Fishing the DMV

Thomas Arens
  • 4.9 (68)
  • Wilderness
  • 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. 2d ago

    Fredericksburg VA Fall Bass Fishing Report: Abel Lake, Lake Mooney, Hunting Run & Trophy Bass with Shane Flint

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I'm joined by Shane Flint of Shane Flint Outdoors for a FALL BASS FISHING REPORT covering Abel Lake, Lake Mooney, Hunting Run Reservoir, and other overlooked fisheries around Fredericksburg and Stafford County, Virginia! Shane recently caught FOUR largemouth bass over FIVE POUNDS at Abel Lake! We're breaking down the best October-to-November bass fishing patterns, productive crankbait techniques, offshore structure, and why some of Virginia's smaller reservoirs could be hiding absolute GIANTS! We also revisit Shane's legendary 30-pound bass fishing day on Hunting Run, discuss increasing fishing pressure at Lake Mooney, and reveal exciting plans for FREE online bass fishing tournaments and Fishing the DMV's Christmas Bass Bash! IN THIS EPISODE: FALL BASS FISHING TIPS ·       October and November bass fishing patterns in Northern Virginia ·       Squarebill crankbaits in 2–4 feet of water ·       Deep-diving crankbaits for offshore bass ·       How cooling water, shorter days, and weather fronts affect fishing ABEL LAKE — TROPHY BASS ALERT! ·       Shane's incredible FOUR bass over five pounds! ·       Reports of an 11-pound largemouth caught this spring ·       Finding big bass around steep banks, humps, and structure ·       Why Abel Lake could be entering a trophy bass cycle LAKE MOONEY FISHING REPORT ·       Why shoreline anglers may be missing the biggest bass ·       Fishing offshore points, timber, brush piles, and creek channels ·       Using Garmin Live-Scope to locate bass and baitfish ·       Big crankbait bass, fishing pressure, and a giant walleye! HUNTING RUN & OTHER VIRGINIA LAKES ·       Shane's legendary 30-pound bass fishing day ·       Trophy bass opportunities at Hunting Run and Curtis Lake ·       Changing vegetation, offshore structure, and seasonal patterns ·       Important boat ramp access and seasonal lake closures FREE ONLINE BASS FISHING TOURNAMENTS ·       Shane's summer tournament with over 1,600 registrations! ·       A new online tournament platform and leaderboards ·       Upcoming Southern and Northern Big Bass tournaments ·       Compete from a bass boat, kayak, jon boat, or the bank! ·       What's coming to Fishing the DMV's Christmas Bass Bash! Whether you're chasing trophy largemouth bass or looking to improve your fall fishing success, this episode is packed with local fishing knowledge, proven techniques, and opportunities you won't want to miss! QUESTION OF THE DAY: Which Virginia reservoir do YOU think has the best chance of producing a double-digit largemouth bass? Let us know in the comments! LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Mid-Atlantic fishing reports, tournament coverage, and bass fishing tips! FOLLOW SHANE FLINT OUTDOORS Website: https://shaneflintoutdoors.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShaneFlintOutdoors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067824541655 SUPPORT FISHING THE DMV Become a Patreon supporter and help us keep bringing you local fishing reports and great guests! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast For guest appearances or sponsorship opportunities: fishingtheDMV@gmail.com SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Green Top Sporting Goods: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake's Bait & Tackle: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ #BassFishing #VirginiaFishing #FishingReport #FallBassFishing #FishingTheDMV Support the show

  2. 4d ago

    Fall Bass Fishing in Virginia: Best October–November Lures, Techniques & Lake Reports

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I'm joined by John and Jared to break down the best fall bass fishing lures, techniques, and patterns for October and November across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic! We're talking fall bass fishing on Lake Anna, Buggs Island (Kerr Lake), Lake Gaston, the Shenandoah River, and surrounding fisheries as largemouth and smallmouth bass transition into their fall feeding patterns. What should you actually be throwing when bass start chasing baitfish into shallower water? We're diving into Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, glide baits, swimbaits, topwater lures, flat-sided crankbaits, finesse minnows, and jigs. From burning an A-rig through schools of baitfish to triggering reaction strikes with a silent jerkbait, we're sharing confidence baits, overlooked presentations, and the adjustments that can make all the difference. We also discuss the incredible drought conditions affecting Buggs Island and other Virginia lakes, the challenging NVKBA Classic on Lake Anna, tournament fishing decisions, forward-facing sonar, and why knowing when to switch from big power-fishing presentations to smaller finesse baits can help you catch more bass this fall! 🎣 IN THIS EPISODE: 🍂 FALL BASS FISHING PATTERNS & CONDITIONS Why October and November can produce some of the best bass fishing of the year. How bass follow migrating baitfish and transition between deep and shallow water. Understanding fall feeding windows, water temperatures, and baitfish concentrations. Why finding bass during the fall transition can be more challenging than catching them. 🔥 BEST FALL BASS FISHING LURES Alabama rigs: Smaller A-rigs, realistic swimbaits, stinger tails, and faster retrieves. Jerkbaits: Megabass Vision 110, Berkley Stunna, silent presentations, colors, and cadence. Glide baits: SPRO, Bucca, Berkley Chop Block, and a simple modification to improve its action. Swimbaits and finesse minnows: Megabass MagDraft, Berkley Twitch Minnow, Keitech Easy Shiner, and more. Topwater: Lucky Craft Gunfish, Megabass Giant Dog-X, Sammy, Z-Man Hellraiser, and Jackall Pompadour. Crankbaits and jigs: Flat-sided crankbaits, Keitech casting jigs, and smaller crawfish 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 Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: 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    Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/   LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/    #fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport  Support the show

  3. Oct 20

    Chickahominy & James River Fall Bass Fishing Report: Best Baits, Tidal Patterns & New Gear with Fishing Pro Tech

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by Hunter Smith and Len Bell of Fishing Pro Tech for a late-October Chickahominy River and James River bass fishing report! We're breaking down the fall largemouth bass bite in Virginia, how recent storms and extreme high tides have impacted fishing, the best bass fishing lures for October and November, and some exciting new tackle hitting the shelves at Fishing Pro Tech! After weeks of northeast winds, heavy rain, and blowout tides, the Chickahominy and James River have been dealing with some challenging conditions. But according to Hunter Smith, the fishing has actually improved! With water temperatures hovering around 65–70 degrees, hydrilla and lily pads still holding strong, and bass beginning to focus more on shad and baitfish, the fall transition is creating some interesting opportunities. Hunter takes us behind the scenes of his recent two-day bass fishing tournament, where he managed to catch four quality largemouth weighing approximately 16.5 pounds on the first day! We discuss why the bite completely shut down, how high tides can make productive docks nearly impossible to fish, and why rotating between grass, cypress trees, docks, and other structure is so important this time of year. He also shares his top fall bass fishing baits and explains how he adjusts when the big-fish pattern stops producing. Then we're joined by Len Bell of Fishing Pro Tech for a look at the latest bass fishing tackle, hard-to-find Megabass lures, new Z-Man ChatterBaits, SPRO crankbaits, and some fascinating history behind legendary vintage fishing lures. Plus, we've got details about Fishing Pro Tech's upcoming Black Friday sale, rod-and-reel raffle, and winter fishing expo appearances! 🎣 IN THIS EPISODE: CHICKAHOMINY & JAMES RIVER FALL FISHING REPORT ·       Late-October bass fishing conditions on Virginia's tidal rivers ·       How northeast winds, storms, and blowout tides affect largemouth bass ·       Current water temperatures and the fall transition ·       Why hydrilla and lily pads are still important ·       How bass transition toward shad and minnows during the fall ·       Fishing grass, cypress trees, docks, and man-made structure ·       Why falling water and low tides can create better fishing opportunities HUNTER SMITH'S TOURNAMENT BREAKDOWN ·       Finding tournament-quality bass during practice ·       Catching four fish for approximately 16.5 pounds on day one ·       Why the bite shut down after the early morning ·       How incoming tides can make dock fishing more challenging ·       Using Senkos and finesse worms to generate bites ·       The importance of rotating through different types of cover ·       Big-fish strategies versus securing a five-fish limit ·       How tournament conditions force anglers to adjust BEST FALL BASS FISHING LURES ·       Drop shots and finesse worms for difficult fishing conditions ·       Senkos for skipping docks and catching pressured bass ·       ChatterBaits around hydrilla and remaining vegetation ·       Buzzbaits, poppers, and Whopper Ploppers for fall topwater fishing ·       When cooling water temperatures make topwater less productive ·       Why having multiple presentations ready can make the difference NEW FISHING TACKLE AT FISHING PRO TECH ·       Hard-to-find HideUp FullCast Quakee restocks ·       Megabass YAGOT creature baits and Grand Siglett ·       Megabass Dyna Response blade baits for colder water ·       Megabass Karashi 80 and replacement feather hooks ·       New Z-Man Octane Minnows and ChatterBait PZ2 ·       John Crews Buzz Wagon buzzbaits ·       SPRO Rock Crawler crankbaits and their hunting action VINTAGE BASS FISHING LURES & CRANKBAIT HISTORY ·       Why original pre-Rapala Wiggle Warts are so desirable ·       The legendary Bomber screw-tail crankbaits ·       Vintage Bagley crankbaits and collector favorites ·       Why certain older crankbaits have unique actions ·       Using snaps versus tying directly to crankbaits ·       How small tackle adjustments can improve lure performance FISHING PRO TECH EVENTS & BLACK FRIDAY ·       Friday, November 27, 2026: Fishing Pro Tech's annual Black Friday sale ·       Storewide discounts, free coffee, donuts, and lunchtime pizza ·       A $500-value rod-and-reel combo raffle with $2 entries ·       Raffle proceeds matched by the store in support of cancer research ·       Upcoming Raleigh and Richmond fishing expo appearances ·       New Megabass Levante rods and Daiwa Tatula reels discussed Whether you're planning a fall bass fishing trip to the Chickahominy River, learning how to fish the tidal James River, looking for the best November bass fishing lures, or just love talking fishing tackle, this episode has something for you! Hunter Smith on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hpsfishing/ Hunter Smith on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcYT38BxL_yFHkbb977e_Hw Fishing Pro Tech on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Fishing Pro Tech  7812-A Richmond Road  Toano, VA 23168  Phone: (757) 566-1278 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 Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  #fishing #bassfishing #fishingreport    Support the show

  4. Oct 15

    Potomac River Fall Bass Fishing Report: A Kayak Angler’s Perspective with Joshua Evans

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

  5. Oct 13

    Virginia Beach Fall Fishing with Captain Chris: Speckled Trout, Redfish & Nighttime Stripers

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

  6. Oct 7

    Ocean City Maryland Fall Fishing Report: October Stripers, Flounder, Red Drum & Best Baits

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

  7. Oct 5

    Buggs Island Fall Fishing Report: Low-Water Bass, Stripers & October Patterns with Threadfin Guide Service

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

  8. Sep 30

    James River & Chickahominy Bass Fishing: 24+ Pounds, LiveScope & urchin baits

    How do you catch 24+ pounds of bass in roughly 90 minutes on the James River and Chickahominy River? Chaz and Jared break down their Elite 70 tournament win, including the perfect tidal window, an 8-pound largemouth, forward-facing sonar, the Koike bait, offshore cover, and the decisions that turned one morning into a winning Virginia bass fishing performance. The guys explain why they committed to making the run to the upper Chickahominy, how incoming tide, low light, current, grass, brush piles and stumps positioned the fish, and how LiveScope helped expose bass they already knew were living offshore. The result was a rapid flurry of big fish—including 4- and 5-pounders, a topwater fish and the massive 8-pounder that changed the tournament. We also get deep into the current state of James River and Chickahominy River bass fishing. Chaz and Jared discuss fishing pressure, tournament traffic, changing grass, drought and salinity, F1 bass stocking, why weights aren't carrying as deep through tournament fields, and why the upper Chick continues to produce giant largemouth even when other areas struggle. Plus, we talk about one of the hottest baits in tournament bass fishing—the Koike—and why they believe it isn't just a forward-facing sonar bait. From fishing it around offshore cover to throwing it without LiveScope, the guys explain why this unusual bait continues catching pressured bass in tidal fisheries. Topics include:  • James River bass fishing  • Chickahominy River bass fishing  • Summer tidal bass fishing  • How tide positions largemouth bass  • Forward-facing sonar and LiveScope  • Koike bait fishing  • Offshore brush piles and stumps  • Grass lines and tidal current  • Tournament fishing pressure  • Virginia bass tournament strategy  • The changing James River fishery  • BFL, MLF and tournament bass fishing If you fish the James, Chickahominy, Potomac or any tidal bass fishery, there is a ton of information in this conversation about timing, pressure, offshore bass and knowing when to abandon your normal patterns. Sponsor List for episode description:  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: 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  Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/ LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/  #JamesRiver #ChickahominyRiver #BassFishing #VirginiaFishing #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
    630
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fishing the DMV
  • Show Website
    Fishing the DMV

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