Its about that time of year again 2024

Chai reply :

The weather should be warming up, the birds should be singing, the flowers should be blooming, the fish should be spawning and the hooks must be set.

We should get NOVA Get together soon for the Opening of Spawn.

--chai

Sam reply :

Dogwoods.

When the Dogwoods bloom the bass are on their nests in Virginia and Maryland.

So, come on Dogwoods. ;D ;D ;D

Hung up Paul reply :

My dogwoods seem to bloom about two weeks after everyone else's.

...just an observation.

SimonSays reply :

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The weather should be warming up, the birds should be singing, the flowers should be blooming, the fish should be spawning and the hooks must be set.
We should get NOVA Get together soon for the Opening of Spawn.

--chai

I'm up for it =D

A.Do? reply :

DO IT

eddieinva reply :

ooohhh BABY~! YOU GOT ME ALL JIGGLY ;D ;D

Pitchinkid reply :

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Dogwoods.
When the Dogwoods bloom the bass are on their nests in Virginia and Maryland.

So, come on Dogwoods. ;D ;D ;D

My grandgather and my father have always said this, and i find it as true as ever. Havent heard it in a while. thanks for the memories.

bigbasshunter reply :

I think we should get a nova kayak trip togeather and head down to Briery Creek Lake. The biggest females should be starting to load their guts up now, water temp at Burke Lake was 47-49F on friday but with the snow today it may drop alittle. I just can't wait.

SimonSays reply :

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I think we should get a nova kayak trip togeather and head down to Briery Creek Lake. The biggest females should be starting to load their guts up now, water temp at Burke Lake was 47-49F on friday but with the snow today it may drop alittle. I just can't wait.

Lol, x2 for kayaking...we can roll around as a big kayaking gang on the water tehehehe

eddieinva reply :

I 3rd that motion. Motion in the ocean baby.. nevermind.

A.Do? reply :

Lets get the ball rolling and set a date. How's the first weekend of March looking?

bigbasshunter reply :

I was thinking either the last weekend of feb. or the first weekend of march. Im still waiting on BPS to get my Big Cranker instock, then I can start saving for a mod-v jon boat. Casting with 7'+ rods out of a SIK is not exactly the easiest task to accomplish.

SimonSays reply :

I vote March 7th!

If the weather's good!

Chai reply :

good to see everyone is still here! i'm up for anytime!

Dan: reply :

I told Andrew and Simon--I'm in if I don't end up doing anything for spring break. If everybody takes their 'yak, I'll be the guy standing on the bank throwing rocks at you all...

A.Do? reply :

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I told Andrew and Simon--I'm in if I don't end up doing anything for spring break. If everybody takes their 'yak, I'll be the guy standing on the bank throwing rocks at you all...

No worries Dan, I got room in my yak!

SimonSays reply :

Anyone have a place in mind?

So far we've got March 7th as a date!

Chime in !

eddieinva reply :

I'm good for March 7th- is their a place set already? or did I miss that?!? I just got me a new stradic 2500 ;D ;D too bad I don't have a rod for it.. ..yet 8-)

Hopefully the weather will hold out-

Dan: reply :

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I'm good for March 7th- is their a place set already? or did I miss that?!? I just got me a new stradic 2500 ;D ;D too bad I don't have a rod for it.. ..yet 8-)
Hopefully the weather will hold out-

Interested in a used St Croix Legend Tournament Tube rod?

eddieinva reply :

is it 66 or 7? action? how much? I haven't put too much thought yet into which rod I wanted for this yet- but that does sound like a good combo- i think

eddieinva reply :

and condition pls

eddieinva reply :

photos would be greeaaattt

bigbasshunter reply :

i say we all put in right below bull run marina, we park in the lot across from kinchloe rd and cart the yaks down.

Dan: reply :

eddie, it is 7' Medium Fast. If you would like, I could bring it for this get together if I am able to go. That way you can handle it and check it out in person. You could even put your reel on it and fish with it that day if you like.

What is the water temperature going to be in early March? I'm a little worried about fishing in a 'yak if the water is still cold.

A.Do? reply :

Dan, just put on your wader's and you'll be fine! promise!

Dan: reply :

I don't got no waders. :'(

bigbasshunter reply :

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What is the water temperature going to be in early March? I'm a little worried about fishing in a 'yak if the water is still cold.

Warm enough for the fish to bite!! Some hand warmers and a wind breaker and you'll be straight.

mudkart reply :

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Quote
What is the water temperature going to be in early March? I'm a little worried about fishing in a 'yak if the water is still cold.

Warm enough for the fish to bite!! Some hand warmers and a wind breaker and you'll be straight.

44⁰ F Sunday at L Royal and if anything its gotten colder since. That's a downward trend in water temp over the past couple weeks. Good luck.

Dan: reply :

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Quote
What is the water temperature going to be in early March? I'm a little worried about fishing in a 'yak if the water is still cold.

Warm enough for the fish to bite!! Some hand warmers and a wind breaker and you'll be straight.

You must have never fished from a pedal propelled kayak.

I don't care about it being cold for the fish, I'm worried about going in a small craft onto big water with the potential for windy conditions and very cold water... that's all...

Somebody please put my mind at ease.

bigbasshunter reply :

I've been fishin out the yak for years and never once had an issue with wind causing stability issues. The biggest issue ive had is lots of energy spent paddling(by hand). I have a sit in with ruder and im less than 150lbs so i guess if your large and exposed to the elements you could have stability issues and the cold could be uncomfortable.

If we put in at bullrun and head up stream then there should be very little wind, its only about 60 yards wide for a couple miles and if you stay close to shore youll have less to swim if you get ejected.

Im going to go by there and drop a thermometer to check temps.

Dan: reply :

Pedal-drive kayaks have openings in the bottom that allow water in. Last time I was in Andrew's yak my jeans got soaked completely through. That's not a problem in warm water or if I get some waders, though.

And if we decide to go to bigger waters then wind could cause waves. Tell me if I'm wrong, but can't those affect stability? I don't mean to be a negative nancy or anything, I'm just not going to risk any instability if the water is still chilly.

Dan: reply :

So we have a suggestion of Bull Run.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? Maybe a location that is good for some of our shore-bound anglers? (If there are any planning on coming)

A.Do? reply :

I think my yak is pretty stable. I stood on it on the potomac and I've been in some pretty windy conditions in the yak as well. Allyn and I fished beaverdam with white caps on the water. Unless you're playing around, I don't see how you could fall off a kayak.

Just an FYI, I have a SOT kayak and water occasionally comes up through the scupper holes and the drive hole. I have an extra pair of waders if you need them. They're size like 13 though.

SimonSays reply :

yep, our SOT's are pretty stable, I don't think i've ever come close to being flipped while in Andrew's yak, his is 13ft I think and wide so stability is good.

I've been in the bay with my 10fter with a decent amount of waves and stability still really wasn't an issue. Getting wet does suck though so waders are a must.

Also a bunch of guys over at the Kayak Fishing stuff forum did a few tests in a pool and they found that with waders, a jacket, and a PFD, totally submerged in water, only a little water gets into the waders, (I always thought it was a rushing torrent ). Turns out the PFD compresses the jacket onto the waders and onto you keeping water out and the waders above the waterline.

Paul Naj reply :

I hear what you're saying Andrew, your Hobie and my Native are very stabile platforms but they are just not boats. I know a lot of yakkers who fish saltwater and guys do go in from time to time. The problem is that a kayak is not as easy to climb back into as a boat. Therefore you need to dress for the water temp as much as the air temp. Unlike my saltwater buddies we are rarely more than a couple hundred yards from shore so we can get to dry land pretty quickly if needed. However, you should still take great precaution since hypothermia can set in pretty quickly in 44 degree water.

Also a quick word about waders. You need to be sure that you wear a snug wading belt on the waders and another over the top you're wearing over them to ensure water doesn't get in if you do take a swim. Waders that are loose and fill with water are a very bad thing.

I far from an alarmist but safety first guys. Dan, try and find some way to keep yourself dry in the yak and then wear enough to keep yourself warm in the event of a dunking. Always carry a set of dry clothes in a sealed bag to change and you should be good to go.

BTW, I'm tentative for the 7th.

mudkart reply :

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I think my yak is pretty stable. I stood on it on the potomac and I've been in some pretty windy conditions in the yak as well. Allyn and I fished beaverdam with white caps on the water. Unless you're playing around, I don't see how you could fall off a kayak.
Just an FYI, I have a SOT kayak and water occasionally comes up through the scupper holes and the drive hole. I have an extra pair of waders if you need them. They're size like 13 though.

I can attest that Andrew's kayak is stable, even in "windy" conditions. It kept both of us afloat (almost) on Mercer last November, and I'll wager I weigh more than Dan . Never felt like we were going to tip, but your backside will get wet, so use the waders. I just got a decent pair of neoprene ones, only $60 at Dicks. You'll like those alot more than the rubber ones Andrew has (I could barely move in them, but then again, Dan may have more room in them than I did ;D).

I'd go w/ you guys but my wife and I have a cabin reserved at Algonkian that weekend . I'll try to get some fishing in, too.

Dan: reply :

Andrew, what is a size 13 like? Is that by the shoe size?

I wear 11-11.5 shoes. I hope they will fit my big *** and legs... ;D

A.Do? reply :

Quote
I hear what you're saying Andrew, your Hobie and my Native are very stabile platforms but they are just not boats. I know a lot of yakkers who fish saltwater and guys do go in from time to time. The problem is that a kayak is not as easy to climb back into as a boat. Therefore you need to dress for the water temp as much as the air temp. Unlike my saltwater buddies we are rarely more than a couple hundred yards from shore so we can get to dry land pretty quickly if needed. However, you should still take great precaution since hypothermia can set in pretty quickly in 44 degree water.
Also a quick word about waders. You need to be sure that you wear a snug wading belt on the waders and another over the top you're wearing over them to ensure water doesn't get in if you do take a swim. Waders that are loose and fill with water are a very bad thing.

I far from an alarmist but safety first guys. Dan, try and find some way to keep yourself dry in the yak and then wear enough to keep yourself warm in the event of a dunking. Always carry a set of dry clothes in a sealed bag to change and you should be good to go.

BTW, I'm tentative for the 7th.

Excellent advice from Paul!

The first thing I did when I got my yak was youtube how to get back on a kayak when you've fallen out. I've yet to try it but plan to this year.

Dan, yes they're size 13 shoe. I thought you had a pair of waders last year?

That was a scary day Mike! I know now that the larger person should be in the front for my kayak.

robchoi reply :

ohhh dammnnnn!!!! You all are getting me excited! Soooon..... So soon. I think I gotta poop.

SimonSays reply :

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I think I gotta poop.

that's my motto!

Dan: reply :

No, I've never had any waders. When I went out in your kayak I was just wearing jeans. I only wade in the summer so I wade in swim trunks.

If you have an extra pair that you are willing to let me use, I will just use those. If they don't fit me then I'll just stick to the bank with any other guys that show up without boats.

Dan: reply :

btw,

Sorry Eddie, I have already sold the rod. Now its time to get me a Cumara or Fuego!

eddieinva reply :

dang man, I was gone for 1 day and this thread blew up~!

Hopefully we'll have a freak day like today in the 60's.. Hey Paul, how do you like that native? I love the heritage, but i'm seriously considering a trade for the native.. I figure I can load tons more crap.. and that stability issue would be real nice.. I'm a big guy so me and water are not nice. i sink. ;D

Paul Naj reply :

Eddie, I love the Ultimate 12 but it's my first kayak so I don't have another point of comparison except fishing twice on an Ocean SOT kayak.

I did a lot of reading on 2 different kayak fishing boards and saw what complaints guys had about the various boats and thought that the Ultimate 12 would answer most of those concerns. So far it's worked for me.

Let me know if you're ever up around Sterling, you're welcome to come take a look at mine rigged up. It might help in your decision.

SimonSays reply :

anyone have any other suggestions on place?

We have a vote for Bull Run Marina, hows the bank for fishing around there? we might have some people on foot

bigbasshunter reply :

well if we park across from kinchloe theres a good amount. but we could also hit up lake braddock if anybody lives over there. I know if we put a bunch of yaks in theyll send the president of the HOA down to look for passes. but it has much better access for peeps on foot. I got a 7lb4oz out of there last spring.

slomoe reply :

Trevor in 3........2.........

A.Do? reply :

Trevor is no longer with BR :'( but yeah. I don't think going to Braddock will be a good idea as it's a private lake for residence and their guest only.

How about the other larger local lakes? Royal? Burke? Mercer? Huntsman?

Dan: reply :

I vote for any of the lakes that Andrew listed. I don't really want to fish Bull Run, but that's just me.

bigbasshunter reply :

I still say the river, even if its at fountainhead and we have to pay to launch. Burke is so clear it takes to long to warm, Royal has the construction which sucks and horrible bottom structure but its on the smaller side and has some very decent fish locked in. Mercer is a long walk just to launch. Huntsman is alright but has no side cover so it could get very windy cause some issues with some and there forward momentum. I vote for the river

mudkart reply :

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I vote for any of the lakes that Andrew listed. I don't really want to fish Bull Run, but that's just me.

Woodglenn would be another option, nearly the entire east bank is fishable from shore this time of year, as is the entire dam area.

I've got to stop thinking about this, I'm bummed I can't go.

A.Do? reply :

I was actually thinking about fountainhead because I thought people would be able to rent but they won't rent till the week after.

The reason I didn't list woodglen was that I thought it was kinda small and can get crowded pretty quick.

Not sure if mudkart would agree, but I didn't think the walk to launch at Mercer was that bad...

How come no one ever suggest Accotink?!

I'm up for the rez or anywhere else. Just want to catch my first bass of '09 and meet some of you fellas!

slomoe reply :

I'd be down, but I don't think fountainhead rents until march 15th

Hung up Paul reply :

If it's fountainhead I could bring my Jon. I'd have an extra seat or two depending on how crowded you want to be.

bigbasshunter reply :

Acctoink is a crap hole. my house backs up to the lake so I decided to yak it with sonar last year after the dredging and it was still no deeper than 6-10' and nothing but mud bottom, theres carp in there but thats about it. Im down for the head, just get ready to do lots of paddling.

mudkart reply :

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I was actually thinking about fountainhead because I thought people would be able to rent but they won't rent till the week after.
The reason I didn't list woodglen was that I thought it was kinda small and can get crowded pretty quick.

Not sure if mudkart would agree, but I didn't think the walk to launch at Mercer was that bad...

How come no one ever suggest Accotink?!

I'm up for the rez or anywhere else. Just want to catch my first bass of '09 and meet some of you fellas!

Yep, no biggee launching from Mercer.

mudkart reply :

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Acctoink is a crap hole. my house backs up to the lake so I decided to yak it with sonar last year after the dredging and it was still no deeper than 6-10' and nothing but mud bottom, theres carp in there but thats about it. Im down for the head, just get ready to do lots of paddling.

Maybe. That dredging was only finished last year, no? Give it some time. We found some honey holes there last year for quantity, (LMB) but not exactly quality. Mostly under 2 lbs, but, those fish may grow given the change in structure to the lake. Maybe not.

Anyway, Andrew was joking. Accotink is not suitable (IMHO) for a get together of this size unless everyone is on the water. It lacks the long, open shorelines of Royal or Woodglen, unless you want to fish the dam, which has never been a good spot at Accotink (at least for us, just some small sunfish caught by our sons). I'd say Mercer probably has more fishable shoreline than Accotink. If you want my advice (always free and worth what you paid for it), I'd go to the rez like you suggest.

A.Do? reply :

Sounds like a plan, someone want to start a clean thread with details?

What time do you think would be most productive?

Paul, man I want to be on your jon! :-/ but this will be great and open up a lot of seats for people that were going to beat the shoreline.

bigbasshunter reply :

Depending on the weather I would say 7am to 1pm or so. Ive opened all weekend up next weekend for fishing so it doesnt really matter to me on the time.

SimonSays reply :

Sounds like Fountainhead is the place!

so...

Fountainhead

March 7th

6:30AM (prep time to get on water by 7)

sounds good =D?

Dan: reply :

Cool. Andrew, I'll let you know if I will be there for sure within the next couple of days. I may be doing a camping/roadtrip to New Orleans instead but I'm still waiting for confirmation from my buddies.

A.Do? reply :

Quote
Sounds like Fountainhead is the place!
so...

Fountainhead

March 7th

6:30AM (prep time to get on water by 7)

sounds good =D?

I might have to flake I have plans so I have to make sure I can fit it in. I'll let you guys know.

SimonSays reply :

With the freakishly cold weather, maybe we should push the meet back a week or 2?

eddieinva reply :

man, it's 60 degrees this saturday- would be perfect w/o the rain >

bigbasshunter reply :

I will be heading out either way. If it ends up no one shows I will head to bull run and fish the upper part of the quan.

SimonSays reply :

Yea, weekend looks nice so far, so I'll be there too unless the ish hits the fan...but I'll have to head out at 12 to catch a flight to Australia =P

Dan: reply :

Simon, why are you going to Australia?!?

BTW, my dad just picked up a book for me that might interest you as well. "Fly-Fishing for Smallmouth Bass" written by Harry Murray. He is pretty much THE authority on fly-fishing in Virginia. Let me know if you want to check it out after I read it.

SimonSays reply :

Heya Dan, gonna go visit family for spring break, got alot over there =D

That book sounds awesome, I'm STILL working on my casting though...I recently picked up some of Orvis' Wonderline gen 3 bass taper or whatever...it's nice! but it was like $60-70, painful...

Dan: reply :

Yeah, I need to work on casting also I'm just waiting for it to get warm. I have Orvis Wonderline Trout line. It is weight forward 5wt. I don't know how that would be different, probably only the taper and weight. Luckily, I had a $50 gift card when I bought it.

bigbasshunter reply :

So who all is definatly going?

Dan: reply :

I am not. Sorry dudes.

SimonSays reply :

Sorry, I'm gonna have to pass also...trip to Australia was pretty unexpected, I thought I could pull off going fishing in the AM and head to the airport later, but apparently for international flights they want you to check in 01982750256 hrs early....

eddieinva reply :

i'm a no go this wkend.. man this BLOWS- it's going to be CRAZY nice too........ >

okrod reply :

Hey guys, just got on for the 1st time in a while. Be sure to give a report if you went out this weekend. I have family obligations, so I'm out this weekend, but I'm always up for kayak outing with the gang.

Eddie, you been out yet this year?

Rich

eddieinva reply :

Hey rich! it's been a while man how you been? I haven't had the luxury of getting out yet, but i was trying to get out and do some bank fishing sometime this wk.. let me know when you got the time

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Its about that time of year again 2024

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