains pretty solid where we use Case plastics, Penrod Special spinnerbaits by Big Mouth Lure Company, Speed Traps by Luhr Jensen and Mizmo tubes in Penrod Cove, Belle Haven vicinity coves, mouth of Piscataway and lower end of Greenway Flats. I was in Swan Creek and Ive never seen such a mess. The entire creek is littered with debris.



DEEP CREEK LAKE: normal depth, 65 degrees and clear, ***.
LOU guides Brent Nelson and Bret Winegardner are the hands-down experts on this popular vacation destination and both ply their trades from large Ranger Bass Boats from Mare, Inc. of Thurmont. Fishing has been quite good this month and the clients have been catching bass on soft plastics on the upper portions of the lake. See the details at www.fishdeepcreek.com. Dont wait to book your trip and you may contact Brent Nelson directly at bbnelson@comcast.net



NANTICOKE RIVER: high 70s and normal color, **.
LOU guide Brian Barnes reports pretty good fishing results, especially on the upper river where Penrod Special spinnerbaits, Big Mouth jigs and buzzbaits and Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps work well for bass to four pounds and wood and deep spatterdock edges are the key ingredientsduring falling water.



POCOMOKE RIVER: high 70s and tannic color, **.
A falling tide is the big difference between mediocre and great results but there are plenty of bass to catch from spatterdock cover near the state parkand also in Nassawango Creek. Use buzzbaits in the early morning, then Big Mouth spinnerbaits, Case Magic Stix and Mizmo tubes during the high sun hours. Reach LOU guide Brian Barnes at 302-745-4668 for any Eastern Shore river adventures. This is a favorite for Ocean City visitors that are looking for some bass fishing action."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"This week has been excellent, with catches every day well over 20 fish, with many large bass in the catch. Topwater bites at low light has been consistent, with buzzbaits, poppers, and Zara Spook type baits working well on marsh banks during outgoing tides and milfoil beds on high tide phases. Chatterbaits and Berkley jointed blade dancers are producing both bass as well as several snakeheads this week. The snakeheads are apparently in the Potomac to stay, as we are catching at least one almost daily. Snakeheads and bass are occupying the same water, and the snakeheads seem to have little effect on the bass behavior. Mann's baby 1 minus crankbaits and Norman's deep tiny N in chatreuse work well on creek ledges where the water depth is less than 5 feet. Almost any type of soft plastic will catch bass, and we have had great success with Zoom finesse worms, Berkley hand poured finesse worms, as well as Wacky Worm soft stickbaits. Color preferences seem to be green or brown and green or gold fleck in the worms are an added attraction. On wood, Strike King bitsy flip or premier jigs work well, and we have added a Berkley Chigger Craw to the jigs, reducing the size of the craw trailer by at least an inch, but many times as much as 2 inches. For those times when bass seem to have lock jaw, a 3" Berkley drop shot minnow rigged on a 1/16 oz. jighead has been a proven way to catch wary bass, and several bass over 3 pounds have fallen for this bait fished around creek ledges."

Water Temperature: 84 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"Im going fishing again WUSA Ch9 Morning Meteorologist Kim Martucci on Friday afternoon! She is a hoot! Her fiancé Ben is a competent angler. I hope to get her on her first topwater bite! The last time we had a great time&wanna see? Check out her blog&loaded with videos of our trip including her very first fish! I think shes hooked!!!! http://www.wusa9.com/news/columnist/blogs/kimmartucci.aspx
PS find the area on her blog to turn down the music to hear what we are saying in the videos.

The 12th annual St Jude Potomac Teams Tournament is JULY 11th&Friday&Leesylvania! Email me for REGISTRATION forms

Water temperatures have jumped to near 90!!! Topwater bites in the morning&After that&Stick worms and weightless plastics&split shot, drop shot, and slow down until the water temps come back down! Cooler mornings best for other moving baits too! Here you can use cranks or spinnerbaits appropriate for the water clarity. Remember, chop, low light and some color to the water make for the best spinnerbait conditions. The incoming tides produce cooler water. This activates the fish a bit. Otherwise its a slow patient presentation.

Topwater fishing is great! Poppers over clear water or at lower tides are producing on main river grass and in creeks. Find the right speed. I have found a pop, pop, pop, at a very slow pace will get bites. Also. Walking the dog with baits like the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 really draws the bigger fish.

After that, Manns Baby 1-Minus in Slatterback Holographic is my favorite. In spinnerbaits, the ¼ ounce Manns Classic&gold blades, white skirt over shallow grass and wood when the skies are cloudy or the water is a bit stained. Vary the speed of the retrieve and rip from grass. Also, waking baits like the Manns Waker or even the Manns Mid-Minus in citrus colors or shad patterns are working over grass and around docks and wood!

I am fishing a lot of Mizmo tubes now! Pitching to marsh clumps in creeks and to grass clumps. I am pitching them Texas rigged and with the Gerkin insert heads. 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 Dances Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling&804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jacks Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

For drop shots, Manns Hardnose green pumpkin finesse worm is the best. I also like the HardNose Freefall 5 worm. These baits have a tough head to stay 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. Its 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 to target post spawners! 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.

Pros Soft Bait Glue is new and improved&how could they? They improved the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water! Just in time for stick worm time! (senko style baits)

Last month I went fishing with WUSA Channel 9 sports Anchor Levan Reid! He wanted to go in February! We had a blast! He caught his very first bass! Wait until you see how excited he was!
http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=752271440&maven_referrer=sta

If you are a boater&or board a boat for any recreational use&PAY ATTENTION!!! Under threat of a new potentially costly EPA permit program to be in place by September 30 of this year, recreational boaters and anglers have only a short time to encourage their Senators and Representatives in Congress to support the "Clean Boating Act of 2008." The bill would retain a 35-year-old exemption under the Clean Water Act of 1972 for "normal operational" discharges from recreational boats, such as deck run-off from rain or engine cooling water. The proposed Clean Boating Act of 2008 does not weaken any existing environmental laws that restrict the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, or sewage.
Help is needed to convert the 93 House sponsors who had previously co-sponsored a similar House bill, H.R. 2550 - now dormant - to be co-sponsors of the newest version, H.R. 5949.
To easily contact your federal legislators or learn more about the issue, go to http://www.BoatBlue.org or http://www.BoatUS.com/gov.

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 anywher