Fishing the DMV

Thomas Arens
  • 4.9 (68)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Weekly

Fishing the DMV Podcast is a leading bass fishing podcast delivering the most up-to-date fishing reports, bass fishing tips, bass fishing techniques, and tournament bass fishing strategies for anglers across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Covering Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, this podcast is your go-to source for largemouth bass fishing, smallmouth bass fishing, tidal river fishing, lakes or the Chesapeake Bay we are the go to source for all things fishing in the area.  Hosted by Thomas Arens, Fishing the DMV features expert interviews with professional anglers, fishing guides, tournament anglers, fisheries biologists, and fishing industry experts, breaking down bass fishing patterns, seasonal fishing strategies, pre-spawn fishing, spawn fishing, post-spawn fishing, summer bass fishing, fall bass fishing, and winter bass fishing. Every episode is packed with actionable advice on best bass fishing lures, fishing tackle, rod and reel setups, bass fishing gear, sonar and fish finders, forward-facing sonar, electronics, kayak fishing, bank fishing, and offshore fishing techniques. Get detailed fishing reports and bass fishing intel for top fisheries including the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Chickahominy River, James River, Susquehanna River, Shenandoah River, Claytor Lake, Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island), and more. Learn proven tournament fishing strategies, how to catch big bass, how to find bass, and how to catch more fish with real-world insights from anglers who fish these waters every day. Whether you're searching for the best bass fishing podcast, daily fishing reports, bass fishing tips and tricks, or advanced bass fishing techniques, Fishing the DMV Podcast delivers everything you need to improve your fishing, stay on top of current conditions, and dominate on the water. Subscribe now for the latest bass fishing reports, fishing tips, and tournament strategies to help you catch more bass and become a better angler.

  1. 3d ago

    The BEST Smallmouth Tubes You’ve Never Heard Of ?! | River Rock Baits

    On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with Robert of River Rock Baits. We talk tubes and about natural forage, and what really gets pressured bass to bite. If you fish the Shenandoah River, Susquehanna River, Juniata River, Potomac River, James River, or other Mid-Atlantic rivers, this conversation is packed with information that can help you better understand smallmouth behavior and bait selection. One of Robert’s most interesting theories is what he calls the “95/5” approach to smallmouth fishing. He believes that much of the time, especially on pressured water, anglers aren’t simply putting a bait in front of an actively feeding fish—they’re provoking or enticing the strike. That leads into a detailed discussion about why size, color, presentation, scent, and especially soft-plastic texture can matter when targeting river smallmouth that have already seen plenty of fishing pressure. We also break down why tube fishing remains so effective for smallmouth bass decades after the technique became popular. Robert explains how River Rock Baits hand-dips its tubes, why he believes that process creates a different texture and action than many molded soft plastics, and how matching the hatch influences everything from bait size to color selection. We discuss common brown crayfish in the Shenandoah Valley, seasonal crawfish color changes, gobies, minnows, madtoms and stonecats, along with colors such as Amber Smash, Dark Erie Green, Goby and Red Swamp Craw. The conversation also gets into seasonal smallmouth patterns. When cold water reduces the availability of crayfish, Robert explains why baitfish can become increasingly important around Susquehanna River wintering areas and why an extremely slow-moving minnow presentation can produce cold-water bites. We also compare Susquehanna and Shenandoah smallmouth, discuss the importance of local knowledge, and look at how experienced river anglers have helped Robert develop baits for specific fisheries from Pennsylvania and Virginia to larger northern smallmouth waters. In this episode, we cover: • Why Robert believes many smallmouth strikes are provoked rather than feeding bites  • Why tubes remain one of the best baits for river smallmouth bass  • Size, color, scent, presentation and texture for pressured smallmouth  • Matching crayfish and baitfish forage throughout the seasons  • Susquehanna River vs. Shenandoah River smallmouth fishing  • Hand-dipped tubes vs. molded soft plastics and why texture matters  • Stonecat/madtom, goby and crawfish imitations for river bass  • Winter smallmouth fishing and ultra-slow baitfish presentations Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com  Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/   Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/  FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt Support the show

  2. Aug 6

    Chickahominy River Bass Fishing: Topwater & Spinnerbait Tournament Pattern

    On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Ty to break down his second-place finish in the Virginia Bass Nation Kayak Series tournament on the Chickahominy River in Virginia. Ty landed 81.50 inches of largemouth bass while figuring out a changing tidal bite built around buzzbaits, poppers and spinnerbaits. Anglers interested in Chickahominy River bass fishing, kayak tournament strategy and summertime tidal-water fishing will hear exactly how he adjusted throughout the day. Ty entered the tournament with limited recent experience on the Chickahominy River system and made a last-minute decision to launch from Chickahominy Riverfront Park instead of returning to the water he practiced near Rockahock. He began by searching a winding creek, concentrating on bends, grass, cypress trees and other shallow-water cover. His usual drop shots, shaky heads, wacky rigs and soft plastics failed to produce consistently, forcing him to abandon his original plan and pay closer attention to what the bass were actually doing. The pattern changed when a buzzbait generated three strikes within roughly 10 minutes. Ty then picked up a popper and found largemouth bass feeding around grass and chasing large baitfish that appeared to be gizzard shad. He explains why accurate casts, lure color and matching the available forage were so important, along with how incorrect replacement hooks contributed to several lost popper fish. When the clouds disappeared, the wind increased and the water became muddier, Ty transitioned to a spinnerbait and caught the biggest bass of his day. One of the most valuable lessons involved presentation angles. Several spinnerbait strikes came while Ty retrieved the lure in the opposite direction from what he expected based on the current. Once he recognized that pattern, he repeatedly covered the same productive stretch instead of leaving. His Old Town Autopilot 120, remote steering and Spot-Lock helped him stand up, maintain position and make precise casts between isolated grass clumps. In this episode, we cover: How Ty finished second with 81.50 inches on the Chickahominy RiverLocating largemouth bass in tidal creeks, grass and cypress treesWhy he turned off LiveScope while fishing shallow waterSwitching from soft plastics to buzzbaits and poppersMatching large baitfish with topwater lures and spinnerbaitsAdjusting to changing wind, sunlight, tide and water clarityUsing unexpected casting angles to trigger spinnerbait strikesKayak positioning, Spot-Lock and tournament decision-making  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com  Bass and Furious on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BassandFurious   Bass and Furious on Facebook: facebook.com/tybassandfurious  Bass and Furious on Instagram: instagram.com/bassandfurious  Check out Ty’s sponsors down below.    Nest Realty:  https://www.nestrealty.com/fredericksburg/   Rapala: https://www.rapala.com/us_en/  Bass and Furious Shop  https://www.bonfire.com/store/bassandfurious-shop/  Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/  FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt Support the show

  3. Aug 3

    Why Lake Anna Keeps Getting Better | DWR Biologist John Odenkirk

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV I have on Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist John Odenkirk for an in-depth Lake Anna fishing report covering largemouth bass, northern snakeheads, striped bass, hybrid stripers, Saugeye, crappie, chain pickerel and the lake’s forage populations. Anglers fishing Lake Anna, the North Anna River, Pamunkey Creek, Contrary Creek and the greater Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County area will get a detailed look at why this Virginia fishery continues to improve. Lake Anna’s largemouth bass population is producing historic survey results. During DWR’s latest standardized electrofishing survey, biologists collected an average of 138 bass per hour and 122 adult, stock-size bass per hour—both new records for the lake’s long-term sampling program. John explains why those numbers are so impressive for a large, clear-water reservoir and how submerged aquatic vegetation, water willow, woody cover, abundant forage and a productive watershed have helped Lake Anna move far beyond its old “Dead Sea” reputation. We also break down the return of hydrilla and other aquatic vegetation, the difference between today’s limited grass carp management and the massive stockings of the 1990s, and why healthy vegetation matters for bass habitat, shoreline protection and nutrient control. John discusses wake-boat concerns in the narrower portions of the lake, harmful algal blooms, drought conditions and the potential effects of future water demands and data-center development within the North Anna watershed. Beyond largemouth bass fishing, this episode covers the future of Lake Anna’s northern snakehead population, DWR’s striped bass and hybrid striped bass stocking strategy, and the major success of the saugeye program. John explains why pure stripers grow slowly at Lake Anna, why hybrids may be better suited to the reservoir and where anglers may find saugeye during the winter. We also discuss rising crappie numbers, chain pickerel in the upper Contrary Creek area, the difficulty of measuring blueback herring and threadfin shad, and other improving Virginia bass fisheries such as Nye Reservoir, Occoquan Reservoir and the tidal Rappahannock River. In this episode, we cover: Record-setting Lake Anna largemouth bass survey resultsHow hydrilla, water willow and aquatic habitat support bassNorthern snakehead population trends and possible future regulationsStriped bass, hybrid striped bass and saugeye stocking updatesCrappie, chain pickerel and Lake Anna forage populationsProductive areas of the North Anna and Pamunkey armsGrass carp management, wake boats and shoreline erosionNi Reservoir, Occoquan Reservoir and tidal Rappahannock bass fishing  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast Fishing the DMV now has a website: https://www.fishingthedmv.com/  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Northern Snakehead: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/snakehead/#:~:text=Any%20unusual%20fish%20needs%20to,804%2D367%2D2925).  Report snakehead: 804-367-2925 Virginia Department of Natural Resources website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/  Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/  FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt Support the show

  4. Jul 27

    Virginia’s Hidden Bass Lakes: Giant Largemouth Near Williamsburg with Brain Boog

    Williamsburg, Virginia, is surrounded by more bass fishing opportunities than many Mid-Atlantic anglers realize. In this episode of Fishing the DMV, I sits down with Brain Boog, a local tournament angler and Woods & Waters writer, to discuss largemouth bass, spotted bass, chain pickerel, and bowfin fishing throughout Williamsburg, Newport News, Gloucester, Suffolk, and the greater Hampton Roads region. he  breaks down the lakes he has been fishing through a local electric-only tournament trail, including Waller Mill Reservoir, Diascund Reservoir, Lake Prince, Beaver Dam Reservoir, Chickahominy Lake, and several of the Suffolk water-supply reservoirs. Anglers planning a Virginia bass fishing trip will hear firsthand observations about which fisheries are producing quality fish, which lakes can become difficult under tournament pressure, and how these bodies of water change throughout the summer. A major part of the conversation focuses on Chickahominy Lake, located above the Chickahominy River near Williamsburg. Bryan explains why the lake remains one of his favorite places to fish large wake baits around shallow cover, grass, and warm summer water. The discussion also covers the impressive weights being brought into local Tuesday-night tournaments, the lake’s largemouth bass population, and the bowfin that regularly surprise bass anglers. Brain also highlights Harwood’s Mill Reservoir as an overlooked destination for anglers searching for quality largemouth bass and trophy-sized chain pickerel near Newport News. Other valuable topics include punching thick vegetation at Newport News Park, targeting offshore structure at Diascund Reservoir, fishing bridge pilings at Lake Prince, and learning how to use forward-facing sonar without allowing electronics to distract from productive fishing. Thomas and Brian also discuss access changes at Little Creek Reservoir and Western Branch Reservoir, the unique bass fishing opportunities around Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and the possibility of a future Virginia state-record largemouth coming from an overlooked lake or private pond. That conversation was inspired by a massive bass caught from the runoff lake beneath the roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. In this episode, we cover: Chickahominy Lake summer bass fishing and large wake-bait techniquesHarwood’s Mill Reservoir largemouth bass and chain pickerel fishingWaller Mill, Diascund, Lake Prince, and Beaver Dam tournament conditionsPunching grass mats at Newport News ParkForward-facing sonar and the challenges of learning new electronicsLittle Creek and Western Branch Reservoir access updatesOverlooked bass fishing lakes around Williamsburg and Hampton RoadsVirginia’s largemouth bass record and hidden trophy fisheriesWhich Williamsburg-area lake are you fishing right now? Leave a comment with your latest fishing report, the lure producing your best bites, or the Virginia fishery Bryan should cover in his next Woods & Waters article. Subscribe to Fishing the DMV for more Virginia bass fishing reports, Mid-Atlantic tournament coverage, local lake breakdowns, and conversations with the anglers who know these waters best. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen to Fishing the DMV on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please support Fishing the DMV and join our Club on Patreon!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com    LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/  FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt Support the show

  5. Jul 23

    Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report with Captain Tom Weaver | Rockfish, Cobia, Pickerel & Stories

    Captain Tom Weaver of Tom Weaver Fishing Guide Service joins the Fishing the DMV Podcast for an information-packed conversation about more than 35 years of fishing and working on the Chesapeake Bay. Operating from the Annapolis area, Captain Weaver offers light-tackle fishing, Chesapeake Bay fly fishing, and family-friendly fishing charters targeting everything from shallow-water rockfish and winter pickerel to bluefish, cobia, red drum, and other seasonal species. Captain Weaver shares how he arrived in Maryland in 1990, just as striped bass fishing reopened following the moratorium, and immediately fell in love with the Chesapeake Bay. Before becoming a full-time Chesapeake Bay fishing guide, he spent approximately 25 years racing sailboats professionally, competed in America’s Cup campaigns, raced around the world, helped lead an Italian America’s Cup team, and later started a boatbuilding company. He also spent more than a decade guiding during the winters in Key West before earning one of Maryland’s limited-entry guide licenses and building his Maryland fishing charter business. The conversation takes a detailed look at how Chesapeake Bay fishing has changed since the 1990s. Captain Weaver explains how major schools of striped bass gradually shifted north from traditional Mid-Bay locations such as The Hill near Poplar Island toward Love Point, Swan Point, Tolchester, Baltimore, and the Susquehanna Flats. Rather than following those fish farther north, he adapted by locating smaller groups of rockfish in extremely shallow water around Eastern Bay and the Choptank River. He now regularly fishes in three feet of water or less, sometimes sight-casting to wary striped bass in water barely deep enough to float his boat. He also discusses the growth of the Severn River chain pickerel fishery, improving water clarity, expanding grass beds, oyster restoration, striped bass spawning conditions, and serious concerns surrounding white perch recruitment. Captain Weaver also breaks down his favorite Chesapeake Bay fishing techniques. During the summer, he frequently throws topwater lures throughout the day—even under bright afternoon sun. His preferred spinning lures are the Heddon Super Spook XT and Heddon One Knocker, modified by replacing the treble hooks with inline single hooks. For fly anglers, he recommends eight- or nine-weight equipment, accurate presentations, clear fly lines when fish are especially wary, topwater poppers, and learning to use a proper strip-set instead of lifting the rod with a traditional trout-set. Captain Weaver also shares memorable Chesapeake Bay fishing stories, including catching large winter striped bass near the Bay Bridge, targeting pickerel on fly tackle, encountering a group of huge tarpon south of Taylor’s Island, and getting shots at 17 cobia near Poplar Island during a single fly-fishing trip. He explains why late summer can bring opportunities for cobia, red drum, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout, while winter offers catch-and-release opportunities for trophy striped bass and chain pickerel. The episode also explores Captain Weaver’s fisheries advocacy work. He explains why he supports responsible winter catch-and-release fishing, how seasonal closures can protect striped bass during periods of high water temperatures, and why keeping anglers connected to the resource is important for the long-term future of Chesapeake Bay conservation. His observations come from decades spent on the water, but he also emphasizes the importance of listening to fisheries biologists, managers, and scientific research.  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fishwithweaver/  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fishwithweaver?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  Website: https://fishwithweaver.com/home  FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/   Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/   Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech   Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168     Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs  Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N  #FishingtheDMV #FishingReport #ChesapeakeBayfishing  Support the show

  6. Jul 21

    Chesapeake Bay White Perch Fishing Guide and 11th Annual White Perch Open with Anglers Sports Center

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV!! I have on EJ from Anglers of Annapolis to discuss white perch fishing around Annapolis, Kent Island, the Severn River, the Magothy River, and Maryland’s tidal tributaries. Whether you are introducing a child to fishing or looking for a dependable summer bite, this conversation offers practical information you can use on your next trip. EJ is a lifelong Maryland angler who has fished the Chesapeake Bay since childhood and has been visiting Anglers of Annapolis since he was around 14 years old. He explains why white perch are such a great species for beginners, how anglers can get started without spending a fortune, and where these fish can be found throughout the year. We discuss public fishing opportunities at places such as Matapeake Fishing Pier, Romancoke Fishing Pier, Jonas Green Park, and other shoreline locations throughout Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We also break down the best bait for Chesapeake Bay white perch. EJ explains why bloodworms remain one of the most productive choices in the main bay, while night crawlers can be an affordable and effective option farther inside tributaries where the water becomes fresher. He also walks through the early spring spawning run, the movement of white perch toward docks and piers during the warmer months, and the deeper-water schools anglers may find during the fall. The conversation then turns to the 11th Annual White Perch Open hosted by Anglers of Annapolis. The family-friendly event includes youth divisions, prizes, food, music, and hundreds of white perch being cleaned, cooked, and served on-site. This year’s event honors the late Charlie Ebersberger, a longtime owner of Anglers of Annapolis who loved white perch fishing and played an important role in the local fishing community. EJ also shares the mission behind Combos for Kids, a nonprofit that introduces underserved children, children with special needs, at-risk youth, and children in foster care to fishing. Volunteers donate their boats, equipment, time, and knowledge, while every child participating in the boating events gets to keep their fishing setup and continue their journey on the water. In this episode, we cover: The best bait for catching Chesapeake Bay white perchBloodworms versus night crawlers in tidal tributariesPublic fishing spots near Annapolis and Kent IslandSeasonal white perch movements from spring through fallThe history and format of the White Perch OpenThe secret ingredient in Anglers’ fried white perch recipeHow Combos for Kids introduces children to fishingChanges EJ has witnessed across the Chesapeake Bay fishery Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com To enroll in the White Perch Open: https://www.anglerssportcenter.com/white-perch-open/ Anglers Sport Center website:  www.anglersannapolis.com   Combos for Kids: www.combosforkids.org  Combos for Kids donation: https://donorbox.org/combos-for-kids LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/   Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/   Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech   Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168     Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N Fitt Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt Support the show

  7. Jul 20

    How to Catch Summer Susquehanna River Smallmouth with Chris Gorsuch

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on Susquehanna River fishing guide Chris Gorsuch returns to Fishing the DMV for a detailed look at summer smallmouth bass fishing across one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable river systems. From the main stem near Harrisburg and North Liverpool to the North Branch around Laceyville and the Endless Mountains, Chris explains what he is seeing from the fishery and how anglers can adjust when quality smallmouth are not holding in their usual places. Chris believes the Susquehanna River is still fishing well, especially for anglers looking to catch numbers of smallmouth bass. However, he has seen fewer fish in the 19- to 20-plus-inch range than during the previous several springs. Bigger bass are still available—including two 23-inch smallmouth caught from his boat—but finding them has required more movement, more fuel and a willingness to fish away from the same heavily pressured areas. We discuss how year classes, winter ice, delayed grass growth, floods, low water, high summer temperatures, pollution, predators and changing forage can all influence the Susquehanna River smallmouth population. The conversation also turns toward summer smallmouth fishing techniques and the best baits for different sections of the river. Chris considers a chatterbait essential on the lower Susquehanna and main stem, while crankbaits are a major part of his North Branch fishing from spring through late fall. On the nearby Delaware River, he leans heavily on spinnerbaits, especially white skirts paired with silver, gold or copper blades that resemble young American shad and other baitfish. Chris also breaks down several developments from FITT Lures, including the Flea Flicker swimbait, VIG and Javelin. The Flea Flicker features a keeled body that allows anglers to shorten the bait while maintaining its profile and action. The VIG is a compact, thick-walled tube-style bait that can be fished on a Ned head, screw-lock jig, Carolina rig or other presentations. Chris explains how these baits can be used around grass, deeper holes, current breaks and other productive river smallmouth habitat. Fish care is another important part of this episode. Chris shares why he nets every bass, keeps his camera ready before lifting a fish from the water and releases weak post-spawn fish without taking a picture. He also discusses shortening fight times during warm-water periods and why proper handling matters when catching large Susquehanna River smallmouth. In this episode, we cover: The current state of Susquehanna River smallmouth fishingWhy anglers are seeing fewer 20-inch bass than in recent springsHow to locate bigger smallmouth by covering water and changing areasChatterbait, crankbait and spinnerbait fishing for river smallmouthGrass, current, deeper holes and summertime bass positioningFITT Lures Flea Flicker, VIG and Javelin rigging optionsChoosing lure colors based on depth, water clarity and forageProper summertime smallmouth bass handling and fish carePlease support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com   FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/   Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/   Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech   Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168     Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs  Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N  #FishingtheDMV #SmallmouthFishing #FishingReport  Support the show

  8. Jul 15

    Chesapeake Bay Cobia Fishing: Best Baits, Tackle & Summer Patterns with Capt. Nate Myers

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV I have o Captain Nate Myers of Catch N Memories for a deep dive into Chesapeake Bay cobia fishing and the unique sight-fishing culture that has developed across the Lower Bay and Virginia Beach region. With more than 15 years of experience chasing cobia from the Outer Banks to the Chesapeake Bay, Nate breaks down what anglers need to know about locating, presenting baits to and landing one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most unpredictable gamefish. This Chesapeake Bay fishing report covers a season that started with a strong spring migration but transitioned into a more challenging summer sight bite. At the time of the conversation, Lower Chesapeake Bay water temperatures were running in the upper 70s, while some cobia had already been caught in water close to 60 degrees earlier in the migration. Nate explains why more fish may be holding deeper in the water column, why chumming can remain productive when cobia refuse to surface and how increasing boat traffic, shifting menhaden concentrations, warmer water and offshore structure could be changing traditional migration patterns. We also break down the two primary approaches to Virginia cobia fishing: sight-casting from a tower boat and chumming along cuts, sloughs and depth changes. Nate explains how to locate cobia around stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, buoys, wrecks and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, along with the importance of polarized glasses, boat positioning and placing a bait several feet ahead of a moving fish. The tackle discussion includes longer casting rods, Penn Slammer spinning reels, 40-pound braid, 50-pound leaders, circle hooks, live eels, finfish, cobia jigs and soft-plastic swimbaits. July can bring tougher fishing while cobia are focused on spawning, but Nate expects the action to improve as fish begin grouping and feeding more aggressively during August and September. He also shares the story of a rare 47.5-inch piebald cobia that was tagged and released, the challenge of netting big fish under Virginia’s no-gaff regulations and how the offshore Virginia wind turbines are developing into habitat for cobia, flounder, sea bass, triggerfish, mahi and other species. website should be up soon and will setup to book trios and order rods: www.catchnmemories.com  FB - Catch22 - Catch’n Memories  https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ej1bV9ouv/?mibextid=wwXIfr FB - Nate Myers  https://www.facebook.com/share/18xB7hU3q8/?mibextid=wwXIfr IG - Catch22 - Catch’n Memories  https://www.instagram.com/catch22_catchnmemories?igsh=ZGozczV4em1lbjE1 IG - Nate_Catch22  https://www.instagram.com/nate_catch_22?igsh=cXczdzl0c2NudXd5&utm_source=qr TikTok - natecatch22 https://www.tiktok.com/@natecatch22?_r=1&_t=ZP-97eiHdGbnwM  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com   LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/   Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/   Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech   Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168     Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs  Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N Fitt Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt #ChesapeakeBayFishing #CobiaFishing #VirginiaFishing #VirginiaBeachFishing #FishingReport #SightFishing #SaltwaterFishing #CBBTFishing #MidAtlanticFishing #FishingTheDMV Support the show

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68 Ratings

About

Fishing the DMV Podcast is a leading bass fishing podcast delivering the most up-to-date fishing reports, bass fishing tips, bass fishing techniques, and tournament bass fishing strategies for anglers across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Covering Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, this podcast is your go-to source for largemouth bass fishing, smallmouth bass fishing, tidal river fishing, lakes or the Chesapeake Bay we are the go to source for all things fishing in the area.  Hosted by Thomas Arens, Fishing the DMV features expert interviews with professional anglers, fishing guides, tournament anglers, fisheries biologists, and fishing industry experts, breaking down bass fishing patterns, seasonal fishing strategies, pre-spawn fishing, spawn fishing, post-spawn fishing, summer bass fishing, fall bass fishing, and winter bass fishing. Every episode is packed with actionable advice on best bass fishing lures, fishing tackle, rod and reel setups, bass fishing gear, sonar and fish finders, forward-facing sonar, electronics, kayak fishing, bank fishing, and offshore fishing techniques. Get detailed fishing reports and bass fishing intel for top fisheries including the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Chickahominy River, James River, Susquehanna River, Shenandoah River, Claytor Lake, Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island), and more. Learn proven tournament fishing strategies, how to catch big bass, how to find bass, and how to catch more fish with real-world insights from anglers who fish these waters every day. Whether you're searching for the best bass fishing podcast, daily fishing reports, bass fishing tips and tricks, or advanced bass fishing techniques, Fishing the DMV Podcast delivers everything you need to improve your fishing, stay on top of current conditions, and dominate on the water. Subscribe now for the latest bass fishing reports, fishing tips, and tournament strategies to help you catch more bass and become a better angler.

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas Arens
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    610
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fishing the DMV
  • Show Website
    Fishing the DMV

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