• 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)

"Week ending June 28, 2009

We had some very high tides the last three weeks in conjunction with a lot of rain water being dumped into the basin. This has taken a slight toll on some of the grass in the southern part of the Potomac River, I'm mildly concerned about it; we had already sustained some damage due to low tides and ice during the month of January. Currently the tides are beginning to normalize but we need a break in the rain as well. This concern is for the future, presently the river is a freak of nature in the sheer numbers of bass this river is churning out.

Tidal Potomac River

I have been on the river the last 20 out of 21 days I couldn't begin to count the bass that have found their way to our boats. Summer patterns are in full swing and that means, topwater action is a big part of what we're doing. I'm working grass flats from Mount Vernon to Aquia just randomly picking them based on the best tide scenario that will provide matted grass to throw frogs up onto. We're taking bass on a variety of frogs from popping frogs to fast moving frogs like the YUM buzzin' frog. If the frog bites slows I switch to a YUM craw-papi in black/blue-shadow and pitch the pockets and small isolated clumps. On the higher tides we're using the new Booyah pip-zqueek buzzbait in quarter ounce.

Congratulations to new client Ames Owens who banged a 7-pound giant on a frog with me last week. A great way to welcome a new client and a great fathers day gift.

Congratulations to my first day co-angler in the Stren Series this past week; Mike Branham who finished 5th place overall. Mike had a great first day with me sacking a little over 15-pounds.

Just a reminder we are now running our Early Bird and Happy Hour trips on the Potomac a great way to experience the frog bite on the river and see it at it's most beautiful times.



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

No report this week.










Sponsor of the week: Brent Jurgersen

I had the awesome privilege of taking Brent fishing this week and his buddy Scott Burdsall. Brent is not my sponsor but the sponsor of us all. He is one of many who sponsors the freedom we have in this country. If you love your country, and want to see what it takes to keep it free and prosperous then I encourage you to read this link. http://quarterhorsecav.org/pg4m.htm Maybe it's different for me because I've met Brent, but when you read this and you don't get a lump in your throat or have to fight back tears then you may be an alien."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"Bass are settling into a summer pattern, with many large bass in the thickest grassbeds in the river. We are having success in grass fishing Bronze Eye frogs in black or green pumpkin, Strike King Ragin' Shad in white, large white buzzbaits with gold blades, and poppers on the edges of the grass and flipping the thick mats with 4" Berkley Chigger Craws in black/blue or sapphire blue. But a pattern that has really developed over the past few days is fishing a white/charteuse spinnerbait with double colorado blades around wood on the main river and tidal creeks. We have found that numerous bass can be caught from a single tree using this method. On ledges where hydrilla is found on the edges, we have caught quality bass on soft crawfish imitations and 7" Zoom trick worms and have found that dark colors produce the most strikes. Weightless stick baits also work well in the backs of the tidal creeks."

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

"FISHING REPORT

This is a great time to get out on the water! From the top down, all baits will work! AND thanks to all of you who took the time to see me a The Sunday Fox News Power Player of the Week. Heres a link& http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=011008&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=5991907&referralPlaylistId=playlist

BTW, the National Park Service is trying to flex its muscle. They are trying to lay claim to the waters from Belle Haven Marina to just south of Hogg Island. They claim ownership of the land as it was in 1930. They are laying claim to the water above it as well. How does this affect you? Ill keep you posted!

The 14th Annual St Jude Childrens Hospital Tournament will be held on Friday July 10!!! Please contact me for a registration form! info@nationalbass.com

Take topwaters! I like poppers and take a 4-bait approach. Big, small, black, or white. If the water is calm, low light and clear, then the smaller more natural bait will work best&on the other end of the spectrum is the big black popper&when the water is stained and has a bit of a chop&BUT I must have low water! Otherwise fish cant find this bait. Try several presentations to get the right pace&if fish blow up and miss, rather than popping again, try a pull to activate the feathers&dont have good feathers???? REPLACE them NOW with Mustad Ultra Point RED feathered trebles. They are hand tied and the red hook is really working here! As the water clears this week, its back to topwaters. My favorite is the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 in Aurora Black! A slow walk-the-dog without stopping, even after a blow up will get them!

For the grass, over around, in front of and around&the Manns Baby 1-Mnus cannot be beat! I have been using firetiger when the water is a bit stained or when there are clouds. On sunny days or clear water, I like the shad patterns. I paint the belly orange with vinyl paint from Janns Netcraft! Im not an artist, I just take a pipe cleaner and dip into the paint and wipe a streak across the belly! I use 17-pound test now on a cranking rod. I am really getting to like the Quantum series of rods&their Tour Edition and signature series rods are great. Try a 7 footer if you can handle it. Its a height thing&some of my more experienced and TALLER clients are using 76 rods. Snap the bait for the grass to get strikes and hold on! IF the water is a bit choppy, try the ¼ ounce Manns Classic Spinnerbait&this is a tandem gold Colorado/Indiana bait with a white skirt in stained ware or firetiger and chart/white. If you have to go deeper with this bait, go to the 3/8-ounce size. This also works great in shallow cover where you have stained water.

I still find the Road Runner Rock N Runner to be the best chatterbait around! Use a big trailer like a 5 inch HardNose Swim Shad. Lift and drop or swim, find out what the fish want.

Cover away from grass is great for soft plastics and jigs. In the grass&edges, thicker clumps or other targets&I have a MIZMO tube that is green pumpkin with orange flared tails! Mizmo calls it Arkansas Craw! This is almost exactly like the craws! Check your livewell! The Mustad 3/0 Ultra Point tube hook is perfect. I like to peg my 3/16-ounce weights. When the water is muddy&black with red flake. I am also swimming some of the 5.5 inch white Mizmos. These are great on the NEW Mustad adjustable swimbait hooks! They have them in HUGE sizes now! I like the ¼ ounce weights on a 5/0 hook! I can really move this bait and it glides and comes through grass really well! You can slide the weight anywhere on the hook to balance ANY soft plastic swimmer! It also pitches nicely!

When the tide gets low, I also like to use hollow frogs over the grass. Rabbit fur is great&go to Jannsnetcraft.com&it is the black barred rabbit fur&some Pros soft bait glue and your ordinary frog will catch more fish. I also bend the hook a bit more open for better hook up&65 pound braid&I like Spiderwire Stealth&is a must too!

BTW!!!!Support your local tackle stores! Please shop at Warbird Outdoors! They carry most of the baits I use! They can get anything you want! Just call! 703-878-3111

For all soft plastics, soak them in Garlic Jacks Juice!

I found a GREAT NEW product! TRANSDUCERSHIELDANDSAVER.com! If you have a broken ear on your transducer or if you want to protect a good one&this is a great cost saver!

My 2008 Skeeter ZX225 is FOR SALE! Call for details! 703-380-7119.

If you dont service your own reels or if youre looking for a great tech, an old friend of mine is ready to get your gear in ship shape! Cleaning and repair done locally and fast! He was trained by the best and I recommend him highly! Jim can be reached at http://www.DominionTackle.com
Servicing Shimano, ABU Garcia, Daiwa, Quantum, Penn and virtually all makes including Baitcasting, Spinning and Saltwater reels.

Check out my latest article on tidal fishing! It is a two part series with FLW angler Dave Lefebre filling in the advanced info! Stay tuned for that! http://www.nationalbass.com/reports/feature.htm

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.

I answer fishing questions on Boatus.com 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/

Article on how to fish suspending jerkbaits with Elite Series pro&.just won an event!...Mark Menendez in this months Sportsmans Magazine (thesportsmansmag.com)! 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.

Ive switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle&Ive already noticed they dont take long to recharge! Full article on this new battery technology under ARTICLES on my site! They show no signs of wearing down either and I really use my trolling motor!

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!

I am insured by the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. BoatUS 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!!!! Click on my site link, nationalbass.com, for a free quote. For a special deal, use this code: FH200SC

Want to learn how to teach someone to fish? Or looking for a few tips&? Check out my free videos (http://www.monkeysee.com/channel/show/89)

Its no secret Maui Jims are the best polarized sunglasses&now improved 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.

Confused over license requirements to guide on the Tidal Potomac River? I worked closely with the PRFC to come up with a grid of requirements to comply with DC, MD, VA and the PRFC on the Tidal Potomac. For a copy, http://nationalbass.com/reports/prfclicense.htm. And ALL guides will have to carry a TWIC card too! I support efforts to see to it these rules are enforced!

I keep Frogg Toggs on board for sudden showers and COLD weather! 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)

Pour your own swimbaits? Senkos? Lure Craft has a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! Durable and exact aluminum molds enable you to make round baits! Customize swimbaits for a huge savings. Pour finesse worms for shaky head fishing, drop shots, and split shots and other soft plastics with 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). 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

Its Teva Time!!!!..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 Wraptors, http://teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6960&model=Karnali+Wraptor have a toe guard! 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 lure making, fly-tying, 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 finally replaced my good old 1995 Nissan 4WD truck. The new Nissan Frontier 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!

Hawg Pockets fishing lure guard won the ICAST new product showcase award. They really work! They don't tangle when I move them I can see my bait thru them! I now use them on my boat! 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!

2009 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.

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: 76 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"The top water bite continues to be pretty spectacular. Poppers seem to work better for us but buzz baits as well as grass frogs and Strike Kings Rage Tail Minnow do well. We follow the top waters up with a floating bubble gum color worm or a stick work in green pumpkin or any dark color. Grass beds are the pattern and once the top water action slows its Chatter Baits or spinner baits as well as shallow running crank baits such as Manns Baby 1-Minus or a lipless crank bait. Some of our better bass are coming on jig and craw combos worked along grass edges or in downed wood and trees. The heavy rains towards weeks end created a heavy flow of water into the creeks with the run off current being stronger then the tidal current along with dropping the water temperatures and staining the waters. We then concentrated our efforts in the clearer, warmer waters in the first one third of the creeks or in main river grasses."

Water Temperature: 78 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"Week ending June 14, 2009

I want to let you know that we have updated our photo page to show off some of our spring results. We have also put up on our media page the episode that I shot with "Outdoor Adictz" that ran on the Pursuit Channel a few weeks ago. It was shot on the Potomac River. If you get a chance check it out. www.outdoor-action.biz

Tidal Potomac River

The number one game in town for sure. First off congratulations to long time client Dan Shuber of Richmond for catching an 8-pound sow with me out on the river this past Wed. (I'll post the photo when we update our photo page in a couple weeks.) She walloped a White Booyah boogie bait. I was all over this river this past week. Looking for clean water and areas that suited the sustained high tide we were experiencing. I spent a lot of time up north this past week. The emphasis was on grass. I found a couple of key patterns that held true for the most part; 1) The bass held firm to the outside edge of the grass even out off the grass a good distance even with the outrageous high tides we were experiencing. 2) During high tide if you were fishing grass beds that had a lot of coon-tail grass the bass were suspending just underneath the mats of this grass. I took the bass on the outside primarily with a Booyah boogie bait in black/blue or white. We took the bass around the coon-tail by flipping a variety of plastics and a Booyah baby-boo jig in black/blue with a YUM craw-papi trailer. On low water (not much of it this week) I'm throwing a 1/4-ounce Booyah pip-zqueek buzzbait till my arm falls off. These buzzbaits are showing up all over the place with clients and some tournament friends of mine. It's boafide! I fished down south in Aquia and at Arkendale. Mid-river at Quantico, Chikamuxen, and Mattawoman. Up-river at Greenway Flats, Marshall Hall, Dougue Creek, and Piscataway area. We are still getting on the average between 30 and 40 bass a day.



Lake Anna

No Report this week.

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

Rappahannock River

Not red mud but bright orange mud.



Other Places

No report this week.










Sponsor of the week: Booyah

The boogie bait for me for the last couple of years has been a early spring fling then I would put it away. Big mistake on my part. I have been using this lure for the last couple weeks for 80-percent of my fishing. When Dan Shuber caught that big "Gootchie Mama" sow on it Wed. he had never thrown it. Needless to say Dan went straight to Bass Pro Shops in Richmond after our trip was over. It was a beautiful sight that day as Dan and I did the "Booyah Boogie.""

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"The past week has seen a great topwater bite, with Rico and Berkley Frenzy poppers working on low tide on the outside edges of grassbeds, buzzbaits and frogs during high water tidal phases, and Strike King Rage Tail Shad producing during all tides. Once the topwater bite slows, we have continued to catch bass on a large variety of baits. A white 3/8 oz. chatterbait rigged with a 4" Berkley Power Bait Hollow Belly Swimbait slow rolled around wood is an excellent choice to entice vicious strikes from bass and the edges of marsh banks are also an area we have been targeting with this bait with great results. For those who prefer a slower technique, Berkley Crazy Leg Chigger Craws or 5" fat sinkworms in black/blue or green pumpkin have been catching quality bass around wood and grass. Twitching a Mann's Baby 1 Minus crankbait on the surface before retrieving it works as well, and blue/chrome or blue/white are good color choices. The Bronze Eye popper, which was introduced this spring, has worked well over grass mats when more noise is required to entice bass from the matted milfoil. Bass are active and as you can see, there are a large number of techniques that will produce good catches."

Water Temperature: 77 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"Fishing still is great. Sorry it has taken me so long to get a new report out. Monday was National Fishing & Boating Day. We took 300 inner city kids fishing at Constitution Gardens in DC. It amazes me to see how fishing really reaches out through so many barriers!

Then on Wednesday, Capt. John Sisson with Johns Guide Service helped with a TV shoot for Fox News. Ive been honored to be FOX NEWS SUNDAYs Power Player of the Week. Ill be on the air with Chris Wallace on local Fox stations in the 9am hour really at the end of the show and across the country, then later that evening on FOX NEWS CHANNEL&. I hope I am able to represent the fishing community well!

So, now to the fishing! It has been awesome! Frogs, toads spinnerbaits, Baby 1-Minus, tubes, drop shot, poppers, walkers&get the point&but its all about timing.

The hollow frog, I like the Manns Super Frog&I replace the rubber skirts with rabbit fur from Janns Netcraft. Does wonders! Must use a strong braid&I use Spiderwire Stealth 65 pound test. The heavier line handles better on casting gear. Lower tides and brighter days are best for this! Any time you have low water try it! Also the Manns HardNose Swim Toad really stays on the hook! If you havent tried the HardNose line up, this is one to really test! Mustad's swimbait hook has a bayonet attached to the hook eye to really hold these baits on! You can get them with no weight or what ever you like! Otherwise, use Poppers where you can when the water is clear and flat, then go to walkers&with a bit more water, it is time for the Manns Baby 1-Minus and Classic spinnerbait.

For the 1-Minus, II have been using firetiger when the water is a bit stained or when there are clouds. On sunny days or clear water, I like the shad patterns. I paint the belly orange with vinyl paint from Janns Netcraft! Im not an artist, I just take a pipe cleaner and dip into the paint and wipe a streak across the belly!

For the spinnerbait, I like it when there is at least some chop, or clouds or if the water is a bit stained. This also determines the spinnerbait I use. If the water is cloudy, then I go to a Colorado/Indiana combo. Then if the water is clear, I like a double willow. Clear water, chart/white skirt, stained water, white. I also like firetiger skirts in clear water!

For plastics&.its MIzmo tubes! The Mustad 3/0 Ultra Point tube hook is perfect. I like to peg my 3/16-ounce weights. Colors&green pumpkin with orange! This is the best match for the crawfish&Mizmo calls it Arkansas Craw! When the water is muddy&black with red flake. I am also swimming some of the 5.5 inch white Mizmos. These are great on the NEW Mustad adjustable swimbait hooks! They have them in HUGE sizes now! I like the ¼ ounce weights on a 5/0 hook! I can really move this bait and it glides and comes through grass really well! You can slide the weight anywhere on the hook to balance ANY soft plastic swimmer! It also pitches nicely!

Drop shotting is working around docks grass edges and grass holes. You can beef up your line or use Fireline 14 pound test with a 14-pound mono leader. A ¼ ounce BullShot weight anchors this with a 10-inch leader.

BTW!!!!Support your local tackle stores! Please shop at Warbird Outdoors! They carry most of the baits I use! They can get anything you want! Just call! 703-878-3111

For poppers, try several presentations to get the right pace&if fish blow up and miss, rather than popping again, try a pull to activate the feathers&dont have good feathers???? REPLACE them NOW with Mustad Ultra Point RED feathered trebles. They are hand tied and the red hook is really working here! As the water clears this week, its back to topwaters. My favorite is the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 in Aurora Black! A slow walk-the-dog without stopping, even after a blow up will get them!

I also like chatterbaits&my favorite is the Rock N Runner from Blakemore&red hook, and little willow below! I change the skirts to craw patterns, then I will add a Manns HardNose Jerkshad. In a craw pattern. Lift and drop over grass, into holes and sometime just swimming them!
Swim Manns Stone jig with a HardNose Craw over the grass, just like the lipless cranks! Hang on! These are really getting bigger fish!

For all soft plastics, soak them in Garlic Jacks Juice!

I found a GREAT NEW product! TRANSDUCERSHIELDANDSAVER.com! If you have a broken ear on your transducer or if you want to protect a good one&this is a great cost saver!

My 2008 Skeeter ZX225 is FOR SALE! Call for details! 703-380-7119.

If you dont service your own reels or if youre looking for a great tech, an old friend of mine is ready to get your gear in ship shape! Cleaning and repair done locally and fast! He was trained by the best and I recommend him highly! Jim can be reached at http://www.DominionTackle.com
Servicing Shimano, ABU Garcia, Daiwa, Quantum, Penn and virtually all makes including Baitcasting, Spinning and Saltwater reels.

Check out my latest article on tidal fishing! It is a two part series with FLW angler Dave Lefebre filling in the advanced info! Stay tuned for that! http://www.nationalbass.com/reports/feature.htm

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.

I answer fishing questions on Boatus.com 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/

Article on how to fish suspending jerkbaits with Elite Series pro&.just won an event!...Mark Menendez in this months Sportsmans Magazine (thesportsmansmag.com)! 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.

Ive switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle&Ive already noticed they dont take long to recharge! Full article on this new battery technology under ARTICLES on my site! They show no signs of wearing down either and I really use my trolling motor!

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!

I am insured by the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. BoatUS 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!!!! Click on my site link, nationalbass.com, for a free quote. For a special deal, use this code: FH200SC

Want to learn how to teach someone to fish? Or looking for a few tips&? Check out my free videos (http://www.monkeysee.com/channel/show/89)

Its no secret Maui Jims are the best polarized sunglasses&now improved 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.

Confused over license requirements to guide on the Tidal Potomac River? I worked closely with the PRFC to come up with a grid of requirements to comply with DC, MD, VA and the PRFC on the Tidal Potomac. For a copy, http://nationalbass.com/reports/prfclicense.htm. And ALL guides will have to carry a TWIC card too! I support efforts to see to it these rules are enforced!

I keep Frogg Toggs on board for sudden showers and COLD weather! 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)

Pour your own swimbaits? Senkos? Lure Craft has a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! Durable and exact aluminum molds enable you to make round baits! Customize swimbaits for a huge savings. Pour finesse worms for shaky head fishing, drop shots, and split shots and other soft plastics with 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). 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

Its Teva Time!!!!..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 Wraptors, http://teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6960&model=Karnali+Wraptor have a toe guard! 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 lure making, fly-tying, 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 finally replaced my good old 1995 Nissan 4WD truck. The new Nissan Frontier 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!

Hawg Pockets fishing lure guard won the ICAST new product showcase award. They really work! They don't tangle when I move them I can see my bait thru them! I now use them on my boat! 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!

2009 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.

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: 77 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"Week ending June 7, 2009

Hey guys and girls fishing has never been better than it is right now. Just wanted to let you know that we have updated our photo page to show off some of our spring results. We have also put up on our media page the episode that I shot with "Outdoor Aditz" that ran on the Pursuit Channel a few weeks ago. It was shot on the Potomac River. If you get a chance check it out. www.outdoor-action.biz

Tidal Potomac River

I continued to work the Aquia and Arkendale areas of the river this past week. Definitely pounding the numbers on spinnerbaits and plastics. Starting over in the grass on high water then moving to the edge on low water. If you have a little wind on the surface they will eat a 1/4-ounce Booyah blade in white with gold blades. If the wind lays pull out the the old Texas rig YUM blue-fleck worm or the YUM craw-papi in green pumpkin. I'm working the outside areas of the coves inside Aquia and southern Arkendale. We're averaging 30 to 40 bass a day still. No topwater this week.



Lake Anna

No Report this week.

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

Rappahannock River

Not red mud but bright orange mud.



Other Places

Buggs Island

Folks I've been rained on a lot in my life, in fact I figure I've been wet two thirds of my life between hunting and fishing. But I'm here to tell you Daddy-O ain't never been rained on like I was this past Thursday. Nothing like a die hard tougher than nails client like Ed Dustin to motivate me to do something crazy. It rained 4-inches in just 2-hours, the bilge could barely keep up at one point. But you know what; we put a bonafide smack down on them babies. We worked main lake structure like points and road beds with an XCalibur Jimmy. The rain came down so hard at times we couldn't see the Jimmy on top of the water the bass would just blow up on it and all we could do is feel the weight. We caught all our fish on top which is the norm this time of year at Buggs. Some of the best topwater lake action you will ever have is at this lake in June and early July. I worked the mid lake region around Ivy Hill and around North Bend.

Chickahominy River

The Chick is definitely back and better than ever. We worked the mid-river area around Diascund Creek. Traditional Chick pattern in play, the bass were relating to pads in outside bends with 8-feet or more of water in front of them. We took bass up until 11am on Booyah pip-zqueek buzzbaits in black and red. Then switched over to Texas rigged plastics when the topwater bite slowed. We fished both pads and docks with the worm. Our biggest fish for the trip was 5-pounds caught on the pip-zqueek. This river only gets better during the summer and what a beautiful place to wet a line.












Sponsor of the week: Booyah

There are just some lures you can look at and just know they're going to be good. Such is the case when I took one look at the new Booyah pip-zqueek buzzbait. The squeaking sound it makes is good but there are other features that make it an awesome bait. First there's the diamond shaped head that is flat enabling you to plane it out quicker and use it over thicker grass. Second it has the leverage hook system that I really believe in. The leverage hook system gives you increased hook up while decreases lost fish. You will definitely fall in love with this lure if you're a buzzbait junky like me."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"We are experiencing a very good top water bite under low light conditions and with the weather we have been having the bite is lasting all day. Grass edges in creeks produce good numbers of bass when a popping bait like a Rico or Berkleys Frenzy popper are worked along the grass. Buzz baits as well as grass frogs also draw strong strikes. Stick worms in dark pumpkin colors as well as bubble gum color floating worms will catch bass. Fish the same areas with a Chatterbait or a Manns Baby 1-Minus. Twitch the Baby 1 Minus a few times before starting your retrieve and you may be rewarded with an aggressive bass smashing your bait. Isolated grass beds in main river bays or at the mouths of creeks are showing some good size bass that like a Chatterbait or a creature bait worked slowly through the grass. Spatterdock pads near deeper water are giving up good fish too. For you pan fisherman, the bluegill bite is very good during this full moon period. The gills appear to be on beds and will willingly hit a fly rod popper or a black fly. For a sure thing, fish a small piece of earth worm about 12 inches below a bobber and see what happens. The gills are in about 18 inches of water near sandy shoreline areas."

Water Temperature: 75 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"Week ending May 31, 2009



Tidal Potomac River

It was my kind of fishing on the Potomac this past week, we would start the trip with a few buzzbait fish, then switch over to a spinnerbait if I had a little wind. Wind was the key for the spinnerbait if that chop left the water you would not get bit. I used a 1/4-oz black and red Booyah pip-zqueek buzzbait and a 1/4-oz Booyah chart/white spinnerbait. I retrieved the buzzbait just enough to slowly chop the water the strikes were passive but the fish quality. The spinnerbait however we burned across the water just under the surface. When the wind stopped we used whacky rigged YUM dingers and straight up old reliable Texas rigged YUM 7-inch ribbon tail worm. I wish I had a bunch of areas to give you guys but the truth of the matter I never left Aquia Creek, we were catching 30 to 40 bass a day. You know my rule never leave fish to look for fish!



Lake Anna

I finally got on a good grass bite up in the North Anna this week. The pattern was a definite shad spawn pattern. Get on the trolling motor find the shad flipping and playing doing their little thing and you found the bass in the same area. We got our fish on a white/chart 1/4-oz Booyah spinnerbait and a black and red 1/4-oz Booyah pip-zqueek buzzbait. We did a little plastic but had no takers. This is definitely an early morning thing and you have to cover water quickly because the shad bite is quick and then you hit a major lull. Good areas were Duck-In-Hole Creek, the Waddys area, and Christopher Run.

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

Rappahannock River

No report this week.



Other Places

Susquehanna River

No report this week.








Sponsor of the week: Booyah

There are just some lures you can look at and just know they're going to be good. Such is the case when I took one look at the new Booyah pip-zqueek buzzbait. The squeaking sound it makes is good but there are other features that make it an awesome bait. First there's the diamond shaped head that is flat enabling you to plane it out quicker and use it over thicker grass. Second it has the leverage hook system that I really believe in. The leverage hook system gives you increased hook up while decreases lost fish. You will definitely fall in love with this lure if you're a buzzbait junky like me."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"In spite of the rain and heavy runoff of the past week, we continue to locate bass in grass and tidal creeks. With the presence of spatterdock pads and milfoil, and the beginning of the growth of hydrilla, the water clarity remains quite clear by tidewater standards. We have found clearer water in the back half of creeks and the inside edges of grasslines, and the bass are relating to the thick grass and clearer water. A good topwater bite is occurring right now, with buzzbaits, poppers, and prop baits good choices for hard baits and a Strike King Ragin' Shad an excellent choice for a soft frog type bait. Another trick we are trying is to twitch a Mann's Baby 1 Minus or Rattlin' thin fin on the top like an injured baitfish before cranking it below the surface. Soft stickbaits like the Strike King Zero in junebug, watermelon/red flake, or green pumpkin work well around matted grass and wood. A chatterbait is still producing larger than average bass when worked on marsh edges and scattered milfoil. High tides have been especially productive, but a falling tide seems to be preferred when fishing marsh edges."

Water Temperature: 72 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"We have been experiencing a strong top water bite that last most of the day. Poppers, grass frogs and rats as well as twitching a crank bait on the surface all work. Some of the better bass are coming on the frogs. Chatter Baits, produces good numbers of bass as well as an occasional snakehead. Stick worms, worked slowly through the grasses will arouse some good bass as does a plastic creature bait. We are fishing grasses in the creeks and on the main river as well as isolated patches of vegetation on flats. The wood pattern and boat docks turn up good bass also. The wood and docks with little grasses around them produce better for us."

Water Temperature: 71 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"Week ending May 24, 2009



Tidal Potomac River

It was a lot easier to find clean water this week and that was all you needed, find the clean water and grass and you found hungry post-spawn bass. We took a lot of bass this week using a plain old Texas rigged 7-inch YUM ribbon tail blue fleck worm. Seems with all today's new and improved lures that a lot of folks have forgotten about this old friend including me. But I got reacquainted this past week. For this presentation I targeted the grass beds when the water was high and beginning to move out and position the boat in the grass and pull the worm with the current. The trick was to find the thicker clumps and when you did just kill the worm right there and they would just crush it. Once the water drained out and the grass began to form pockets we would flip a Texas rigged YUM craw-papi (green pumpkin) to the small little mats and pockets. Grass beds that had deeper water in front of them with what I call loose scattered grass in front of a well defined edge produced real quality bass taken on a white Booyah boogie bait worked through that loose grass near low tide. I also took some nice fish working a YUM buzzin frog (black) over the grass near low tide. Good areas were Mattawoman, Chickamuxen, Pomonkey, and Dougue Creek areas.

OA Guide Eric Peterson had clients out this week and he stuck with the shallow marsh fishing and found a group of late spawners and just whack them. Eric and his guys had a lot of 3 and 4-pounders on small Texas rigged worms and Booyah boogie baits. Eric worked the Quantico, and Chopawamsic Creek areas. He thinks that this pattern will wane this week but the same areas should heat back up next week with topwater action.

Contact OA Guide Eric Peterson at 703-764-1229 or at finandfowl@hotmail.com



Lake Anna

I continue to work the mid lake area of the lake but targeted mid lake grass this week instead of secondary points. We flipped aTexas rigged YUM craw papi to the pockets and the edge of the grass early, but as the day progressed we had to move off the edge and work YUM Houdini worms in about 10-foot of water. We rigged them on 1/4-oz Booyah football shaky heads. The bite was steady and will get even better this coming week as more bass hit that second phase of the post-spawn where they begin to feed heavily as the water warms.

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

Rappahannock River

OA Guide Tom Toews fished here this past week and wants any and all clients coming to this river in fact he has barred me away from it. The text I received Wed. simply said, "We're whooppin them". Tom targeted creek mouths from City dock in Fred Town to Port Royal. He got his fish on both incoming and out going water. He would work the primary drop in front of the creek first with a Bomber 6A then after picking off those fish he would move up into the creek and cast to the shallow wood cover just inside the creek with a 1/4-oz Booyah spinnerbait (Chart/white) or a Bomber 2A that only runs 2ft. This was his MO for most of the day until the water began to build in heavy he then mainly concentrated his efforts inside the creek mouths. The fish were mixed both pre-spawn and post-spawn. This river is only going to get better as summer approaches.

Contact OA Guide Tom Toews at 540-903-7069 or at cccbaitsco@yahoo.com



Other Places

Susquehanna River

OA Guide Jon Else worked the Snellings Grove area of the river with his clients this week. With the warmer water he's throwing a lot of Booyah spinnerbaits in chartreuse as well as 4-inch YUM tubes in watermelon. He targeted both spawners and post spawn bass. His numbers were down this past week to about 30 bass a day but the quality was off the chart. Long time client Reagan Kling said he has never caught that many 3 and 4-pound smallies and he has been going to the Susky with us for 10-plus years. Jon says he looks for the topwater action to begin this coming week. Our window is closing for this trip as summer approaches if you're contemplating a trip here contact us right away so we can get you up there before water levels drop to the point that we cannot run our boats safely due to the rocky terrain of the river during low water conditions. We have till about he second week of June.

Contact Big Jon Else at 570-814-6501 or at jelse@kingcoaltours.com








Sponsor of the week: YUM plastics

Every boat should have a good selection of YUM dingers in both 4 and 5-inch. They are your friends they will back you up, bail you out, I believe they may very well could bring you your slippers. And oh yeah they catch bass about a hundred or so for me and my clients last two weeks."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"Bass have been extremely shallow this week, with us catching double digit numbers of bass in as little as a foot of water. Reaction baits have produced the largest fish, with white Chatterbaits, chartreuse Mann's Baby 1 Minus crankbaits, and white spinnerbaits working well around grass and marsh banks. Bandit 100 and 200 series crankbaits are also catching bass in the creeks and chartreuse or red have been our best colors. When reaction baits fail to produce, we have caught bass on soft stickbaits, 3" and 4" Berkley Chigger Craws, and 5-7" finesse worms. Black/blue is always a good choice and pumpkinseed/green flake is beginning to produce quality bass. In addition to the bass, we are continuing to catch snakeheads around marsh banks and they seem to prefer very shallow water. A frog bite is beginning to become effective around matted grass around low tides, and a popper bite is also beginning for those who prefer those types of baits."

Water Temperature: 68 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"Week ending May 10, 2009



Tidal Potomac River

It was windy the week before and rainy this past week but the big river keeps churning out the bass and snakeheads. I ran a mixture of marsh fishing and grass flats. Hitting the marsh on the higher tides then pulling back to the grass flats on the lower end of the tide spectrum. We averaged 40 to 45 fish a day with a lot of them being in the 14-inch range but we had our share of toads as well we took several 5-pounders this past week. Most of the bass are post spawn in the grass and a good mixture on the marsh flats. The top producing lures were shallow running crankbaits and whacky rigged 4-inch YUM dingers in greenpumpkin or black/blue fleck. I look for these lures to keep producing this coming week with a little topwater action to begin. Good areas were Chopawamsic, Quantico, Dougue, and Aquia Creeks. Have I mentioned to you folks them snakeheads are good eatin'. Grilled with a little salt and pepper, Italian dressing, and butter; you'll smack your mama for the last bite.



Lake Anna

I got a real dose of the post spawn blues here at the lake this past week. Numbers weren't a problem for me but size was. We caught a lot of 14 to 15-inch skinny post spawn males and the only pattern I could make work was to target small secondary points as close to spawning sites as possible. I concentrated on the mid-lake area around the splits. We used Booyah shaky heads with a 4-inch YUM Houdini worm in watermelon and weightless YUM dingers in green pumpkin to catch our fish. This will change this coming week look for the rest period of the females to turn into a buffet on bream around these same points and docks in the area and topwater will definitely be in play; the lake will be a great place to fish this coming week.

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

Rappahannock River

No report this week.



Other Places

No report this week.








Sponsor of the week: YUM plastics

Every boat should have a good selection of YUM dingers in both 4 and 5-inch. They are your friends they will back you up, bail you out, I believe they may very well could bring you your slippers. And oh yeah they catch bass about a hundred or so for me and my clients last two weeks."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"FISHING REPORT

Support your local tackle stores! Please shop at Warbird Outdoors! They carry most of the baits I use! They can get anything you want! Just call! 703-878-3111

Muddy water? It happens. Of course, the best thing to do is to find water that isnt so muddy! I look in backs or middles of creeks and along the main river. Lately, not much clarity on the main river! After that you must fish hard cover! Docks, seawalls and riprap, especially at higher tides, laydowns, etc! Fish slowly! And, then slow down a bit more. I like creature baits&my favorite is the Mizmo Swamp Monster! This bait has flapping claws and appendages and is not so soft, so it can come through heavy cover better than others! I also use a black/blue combo. But, the best thing about this bait is that it has pod pockets! You can put the Mizmo Thunder Rattles in them!!!!! OR put some flotation in them to keep them moving while sitting still! I use a ¼ ounce weight and keep it in contact with cover!

After that, I like Manns Baby 1-Minus! Firetiger seems to be the best in muddy water! I paint the belly orange with vinyl paint from Janns Netcraft! Im not an artist, I just take a pipe cleaner and dip into the paint and wipe a streak across the belly!

Next is the spinnerbait. If the water is shallow, I use a ¼ otherwise; I go to the 3/8 with tandem Colorado/Indiana gold blades with a white skirt. I fish these very slow as well! Bump cover and fade slowly back to the boat.

I like the Road Runner, Rock N Runner with gold blades and dark skirt. I have also been replacing the silver willow beneath the bait with a gold one! A larger craw-colored craw trailer works! Swim Manns Stone jig with a HardNose Craw over the grass, just like the lipless cranks! I am also swimming 5.5 inch Mizmo tubes with new Mustad swimbait hook with adjustable sliding weight! Here I like white and some craw patterns! Be patient with these! They will produce bigger fish!

Other soft plastics will be dark as well&green pumpkin copper is a good choice for Mizmo tubes, shaky head, drop shot and split shot rigs!
Texas rigged Mizmo tubes cast or pitched to holes in the grass and on the inside grass edges are the best bet. You can also toss stickworms like the Manns HardNose Freefall worm. I like to use 3/16-ounce weights for the Mizmo in green pumpkin with copper flake on a 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point tube hook. For line, I like the lightest I can get away with&now it is 12-14 pound test&Berkley Trilene Maxx. I like casting gear, so I am using a 68" Quantum rod with a Tour Edition reel. This is a 7:1 fast reel to take up the slack! For all soft plastics, soak them in Garlic Jacks Juice!

Slow all of them down. As the water clears this week, its back to topwaters. My favorite is the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 in Aurora Black! A slow walk-the-dog without stopping, even after a blow up will get them!

For the For a great day of fun for the entire family join the Family Fishing Day & FLW Casting Skills Contest Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the well stocked fishing pond in Franklin Park, Loudoun County, VA. Food, fun, memories and fishing! Learn and improve your skills: Registration 08:00-09:00. For further info, please call Michael Hall at 571-236-1918.

If I have clients who prefer a spinning reel, I am using Berkley Fireline in 14-pound test with a leader of Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon. For the drop shot, split shot, the shaky head and the Mizmo.

I found a GREAT NEW product! TRANSDUCERSHIELDANDSAVER.com! If you have a broken ear on your transducer or if you want to protect a good one&this is a great cost saver!

My 2008 Skeeter ZX225 is FOR SALE! Call for details! 703-380-7119.

If you dont service your own reels or if youre looking for a great tech, an old friend of mine is ready to get your gear in ship shape! Cleaning and repair done locally and fast! He was trained by the best and I recommend him highly! Jim can be reached at http://www.DominionTackle.com
Servicing Shimano, ABU Garcia, Daiwa, Quantum, Penn and virtually all makes including Baitcasting, Spinning and Saltwater reels.

Check out my latest article on tidal fishing! It is a two part series with FLW angler Dave Lefebre filling in the advanced info! Stay tuned for that! http://www.nationalbass.com/reports/feature.htm

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.

I answer fishing questions on Boatus.com 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/

Article on how to fish suspending jerkbaits with Elite Series pro&.just won an event!...Mark Menendez in this months Sportsmans Magazine (thesportsmansmag.com)! 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.

Ive switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle&Ive already noticed they dont take long to recharge! Full article on this new battery technology under ARTICLES on my site! They show no signs of wearing down either and I really use my trolling motor!

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!

I am insured by the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. BoatUS 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!!!! Click on my site link, nationalbass.com, for a free quote. For a special deal, use this code: FH200SC

Want to learn how to teach someone to fish? Or looking for a few tips&? Check out my free videos (http://www.monkeysee.com/channel/show/89)

Its no secret Maui Jims are the best polarized sunglasses&now improved 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.

Confused over license requirements to guide on the Tidal Potomac River? I worked closely with the PRFC to come up with a grid of requirements to comply with DC, MD, VA and the PRFC on the Tidal Potomac. For a copy, http://nationalbass.com/reports/prfclicense.htm. And ALL guides will have to carry a TWIC card too! I support efforts to see to it these rules are enforced!

I keep Frogg Toggs on board for sudden showers and COLD weather! 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)

Pour your own swimbaits? Senkos? Lure Craft has a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! Durable and exact aluminum molds enable you to make round baits! Customize swimbaits for a huge savings. Pour finesse worms for shaky head fishing, drop shots, and split shots and other soft plastics with 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). 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

Its Teva Time!!!!..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 Wraptors, http://teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6960&model=Karnali+Wraptor have a toe guard! 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 lure making, fly-tying, 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 finally replaced my good old 1995 Nissan 4WD truck. The new Nissan Frontier 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!

Hawg Pockets fishing lure guard won the ICAST new product showcase award. They really work! They don't tangle when I move them I can see my bait thru them! I now use them on my boat! 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!

2009 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.

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: 66 degrees; Water clarity: 1-6 inches

"Ken Penrods Life Outdoors Unlimited Fishing Report
Serving Clients & Protecting Regional Waters Since 1985
Week Ending May 10, 2009
4708 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Kens Cell/BlackBerry: 240-447-2206. E-mail: kenpenrod@comcast.net
Office Message Center: 301-937-0010
www.penrodsguides.com www.fishdeepcreek.com
Captain Brent Nelson: LOU Guide, Webmaster & VP of Deep Creek Operations: bbnelson@comcast.net

NOTES: Anglers and boaters should/must understand that many regional waters, especially free flowing rivers, are still very high and unsafe for recreational use. Even the tidal waters offer hazards in the form of extreme flotsam.
We are saddened by the loss of two lives in the Chain Bridge area recentlyand thats why we always try to caution river users. When in doubtstay out.
Final decisions concerning the Charles County Cross County Connector (highway project) are soon to be decidedand it is inconceivable that anyone that understands the potential damage that Mattawoman Creek will undergo cannot protest to loudly. Mattawoman Creek is ALREADY threatened by upstream development and storm water runoff. The construction of such a road through the fragile marshes of this vital tributary is certain death for the most valuable watershed in the Chesapeake Bay system. This just has to be stopped.
Ken Penrods Summer Youth Camp, a 17-year old opportunity for boys between the ages of 12-16 will be conducted during the month of July. We still have 5-spots to fill. Boys will stay at Kens Pennsylvania lodge for weekly sessions that teach smallmouth bass fishing; trout fishing; fly rod instruction; boat safety; GPS technology; photography; first aid; rim rife safety and shooing lessons; shotgun training; coyote hunt; leadership training. See our website (www.penrodsguides.com) and then click on Youth Camp. A mandatory interview between parents, applicants and Ken Penrod is essential. This is not a camp for troubled boys and we insist that members be avid outdoorsmen.

UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: Forget it for nowthe entire river is unsafe and slowly receding from flood stage. Visit our website and monitor river conditions. Call 703-996-2200 for NWS recordings. I fear that this years spawn will be lost. On a good note, perhaps this high water will rid the river of last years dead grass.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER, PA: ***; 60-degrees; stained; 5.4 @ Harrisburg. SPECIAL NOTE: The Juniata River was blown out and still runs extremely high. Visitors can fish the main stem without problem, but the Juniata needs some time to improve. Call 1-888-881-7555 for updated conditions.
As far as my complaints about helicopter dumping of chemicals into the Juniata and Susquehanna in late April, Ive come to understand thats its about black fly control. I also know that PFB were never consultedand so far Ive not received a satisfactory reply as to potential damage to persons that are dumped-on, let alone the damage to aquatic inhabitants. This much I knowthe pilot of that helicopter has no regard for river users (boaters) and the man dumps his chemical over boaters without regard to wind. Thats simply a low-bidder attitude. I will demand a chemical analysis of that substance and I want to know if that substance has been tested for aquatic inhabitant damage.
LOU guide Mike Breeding is working the main stem between Montgomery Ferry and the Juniata where clients are still thrilled by hefty smallmouth bass that use down current, current breaks created by submersed islands. Big Mouth Lure Company spinnerbaits (Penrod Special and Golden Shad) are smashed by bass so violently that the bait breaks, says Mike. Im also casting Case Magic Sticks and Case Salty Shads to those areas and just dead-sticking themthen hold-on because they will be crushed.
Downstream of the Juniata, the river is a mess on the west side but we find good to excellent conditions upriver, especially mid-river.
John at Riverfront Campground (717-834-5252) apologizes for his shortage of Campground Special tubes, RAB jigs, Penrod Special spinnerbaits and Gator Rods, but assures that the shortage is temporary. Kens guides clients just wiped-me-out this spring, but Im catching up now.
Report-readers should know that Mike and Chris Sanno will stay on the Susquehanna all year and these talented, licensed guides will move around to keep clients on fish. Reach Mike at 443-614-9842 and Chris at 717-576-6849.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: ***; 64 degrees; stained/ muddy; much surface derbies.
We actually had a pretty good week on the tidal Potomac in spite of the humongous debris that came downriver, the result of very heavy flooding upriver. The channel-wide, 12-mile mine field was as extreme as Ive seen in many years. Still, we were able to find good to better-than-good conditions in areas and the fish were biting, although not up to par on the quality spectrum.
WASHINGTON, DC: It was dangerous getting to the Washington Channel and Pentagon Lagoon, but bass were cooperative during the low-flow tides. Best baits included Penrod Special tubes; Rattlin Rapalas; Big Mouth Spinnerbaits and Luhr Jensen Brush Baby crankbaits. Be careful in the Washington Channel because Fort McNair police will wave you off the east wall should you get to close. Nice bass in the rear of the Channeland good fish in Pentagon Lagoon. Forget the upper river here because it is raging.
WW BRIDGE VICINITY: we found pretty good fishing in Penrod Cove and coves below Belle Haven Marina. Other reliable areas include the north shore of Broad Creek and Grass beds and gravel pits in Piscataway Creek where Case plastics and Rattlin Rapalas did the job. We are catching a lot of small males but first come the small onesthen come the girls. The best bass we caught all week was a solid 5-pounder in Penrod Cove. This full-moon week should have spurned a major spawn but conditions were not good.
MATTAWOMAN VICINITY: the headwaters of the creeks in this area were very muddy, but the lower portions still had pretty good clarity until weeks end. The low barometer and cloudy conditions were good for anglers and some nice bass in grass beds near the mouth of Mattawoman and Chickamuxen on Big Mouth Chatterbait; Case Magic Sticks; Rattlin Rapalas and buzzbaits . The OCCOQUAN RIVER & BAYS have been very productive but muddy conditions have stalled this productivity.
AQUIA CREEK AREA: The grass beds on both sides had been pretty productive but that spawn is done and gone. Look for another this month when the water gets to 70-degrees and a moon phase is influential. When you are catching lots of small bassthe big girls will show up soon."

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity:

"The trick this week was to find clearer water while dodging the debris in the river. The first part of the week found us on the main river where the water was clearer as the creeks muddied. We stayed on the grass pattern where buzz baits, poppers, frogs and a variety of top water presentations produced good bass. As the tide fell, we moved to the outside edges of the grass beds with water three to four feet deep along the edge and worked white Chatter Baits and green pumpkin Wackos through the grass. When the main stem began to muddy, we moved into the creeks that were clear and worked the same grass patterns as well as spatterdocks and isolated wood. . We caught fair numbers of bass over 15 inches and most females appeared to be spawned out."

Water Temperature: 64 degrees; Water clarity: 6 inches - 1 foot

"Week ending May 3, 2009



Tidal Potomac River

The wind made it rough this week but if you could get protected you could have some awesome fishing. I found a whole contingent of post-spawn bass down south and they were more than agreeable gobbling shallow running cranks and YUM dingers rigged weightless. This little cool down we're experiencing will do wonders for that post spawn rest period. Look for two major patterns this coming week; look for those grass fish to start raiding bream beds. Also the marsh fishing was trying to develop and I'm banking on that being the top pattern this coming week. These fish should spawn in earnest with the coming full moon. For those bream raiders use a watermelon colored YUM Houdini shad and dip the tail in orange dye. Find the right bed and you can actually sight fish for these bass. Concentrate your efforts in Mattawoman, Chicamuxen, Douge, Aquia, and Potomac Creeks. Good main river flats are Greenway and Wades Bay.



Lake Anna

OA Guide Scott Hammer fished the lake this week this is his report.

If you are a sight fisherman, now is the time to get to Lake Anna. The water is clear and you can see bedding fish in up to 5 feet of water. If you can see a stump, you need to pitch to it. Even if you cannot see the fish, pitch to every stump you see. I concentrated on the down lake and mid-lake portions and caught fish in Hairfield and Harris but there were a lot of cruisers. Went to "My" tree and caught a pair of, first the buck and then I threw right back in and got his girlfriend. These were the only fish I caught out of the grass all day. More spawners around Thurman Island and I had Worked my way down lake and found fish setting up at dike 2 and pulled a nice 4lb female off a stump. Worked over to Valentines and chased a few that were on the move but no takers. Did I mention they are setting up on stumps? Went back to mid lake around the mouth of the North Anna and worked weeds and stumps.....yep, you guessed it fish were holding on stumps. As our day ended I gave the back of Sturgeon creek a quick going over and caught some smaller buck bass. Baits that worked for me were the Senko and and dropshot. I used the Senko blind casting to areas I knew held stumps and the dropshot with a shorter than average (6-7 inches) hook to weight distance, to the stumps I could see. It's great fun out there and one of the few times of the year the fish are predictable and do what they are supposed to do!!

You can reach Scott at 540-349-4431 or at hammertimeguide@earthlink.net

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

Rappahannock River

No report this week.



Other Places

Susquehanna River- OA Guide Jon Else had a awesome week on the big river.

Jon worked the Duncannon area this past week. He fished both up and down river from the confluence of the Juniata. Jon concentrated on grass flats around the islands as well as points, and shoreline eddies. His numbers were down but more than made up for it in size. On Wednesday he put his clients on multiple 4-pond plus bass. Best lure was a 4-inch YUM tube. The weather has made getting our trips in very challenging this year but the one blessing is all this rain will hold the river levels up and create some awesome topwater and spinnerbait fishing for late May and early June. Folks if you've never done this you are truly missing one of the greatest fishing experiences of your life.

You can reach Big Jon at 570-814-6501 or at jelse@kingcoaltours.com













Pvt. Jon Carr with a chunky Potomac bass caught while fishing with his dad this week.

Sponsor of the week: United States Marine Corp

Of course they are not one of my sponsors. I got to spend most of last week at Parris, Island Recruit Depot to watch my oldest son graduate and become a Marine. No doubt it was one of the proudest moments of my family's life. The stories Jon had to tell were both hilarious and most serious in nature and he didn't stop talking till we got to Petersburg, Va. I witnessed some awesome young folks while I was there if you ever get a chance to go DO NOT PASS IT UP. God Bless all of our men and women in the Armed Forces!"

Water Temperature: degrees; Water clarity: