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. 1d ago

    September Lake Anna Bass Fishing Report | Best Baits & Fall Transition with SB Fishing and Matt McCluskey

    September is here, and Lake Anna is setting up for one of the most interesting fall transitions we’ve seen in a while. On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by two guys who spend a ton of time on Lake Anna — Matt McCluskey and SB Fishing — to break down exactly what the bass are doing right now and what anglers should expect as we move deeper into September. The biggest story right now is the amount of fish still grouped up offshore and following bait. Blueback herring are playing a major role, bass are roaming from point to point, and when you find the right school at the right time, the bite can happen FAST. Sunny conditions and light wind have also been especially productive, with some of the best action coming later in the day rather than during the traditional early-morning window. We also talk about Lake Anna’s hydrilla. The grass appears to be roughly a month behind where it was last year, but it continues to grow — including areas where hydrilla is getting within a foot of the surface in 7–8 feet of water. That could create some very interesting opportunities as the lake transitions into fall. 🎣 September Lake Anna baits discussed in this episode: • Carolina Rig  • Weightless Fluke  • ChatterBait  • Drop Shot  • Koiki-style baits  • Forward-facing sonar minnows  • Riser/topwater-style baits  • Spy Baits Matt has been especially impressed with the Carolina Rig, including its ability to pull quality fish from schools without firing up the entire group. As the transition develops, he also expects the ChatterBait to become a major player around the growing grass. SB is keeping the Fluke and Drop Shot close, while also mixing in the minnow and Koiki when fish start following traditional presentations without committing.  We get deep into how fast these fish are actually moving, why you sometimes only catch four or five bass from a school containing dozens of fish, how forward-facing sonar has changed our understanding of bass behavior, and why changing presentations can make such a difference on pressured fish. If you fish Lake Anna, Central Virginia, or any blueback-herring reservoir, there is a TON of information in this conversation that can help you put more fish in the boat this September. 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 High Pole Guide Services contact number: 571-288-9771 High Pole Guide Services email: Highpoleguideservice@gmail.com High Pole Guide Services Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092234756251&mibextid=LQQJ4d McCluskey Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/@Matt_McCluskeyFishing  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

  2. 4d ago

    Northern Virginia Bass Fishing: The Grassroots Tournament Scene Is GROWING!

    The crew from Lew’s Golf and Fish Club returns to the show to talk about one of the most unique grassroots fishing and golf communities growing in Northern Virginia. What started as a group of friends who simply wanted more people to fish and golf with has grown into local tournaments, weekly leagues, new friendships, serious competition, and a genuine brotherhood built around getting outside. If you’ve ever wanted to fish a bass tournament but felt like you didn’t have the right boat, enough experience, or the latest electronics, this episode is for you. We break down how Lew’s Golf and Fish Club has created an approachable tournament format where first-time competitors can fish alongside some of the best anglers in the region—and actually have a chance to compete. In this episode we talk about: • Bass fishing tournaments in Northern Virginia  • Fishing the Occoquan Reservoir and Potomac River  • Aquia Creek bass fishing and tournament strategy  • Why they’re adding the Rappahannock River to the schedule  • Upper Potomac and Shenandoah River smallmouth fishing  • Fishing tournaments without Forward Facing Sonar / LiveScope  • Catch, photo, release tournament formats  • Why smaller tournament boundaries can make anglers better  • Fishing from kayaks, jon boats, aluminum boats and traditional bass boats  • How water level, current and water clarity affect river smallmouth  • Why giant smallmouth become incredibly difficult to catch during low, clear water  • The mental similarities between competitive golf and bass fishing  • Building a local fishing community instead of chasing social-media algorithms  • How beginners can get involved in tournament bass fishing  • Where Lews Golf and Fish Club could go in 2027 and beyond We also get into some classic fishing stories—including broken trolling motors, project boats, learning bass fishing from scratch, winning your first-ever bass tournament, fishing the Brunswick-to-Point of Rocks stretch of the Upper Potomac, brutal summer river conditions, and why sometimes equipment failure actually forces you to fish BETTER. One of the biggest conversations centers around the changing world of tournament bass fishing. Forward-facing sonar and LiveScope aren't going anywhere, but there is also a growing appetite for grassroots tournaments where anglers have to read water, make decisions, manage time, find productive areas and figure out the fish without watching them on a screen. That old-school style of tournament fishing is exactly what Lews Golf and Fish Club is trying to keep alive. Link to Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Website: https://linktr.ee/lewsgolf_fishclub   Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewsgolf.fishclub  Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewsgolf_fishclub  Lew’s Golf & Fish Club Fishing Schedule: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF8FSvenwM/oo9uSPuk4jO-24Wa0P-G5g/view?utm_content=DAF8FSvenwM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=UNAVAILABLE  Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast 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/ Support the show

  3. 6d ago

    STOP Throwing the Wrong Baits in September! | Fall Bass Fishing Guide

    What are the BEST bass fishing lures to throw in September? In this episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down the top September bass fishing baits, techniques, and patterns for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass during one of the toughest transition periods of the year. We’re LIVE from Jake’s Bait & Tackle talking about how to catch bass as summer begins turning into fall across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and the Mid-Atlantic. September bass fishing can be frustrating. Water temperatures begin dropping, baitfish start moving, bass can become extremely focused on shad, minnows and blueback herring, and patterns that worked all summer can suddenly stop producing. That’s why this episode is all about MATCHING THE HATCH and adjusting to the fall transition. We cover some of our favorite September bass fishing lures and techniques, including: • Keitech swimbaits and underspins for schooling bass  • 5-inch and 7-inch flukes for blueback herring and shad eaters  • Spy baits for long-distance schooling fish  • Buzzbaits for shallow fall bass around docks, grass and cover  • Frog trailers and downsized buzzbait presentations  • Double drop shot rigs for tough September bass  • Micro poppers and Torpedo-style topwaters for river smallmouth  • Hellgrammite and creature baits for clear-water smallmouth  • Weightless swimbaits and flukes over grass and vegetation  • BFS finesse presentations for pressured bass  • Megabass Karashi-style finesse topwater/jerkbait presentations  • Shallow-running crankbaits in the 1–3 foot zone  • Megabass Blow-Lee, 6th Sense Curve and other shallow cranks  • Compact 1/2-ounce jigs with heavy-duty hooks  • ChatterBaits, JackHammers, EVO, EVO HD, Stealth and WillowVibe  • ChatterBait trailers including X Zone Swimmer-style and stinger baits  • Big swimbaits and glide baits for late September into October We also talk specifically about the September fishing transition on Lake Anna, where bass can become extremely dialed in on schools of shad, minnows and blueback herring. When those fish are chasing bait, traditional presentations may get ignored while fast-moving minnow imitators produce. For Lake Anna bass fishing, speed can be critical. Burning a fluke, swimbait, spy bait or other baitfish imitation through schooling fish can trigger reaction strikes that slower presentations won't. River anglers aren't forgotten either. For the Shenandoah River, Upper Potomac River and other Mid-Atlantic smallmouth fisheries, we break down why tiny topwaters, micro poppers, hellgrammite-style baits and finesse presentations can be deadly when the water gets low, clear and heavily pressured. We also discuss fishing grass and vegetation on fisheries like the Potomac River and Upper Chesapeake Bay, including one of our favorite alternatives to throwing another frog: fishing a weightless swimbait or fluke across the vegetation and allowing it to fall into openings in the mat. And as September progresses toward October, BIG BAITS start entering the conversation. Glide baits, segmented hard swimbaits and larger soft swimbaits may produce fewer bites—but they can produce some of the biggest bass of the fall. If you're trying to figure out what bass are doing in September, this episode is packed with practical information you can use on the water immediately. Whether you're fishing Lake Anna, the Shenandoah River, Upper Potomac, Potomac River, Rappahannock River, Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna or another Mid-Atlantic fishery, these September bass fishing techniques can help you adjust as the fish transition from summer into fall. Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast 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/ Support the show

  4. Sep 1

    11 Hour Show Part 2!!! Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report 2026 | Cobia, Rockfish, Snakehead & More

    This is part two of the ULTIMATE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Special from Fishing the DMV — an incredible 11-hour Chesapeake Bay fishing marathon featuring some of the best fishing reports, techniques, fisheries discussions, conservation topics, charter captains, fishing guides, industry experts, and local anglers from across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Mid-Atlantic region. This massive compilation covers Chesapeake Bay fishing in 2026, including late-summer fishing, fall fishing patterns, Maryland fishing reports, Virginia fishing reports, striped bass fishing, rockfish, cobia fishing, red drum, speckled trout, Northern Snakehead, blue catfish, white perch, flounder, sheepshead, menhaden, black drum, kayak fishing, saltwater fishing, inshore fishing, topwater fishing, fisheries management, invasive species, oyster restoration, and Chesapeake Bay conservation. Whether you fish the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Ocean City Maryland, Virginia Beach, Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Tangier Sound, Smith Island, Severn River, Magothy River, Eastern Bay, Choptank River, or Lower Chesapeake Bay, this special was created for anglers who want to better understand one of the most diverse fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic. 🎣 ANGLER’S NIGHT OUT — SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 This special release celebrates my upcoming appearance at Angler’s Night Out on Thursday, September 10 at West End Sports Bar & Grill, presented by CCA Maryland and Waterfront Marine. I’ll be there representing Fishing the DMV for an evening of fishing conversation, networking, and Q&A with fellow anglers from the Chesapeake Bay fishing community. 5:30 PM — Gather & Network 6:00 PM — Talk + Q&A Link Below to event: https://www.ccamd.org/calendar/annapolis-chapter-anglers-night-out-6/  If you love Chesapeake Bay fishing, come out, meet other anglers, ask questions, and talk fishing! THE CHESAPEAKE BAY MENHADEN DEBATE Brian Collins discusses one of the most important and controversial topics in Chesapeake Bay fisheries: Atlantic menhaden and their role as forage for striped bass, bluefish, osprey, and the entire Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. CHESAPEAKE BAY COBIA FISHING WITH CAPT. NATE MYERS Captain Nate Myers of Catch N Memories shares more than 15 years of cobia fishing experience and breaks down Lower Chesapeake Bay cobia fishing, Virginia Beach cobia fishing, sight-casting, chumming, water temperature, menhaden movement, boat traffic, offshore structure, and seasonal cobia patterns. TOPWATER ROCKFISH & CHESAPEAKE BAY STRIPED BASS Captain Tom Weaver brings more than 35 years of Chesapeake Bay experience to Fishing the DMV. We discuss topwater rockfish, shallow-water striped bass, Eastern Bay fishing, Choptank River fishing, Annapolis fishing, fly fishing, light-tackle fishing, bluefish, red drum, cobia, chain pickerel, and how Chesapeake Bay fishing has changed over the decades. CHESAPEAKE BAY FALL FISHING Bucky Osborne of Tri Waves Fishing joins the podcast for an in-depth look at fall Chesapeake Bay fishing, Virginia saltwater fishing, speckled trout, seasonal fish movements, inshore fishing, offshore fishing, and Chesapeake Bay fishing culture. TANGIER SOUND & SMITH ISLAND FISHING REPORT Captain Todd Bellamy of FishPit Charters provides an in-depth fishing report for Tangier Sound, Smith Island, Fishing Bay, and the middle-to-lower Chesapeake Bay, covering striped bass, rockfish, black drum, red drum, speckled trout, white perch, grass flats, marsh islands, creek mouths, baitfish movements, hard-bottom areas, and shallow-water fishing. Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast 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 Support the show

  5. Sep 1

    11 HOUR show Part 1!!! All Things Chesapeake Bay Fishing! 13 Reports, Tips & Secrets

    Welcome to the ULTIMATE Chesapeake Bay Fishing Special from Fishing the DMV! Get ready for an incredible 11-hour Chesapeake Bay fishing marathon covering fishing reports, techniques, conservation, invasive species, striped bass, cobia, snakehead, redfish, speckled trout, white perch, blue catfish, and more from across Maryland and Virginia! ANGLER’S NIGHT OUT — SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 This special celebrates my upcoming appearance at Angler’s Night Out on Thursday, September 10 at West End Sports Bar & Grill, presented by CCA Maryland and Waterfront Marine 🕠 5:30 PM — Gather & Network 🎤 6:00 PM — Talk + Q&A Link Below!! https://www.ccamd.org/calendar/annapolis-chapter-anglers-night-out-6/  I’ll be representing Fishing the DMV for an evening of fishing conversation, networking, and Q&A with anglers from across the Chesapeake Bay community. NORTHERN SNAKEHEAD FISHING — MARYLAND & POTOMAC RIVER Steve Kambouris of Kambotrout Fishing discusses Northern Snakehead fishing, Potomac River snakehead, kayak fishing, tournaments, conservation, and the future of the fishery. BLUE CATFISH, SNAKEHEAD & INVASIVE SPECIES Branson D. Williams of Maryland DNR breaks down blue catfish, Northern Snakehead, invasive species management, Maryland fisheries, and Chesapeake Bay conservation. CHESAPEAKE BAY COBIA FISHING Gettin Jiggy Baits discusses cobia fishing, jigging, bait presentation, lure design, fishing pressure, and Chesapeake Bay cobia tactics. MARYLAND WHITE PERCH FISHING EJ from Anglers of Annapolis covers white perch fishing around Annapolis, Kent Island, the Severn River, Magothy River, Eastern Shore, fishing piers, bait selection, and seasonal patterns. STRIPED BASS, MENHADEN, BLUE CRABS & CONSERVATION We examine striped bass management, Atlantic menhaden, blue crabs, oyster restoration, habitat, fisheries policy, and the long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay. CCA MARYLAND & OYSTER RESTORATION Jesse Howe of CCA Maryland discusses oyster reefs, water quality, habitat restoration, fisheries management, and the Living Reef Action Campaign. OCEAN CITY MARYLAND FISHING REPORT Taylor from Always Bent Fishing covers flounder, striped bass, bluefish, red drum, sheepshead, cobia, surf fishing, Ocean City Inlet, Route 50 Bridge, tides, structure, bait, and offshore fishing. VIRGINIA BEACH & LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY REPORT Brayden Cope breaks down Virginia Beach fishing, speckled trout, puppy drum, redfish, kayak fishing, shallow-water patterns, beaches, and inlets. THE CHESAPEAKE BAY MENHADEN DEBATE Brian Collins discusses Atlantic menhaden and their critical role as forage for striped bass, bluefish, osprey, and the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. COBIA FISHING WITH CAPT. NATE MYERS Captain Nate Myers of Catch N Memories shares 15+ years of experience with Lower Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach cobia fishing, including sight-casting, chumming, water temperature, menhaden movement, boat traffic, and seasonal patterns. TOPWATER ROCKFISH & STRIPED BASS Captain Tom Weaver brings 35+ years of Chesapeake Bay experience to discuss topwater rockfish, shallow-water striped bass, Eastern Bay, Choptank River, Annapolis, fly fishing, light tackle, bluefish, red drum, cobia, and how the Bay has changed. CHESAPEAKE BAY FALL FISHING Bucky Osborne of Tri Waves Fishing covers fall Chesapeake Bay fishing, Virginia saltwater fishing, speckled trout, seasonal fish movement, inshore fishing, offshore fishing, and Chesapeake Bay fishing culture. TANGIER SOUND & SMITH ISLAND FISHING REPORT Captain Todd Bellamy of FishPit Charters breaks down fishing in Tangier Sound, Smith Island, Fishing Bay, and the middle-to-lower Chesapeake Bay for striped bass, black drum, red drum, speckled trout, white perch, grass flats, marsh islands, creek mouths, baitfish, and shallow-water patterns. Whether you fish the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Ocean City, Annapolis, Virginia Beach, Tangier Sound, Eastern Shore, or Lower Chesapeake Bay, this marathon is packed with fishing reports, techniques, fisheries science, conservation, and local knowledge to help you better understand and fish the Bay. Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast 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 Support the show

  6. Aug 28

    Shenandoah River Smallmouth Bass Fishing: Best Summer Baits & Patterns

    On this episode of Fishing the DMV, Captain Travis Edens of King Fisher Guide Services and Jared from Jake’s Bait & Tackle break down how to catch summer smallmouth bass on the Shenandoah River during hot, low-water conditions. Travis explains where Shenandoah River smallmouth position around current seams, ledges, deeper holes, outside bends, wood, rocks, shade and subtle depth changes. We also break down some of the best summer smallmouth baits, including his weighted white fluke setup, jerkbaits, Whopper Plopper 110s, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, marabou jigs and hair jigs. You’ll also learn how to fish push water around river ledges, approach shallow clear water without spooking fish, position your kayak or boat in moving water, and determine when smallmouth are feeding shallow versus holding in deeper current. One of the biggest lessons from this episode: summer river smallmouth aren’t always sitting in the deepest hole. Small changes in current, depth, cover and shade can concentrate some of the best fish in the river. If you fish the Shenandoah River, Potomac River, New River, James River, Susquehanna River, or any moving-water smallmouth fishery, this episode is packed with river fishing tips you can use on your next trip. Kingfisher Website: http://www.kfguideservices.com/  Kingfisher Email Address: tedens@kfguideservices.com  Kingfisher Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/POTOMACRIVERSMALLIES#!/potomacriversmallmouth   Kingfisher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingfisherguideservices/?hl=en  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   Support the show

  7. Aug 24

    Occoquan Reservoir Bass Fishing: Summer Baits That Get Bit

    Occoquan Reservoir can humble even experienced bass anglers—but when you understand timing, rotation, and the right summer presentations, the Rez can produce some incredible largemouth bass fishing. In this episode of Fishing the DMV, local angler and tournament winner Jake Ham breaks down how he approaches summer bass fishing on Occoquan Reservoir, one of Northern Virginia’s most challenging and rewarding fisheries. Jake explains why simply finding good-looking water isn't always enough on Occoquan. Being in the right area at the right time can be the difference between going hours without a bite and suddenly putting multiple quality bass in the boat. We also dive into Jake's recent Occoquan Reservoir tournament win, where he caught an early three-fish limit before spending the rest of the day searching for the bigger bites needed to upgrade. Jake explains how practice helped narrow down productive areas, why he kept his bait selection simple, and how he was able to win by fishing shallow without relying on LiveScope. IN THIS EPISODE: Why Occoquan Reservoir bass fishing can be so humbling Why timing and fishing productive areas in rotations can be critical How Jake approaches the reservoir during the dog days of summer Fishing grass, standing timber, rock walls, shallow cover, and offshore structure Why a drop shot has become one of Jake's confidence baits Using jigs and big worms for summer largemouth bass Jake's tournament-winning shallow-water strategy How he put together a tournament limit roughly 45 minutes after launch Why tournament practice helped him narrow down his best areas and presentations Fishing areas around Fountainhead, Lake Ridge, Sandy Run, Bull Run, and the lower reservoir The difference between fishing Occoquan from a boat and a kayak Giant largemouth, snakehead, flathead catfish, and some of the wild fish stories surrounding the Rez Northern Virginia tournament fishing and the local Occoquan bass community JAKE'S TOURNAMENT-WINNING APPROACH During his Occoquan tournament win, Jake focused heavily on what he already had confidence in rather than constantly changing presentations. After launching from Lake Ridge Marina, Jake and his partner started in an area known as the Fingers and quickly put together their three-fish limit. As the morning bite slowed and summer heat set in, they rotated through additional areas before eventually finding the bigger fish needed to upgrade later in the day. Among the presentations discussed are the Bronco Bug, custom jigs, drop shots, and large plastic worms. One of Jake's biggest lessons from fishing Occoquan? Finding fish is only part of the equation. Timing can be everything. Jake Ham is a Northern Virginia angler who grew up fishing the banks of Occoquan Reservoir before eventually transitioning to fishing it from a boat. 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 Support the show

  8. Aug 17

    How Ewing Minor WON the Susquehanna | BIG Smallmouth in Shallow Water

    On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on Ewing Minor after another huge Susquehanna River victory to break down exactly how he approached one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the country—and how changing water, heavy fishing pressure, ultra-shallow bass, and one critical adjustment nearly turned his tournament upside down before helping him win it. Ewing is putting together an incredible season, including winning the Tennessee Bass Nation AOY, leading the Bassmaster Kayak Series AOY race at the time of our conversation, earning his second national victory, and stacking up roughly seven wins this season. But this episode isn't just about winning. It's a masterclass in Susquehanna River smallmouth fishing and tournament decision-making. Ewing breaks down why topwater fishing is so important on the Susquehanna, how he attacks grass islands, shade lines and ridiculously shallow water, and why he pays almost as much attention to OTHER ANGLERS as he does to the fish. Day Two is where things get really interesting. After catching a 19-inch smallmouth minutes into the morning, Ewing thought he was about to crush them. Instead, the bite disappeared. He found himself fishing behind other competitors, missing bites and watching his tournament begin to unravel. That's when he went into SEARCH MODE. Ewing Minor Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ewing_minor/  Ewing Minor Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009161149401  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 Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/  Support the show

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4.9
out of 5
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
    619
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fishing the DMV
  • Show Website
    Fishing the DMV

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