• Readers reports (from our FISHLOG.)

• Readers reports (from our message board.)

• Maryland Reports (linked to Bass Fishing Home Page)

• Virginia Reports (linked to Bass Fishing Home Page)

"This is my favorite time of year to fish! I like the reaction I get when people walking their dogs at Belle Haven see me wearing my Teva sandals! Ill be explaining whey my feet stay warm with the sandals and SealSkinz socks at my seminars. I also like to see the regular group of crazies who are out on the water with me! HI Cliff, Garry, Ronnie, Tom, Sam&. and the rest of you!

Ill try to keep this report short and to the point. I carry 5 rods now. A cranking rod with 10-pound test, a spinnerbait rod with 12 pound test, a medium to med heavy rod for Silver Buddys, and 3 spinning rods. One rigged with a tube, one with a Stingray grub, and the last with a drop shot. I might switch up during the day to a shaky head, hair jig, or a split shot rig.

As usual depth and speed are key! Also, observing what the tide is ringing&warmer or colder water! I dont get out on the water too early this time of year. I like things to warm up a bit unless it is warmer overnight. If the water is below 40, then I know I will fish slower and possibly a bit deeper. The depth cutoff is 4-6 feet. Deeper or shallower than that.

When water is below 40, I rely on Silver Buddys to find fish. I cover all depths and all my winter presentations are slow and slower. I like the ½ ounce size and Ill use a pipe cleaner to paint stripes on them. Alternating bright orange and black stripes. Get the paint and supplies at JannsNetcraft.com. Thats all I do to modify them. A gentle burp off the bottom with a semi slack drop and I try all depths until I find the depth fish are holding. After that, I can continue or switch to my next bait.

The Manns Stingray grub has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I know I look very young, much younger than the old guides on the river, but that dates back to the 1960s when I lived in Alabama. A 3 avocado Stingray on a ¼ ounce jig head&I like to powder coat the heads...also from Jann's...some black, some white&. thats it! A good soaking in Garlic Jacks Juice and Im ready. Heres a tip you wont hear anywhere else. Keep the bag of grubs in your pocket to keep them warm! This will make it easier to put on the hook without splitting the plastic. Try a drop of Pros Soft Bait Glue here too!

I like 6-pound test. A lift and slow drop allows this bait to glide down drops and across cover. All of the bass this time of the year are on the bottom; at whatever depth they are holding. They dont move far or fast to eat. A slow presentation with longer pauses especially when contacting cover is the best technique.

The Mizmo tube is a bit bigger, but will get good results too. Use the same presentation you did with the Stingray. You can even use a slow drag and stop too! I like the ¼ ounce Gerkin tube heads...now R&R Custom baits, found at Dances Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling&804-541-4162. They are weedless and are made with Mustad Ultra Point hooks! Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jacks Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

If the water warms over 45, I go to spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Again, very slow, pauses in between. Ask Sam about this! He has mastered the slow rolling of a spinnerbait; He will switch between blades and weights, depending on how deep he needs to be. In the muddier water, the gold Colorado or Indiana blades are best. It also forces you to slow down even more! In clearer and slightly warmer water, the back willow blade works. For skirts, chartreuse and white. I dont use a trailer hooks, Sam does.

For cranking, I like a variety of lures, but really like the 7 G-Loomis cranking rods! 10-pound test line allows the bait to dive deeper having maximum action, but more importantly, it reduces the resistance of the line when a fish takes the bait. This is very important in the wintertime! Dont understand this??? Ill go into detail at my seminars this season&BTW heres a list! As always, I ll have sample product to give away&.SealSKinz gloves and socks..Jacks Juice, Grabber Warmers,

2009 SEMINAR SCHEDULE
January 16, 17,18 The Richmond Fishing Show, Richmond Raceway Complex www.nationsoutdoorshow.com
January 21,22 The Baltimore Boat Show, Baltimore Convention Center www.baltimoreboatshow.com
January 23,24,25 Nation's Outdoor Sportsmen's Show, Dulles Expo Center.www.ncboatshows.com
February 7 Fishon Bass Anglers, Gaithersburg, MD with Elite Series pro John Crews...non members can attend! www.fishonbassanglers.com
February 28 Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic Hanover, MD
March 1 Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic Richmond, VA

Cranking continued&.I like to fish as shallow as possible. I like the Manns Loudmouth 3 in chartreuse with a brown back. This will get to about 5 feet. For deeper applications, try the Lucky Craft Flat Mini DR. You have to crank this one very slow or it will slide! I also like the red Mad Craw patterns! Hit bottom and stop, crank or pull the bait with the rod. Heres another tip&dig out your slower baitcasters and if you can find the ones without infinite anti-reverse, use them! You can also underspool your reels slightly to help you slow down. If you still cant, just pull the bait with the rod to judge your pace. Why the reel?&well, I think Ill save something for my seminar! USE SHARP HOOKS!

Next is the drop shot, split shot, and shaky head. Fro all three, I generally like the Manns HardNose 5 inch finesse worm, unless the water is slightly stained. For drop shot and split shot, I use a short leader&8 inches. I slowly drag and stop. I wait as long as I can when I hit cover. Hen I have to move again, I lift my rod to pull the weight over the cover and let it sit again very close to the cover. This is a waiting game and the bites will feel like a rubber band when you go to move it. WATCH YOUR LINE! Again, use light line&6 pound test. Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon is perfect for this&helping you feel whats going on and helping you to keep the baits on the bottom.

IF you arent sure about why you need to go slow&next fish you catch, check the belly&see any silt just below their gills? They didnt get that swimming around!

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

Also, there are still some fish in grass, but it has to be close to deeper water and out of the current!

If you are thinking about winterizing your boat&here are some tips from BoatUS&and a free winterizing guide. http://nationalbass.com/reports/boatus.htm


BTW, I detail features and benefits of specific products in my reports I have used extensively and have confidence. Mentioning product names is easier for you to match up with what Im using.

If the water is super clear, I like jerkbaits! White or clown colored suspending jerkbaits. I like Lucky Craft Pointer 100 and 78s. But, who doesnt? Try a variety of brands.

BTW Im the BASS FISHING EXPERT for the Boatus.com website. I answer fishing questions based on my experience as a guide and with a little help from my friends: other writers, manufacturers, guides and top pros will contribute to my responses. Check it out at: http://my.boatus.com/askexperts/

Article on how to dress in the winter in this months Sportsmans Magazine (thesportsmansmag.com)! Look for my Tournament Talk column in Woods & Waters. Check www.woodsandwatersmagazine.com. A limited FREE supply at Belle Haven Marina and at Bowes and Arrows.

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

Pros Soft Bait Glue is new and improved&how could they? They improved the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water!

On all moving baits, I recommend replacing hooks with Mustad Ultra Point trebles. BTW! The BEST split ring pliers ever, from Texas Tackle! http://texastackle.com/pliers.htm none like it anywhere!

I changed insurance companies to the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. BoatU.S. Angler offers insurance policies specifically designed to meet the needs of today's anglers with fishing boats, including coverage for accidents with non-insured boaters, medical coverage for injuries, as well as salvage costs related to the recovery of a sunk or totaled boat. BoatUS offers GUIDE programs!!!! Click on my site link, nationalbass.com, for a free quote. For a special deal, use this code: FH200SC

My 2008 Skeeter ZX225 is FOR SALE! Call me for details! 703-380-7119. You can check out the new Skeeters, including the one I run, the Skeeter ZX225! Stop by 1214 Portsmouth Blvd, Suffolk VA 23434 or call for details 757-923-0663, Frank, Jack and Steve will be there. Pick up some Yamalube and Ring Free and also check out their other lines of boats. Under New Management, www.SeaportMarineServices.com.

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

Its no secret Maui Jims are the best polarized sunglasses&but they just made a huge improvement for anglers over 40&Maui Readers are equipped with a small magnifier on the bottom of the lens so you can see to tie knots!!! The added magnifier doesnt interfere with regular vision! I love them! See what youve been missing! Mauijims.com. I suggest Maui Jim HCL (high contrast lens) polarized sunglasses for picking up cover in the water and seeing fish. Check around, most serious anglers are wearing them. Eye protection is important!!! Get a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. Sunglass Huts carry these. If you see me on the water, Ill let you check mine out. Polycarbonate Maui Sports are light as a feather and the optics are great.

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

I keep Frogg Toggs on board for sudden showers and COLD weather! The new Elite Series has become my year-round windbreaker and rain suit. These new Toggs are amazing and they are loaded with pockets and features&and come with a very reasonable price tag! Stop me and check it out! Frogg Toggs (www.froggtoggs.com)

Pour your own swimbaits? Senkos? Lure Craft has a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! They offer durable and exact aluminum molds that enable you to make round baits! You can customize swimbaits for a huge savings. Pour some great finesse worms and other soft plastics with precise and easy to use molds from lurecraft.com. They have all of the supplies and plastic mixes for floating and for softness. Go online to find out more! (www.lurecraft.com 1-800-925-9088 for a free catalog). Make straight tail finesse worms for shaky head fishing, drop shots, and split shots! They can even make a mold for your design! Take a look at some of the baits I have made on: www.nationalbass.com (articles/lure-craft.htm)&call now to put your orders in! 1-800-925-9088

Cold weather? Its still Teva Time!!!!...SealSkinz socks on my feet and Im ready for the coldest days. Check out this video. Let's put the controversy to rest!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9V_nFWSQUE - Theres a new style TEVA I just LOVE! Karnali Wraptors, http://teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6960&model=Karnali+Wraptor have a toe guard! Perfect for water sports&they have drains and are great for standing all day! New TEVA sandals are sport shoes&especially water sports like bass fishing! If you do not wear sport sandals from TEVA, you should! Just cover your feet with sunscreen and you'll feel better! I have tried other footwear, including expensive basketball shoes. TEVA's are very comfortable and have boat safe surfaces along with anti-microbial protection. TEVAs are comfortable and keep me on my feet...no butt seat either! Check out www.teva.com.

Senior BASSMASTER writer, Robert Montgomery has taken decades of writing and fishing experience with the best in the fishing business and compiled it into one huge E-Book. Ratio's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS contains nearly 300 VERY specific tips from pros to help you catch more fish! I found a TON of great tips to help me. Get RONTICO's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS here: www.killer-bass-fishing-secrets.com. It's only $19.95&about a nickel a tip! Well worth it! The site has some FREE tips!

There are some great tackle specials this month at Jann's Netcraft! If you want to be on the email list for these specials, contact me! Contact Jann's Netcraft for your free catalog! They have a great assortment of do-it-yourself supplies, and a great line of soft plastics too! By this time of the year, my rod tips are just about worn out on my cranking rods. The guides take a constant beating too! Toss out the rod that is really still in great shape? No way! Ive learned how to replace guides on my favorite rods and theyre ready to go! Check out their rod building and repair supplies. Get a tip kit, with many sizes for a variety of rods. If you want to learn how to make repairs or even build your own custom rods, they have a great rod-building instructional book and all tools and parts! They also have everything you need to make crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. You can start from scratch or assemble the parts to build the baits you like to your exact specs&and save money too! Jann's Netcraft lure making, fly-tying, rod building, and soft baits! They've been around for a long time and have a great selection of lure making materials too! Check them out at www.jannsnetcraft.com or call 1-800-NETCRAFT!

I finally got a new truck, replacing my good old 1995 Nissan 4WD truck. The new Nissan Frontier really tows my Skeeter with ease! I bought this truck from PASSPORT Nissan and Ive been buying my vehicles from the owner since 1978! If you have any questions about NISSAN trucks, please forward to me! Nissan is running low interest rates or cash back on Titan, Frontier and Xterra. Bob Gasbarri knows NISSANS and he knows trucks! Give him a call at 703-461-5279 with any towing questions! Let me know if youd like to set up a test drive! CONTACT ME; ILL GET YOU A BELOW INVOICE NO HASTLE PRICE!

I interviewed the makers of Hawg Pockets fishing lure guard after they won the ICAST new product showcase award. They really work! Read the instructions and snap into place. I also found out they didn't tangle when I moved them and I could see my bait thru them! I now use them on my boat! The best I have ever seen! Check them out! http://www.hawgpockets.com

MIZMO tubes, Punisher Jigs, and most of the Lucky Craft and Mann's baits are now in Bass Pro Shops latest catalog&look for them!

2009 Potomac Tides under REPORTS AND TIDES. Print a copy.

New to the river? Get a pro-quality map for fishing the Potomac and for other Virginia waters map from GMCO: www.gmcomaps.com. They list popular locations and hidden dangers of navigating the Potomac.

Have fun! Questions, comments or booking a trip: info@nationalbass.com. I have a lot of articles on various strategies and techniques on my site. If you have a suggestion for an article, let me know. Check out my website: www.nationalbass.com. I can't fish the entire river all the time; so if you have some information to share, let me know.

Captain Steve Chaconas/National Bass Guide Service/SEOPA
"Take me fishing!" .·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >"

Water Temperature: 40 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"Fish are still in the grass&but you have to fish slow and find grass beds out of the faster current and near deeper, 5 feet plus, water. Otherwise, look for hard cover or steep drops or creek channels. If you are thinking about winterizing your boat&here are some tips from BoatUS&and a free winterizing guide. http://nationalbass.com/reports/boatus.htm

Water temps are in the low 40s! If it is cloudy, cover water with spinnerbaits and crankbaits. When the temps get to 45, try slow rolling spinnerbaits or cranking along edges of grass. For grass and hard cover, slow rolling spinnerbaits like Manns willow/Colorado gold blade white skirt combo. If the water is clearer, I like the white/chartreuse combo. I prefer the Manns for two reasons. First, the head is rounder and comes over cover better and the bait rights itself better after contact. The wire is also very thin allowing for more vibration, even at crawling speeds.

Also in clearer water, try cranks. I like chartreuse/brown back and red, cranked very slowly, especially when water has any stain. Tight wiggle baits like the Manns Loudmouth III allow you to crank slowly for more action. Silver Buddy blade baits are in season too! Gently burp off the bottom, down the drops.

BTW, I detail features and benefits of specific products in my reports I have used extensively and have confidence. Mentioning product names is easier for you to match up with what Im using.

The key now is to slow down! Go very slowly with cranks and spinnerbaits...if you have to, drag the bait with the rod to really slow down. Plastics are very easy for slow presentation. As water temps drop, fish tend to be more depth oriented, seeking deep water close to shallow water...i.e. step drops! On sunny days fish hold tight to cover! For these area, soft plastics are best. I have been tossing Manns Stingray grub since the 1960s! Still works&try a ¼ ounce jig head and work down drops in creeks and around docks and laydowns! Jigs and other bottom baits work too, work them slowly. I also like a Caroling rig here. HardNose soft plastic lizards stay put on the hook when dragging through grass remnants. Shaky heads and tubes are also producing on barges, and other hard cover. Mizmo tubes come in great colors and the 4-inch tube is half tube body and the tube tails are the other half. Other tubes dont have this ratio. Enough tube to use a 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Tube hook and the most tail length. Green pumpkin, or watermelon. Try red flakes and copper flakes. Im pitching them Texas rigged and with the Gerkin insert (now R&R Custom Baits) heads. I have been using the Gerkin head for 7 years! Made with a Mustad Ultra Point hook...it has a wire weed guard and an elongated lead head&this makes the bait glide. The Gerkin tube head, now owned by R&R Custom Baits can be found at Dances Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling&804-541-4162. Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jacks Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

If the water is super clear, I like jerkbaits! White or clown colored suspending jerkbaits. I like Lucky Craft Pointer 100 and 78s. But, who doesnt? Try a variety of brands.

I am setting up my seminar schedule for January, taking suggestions for topics! These seminars are for you; so, just email me with what you would like to see! As always, I will have product samples for attendees! Seal Skinz socks and gloves, Grabber Hand Warmers, Jack's Juice and more!

2009 SEMINAR SCHEDULE
January 16, 17,18 The Richmond Fishing Show, Richmond Raceway Complex www.nationsoutdoorshow.com
January 23,24,25 Nation's Outdoor Sportsmen's Show, Dulles Expo Center.www.ncboatshows.com
February 7 FishOn Bass Anglers, Gaithersburg, MD with Elite Series pro John Crews...non-members can attend! www.fishonbassanglers.com
February 28 Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic Hanover, MD
March 1 Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic Richmond, VA

Mark your calendars! See you there! BTW Im the BASS FISHING EXPERT for the Boatus.com website. I answer fishing questions based on my experience as a guide and with a little help from my friends: other writers, manufacturers, guides and top pros will contribute to my responses. Check it out at: http://my.boatus.com/askexperts/

Article on how to dress in the winter in this months Sportsmans Magazine (thesportsmansmag.com)! Look for my Tournament Talk column in Woods & Waters. Check www.woodsandwatersmagazine.com. A limited FREE supply at Belle Haven Marina and at Bowes and Arrows.

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

Pros Soft Bait Glue is new and improved&how could they? They improved the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water!

On all moving baits, I recommend replacing hooks with Mustad Ultra Point trebles. BTW! The BEST split ring pliers ever, from Texas Tackle! http://texastackle.com/pliers.htm none like it anywhere!

I changed insurance companies to the experts in boat insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Anglers membership program is part of the nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. BoatU.S. Angler offers insurance policies specifically designed to meet the needs of today's anglers with fishing boats, including coverage for accidents with non-insured boaters, medical coverage for injuries, as well as salvage costs related to the recovery of a sunk or totaled boat. BoatUS offers GUIDE programs!!!! Click on my site link, nationalbass.com, for a free quote.

My 2008 Skeeter ZX225 is FOR SALE! Call me for details! 703-380-7119. You can check out the new Skeeters, including the one I run, the Skeeter ZX225! Stop by 1214 Portsmouth Blvd, Suffolk VA 23434 or call for details 757-923-0663, Frank, Jack and Steve will be there. Pick up some Yamalube and Ring Free and also check out their other lines of boats. Under New Management, www.SeaportMarineServices.com.

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

Its no secret Maui Jims are the best polarized sunglasses&but they just made a huge improvement for anglers over 40&Maui Readers are equipped with a small magnifier on the bottom of the lens so you can see to tie knots!!! The added magnifier doesnt interfere with regular vision! I love them! See what youve been missing! Mauijims.com. I suggest Maui Jim HCL (high contrast lens) polarized sunglasses for picking up cover in the water and seeing fish. Check around, most serious anglers are wearing them. Eye protection is important!!! Get a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. Sunglass Huts carry these. If you see me on the water, Ill let you check mine out. Polycarbonate Maui Sports are light as a feather and the optics are great.

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

I keep Frogg Toggs on board for sudden showers and COLD weather! The new Elite Series has become my year-round windbreaker and rain suit. These new Toggs are amazing and they are loaded with pockets and features&and come with a very reasonable price tag! Stop me and check it out! Frogg Toggs (www.froggtoggs.com)

Pour your own swimbaits? Senkos? Lure Craft has a DVD that explains and demonstrates the entire process! They offer durable and exact aluminum molds that enable you to make round baits! You can customize swimbaits for a huge savings. Pour some great finesse worms and other soft plastics with precise and easy to use molds from lurecraft.com. They have all of the supplies and plastic mixes for floating and for softness. Go online to find out more! (www.lurecraft.com 1-800-925-9088 for a free catalog). Make straight tail finesse worms for shaky head fishing, drop shots, and split shots! They can even make a mold for your design! Take a look at some of the baits I have made on: www.nationalbass.com (articles/lure-craft.htm)&call now to put your orders in! 1-800-925-9088

Cold weather? Its still Teva Time!!!!...SealSkinz socks on my feet and Im ready for the coldest days. Check out this video. Let's put the controversy to rest!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9V_nFWSQUE - Theres a new style TEVA I just LOVE! Karnali Wraptors, http://teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6960&model=Karnali+Wraptor have a toe guard! Perfect for water sports&they have drains and are great for standing all day! New TEVA sandals are sport shoes&especially water sports like bass fishing! If you do not wear sport sandals from TEVA, you should! Just cover your feet with sunscreen and you'll feel better! I have tried other footwear, including expensive basketball shoes. TEVA's are very comfortable and have boat safe surfaces along with anti-microbial protection. TEVAs are comfortable and keep me on my feet...no butt seat either! Check out www.teva.com.

Senior BASSMASTER writer, Robert Montgomery has taken decades of writing and fishing experience with the best in the fishing business and compiled it into one huge E-Book. Ratio's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS contains nearly 300 VERY specific tips from pros to help you catch more fish! I found a TON of great tips to help me. Get RONTICO's KILLER BASS FISHING SECRETS here: www.killer-bass-fishing-secrets.com. It's only $19.95&about a nickel a tip! Well worth it! The site has some FREE tips!

There are some great tackle specials this month at Jann's Netcraft! If you want to be on the email list for these specials, contact me! Contact Jann's Netcraft for your free catalog! They have a great assortment of do-it-yourself supplies, and a great line of soft plastics too! By this time of the year, my rod tips are just about worn out on my cranking rods. The guides take a constant beating too! Toss out the rod that is really still in great shape? No way! Ive learned how to replace guides on my favorite rods and theyre ready to go! Check out their rod building and repair supplies. Get a tip kit, with many sizes for a variety of rods. If you want to learn how to make repairs or even build your own custom rods, they have a great rod-building instructional book and all tools and parts! They also have everything you need to make crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. You can start from scratch or assemble the parts to build the baits you like to your exact specs&and save money too! Jann's Netcraft lure making, fly-tying, rod building, and soft baits! They've been around for a long time and have a great selection of lure making materials too! Check them out at www.jannsnetcraft.com or call 1-800-NETCRAFT!

I drive a 1995 Nissan 4WD truck. This old truck really tows my Skeeter with ease! I bought this truck from PASSPORT Nissan and Ive been buying my vehicles from the owner since 1978! If you have any questions about NISSAN trucks, please forward to me! Nissan is running low interest rates or cash back on Titan, Frontier and Xterra. Bob Gasbarri knows NISSANS and he knows trucks! Give him a call at 703-461-5279 with any towing questions! Let me know if youd like to set up a test drive! CONTACT ME; ILL GET YOU A BELOW INVOICE NO HASTLE PRICE!

I interviewed the makers of Hawg Pockets fishing lure guard after they won the ICAST new product showcase award. They really work! Read the instructions and snap into place. I also found out they didn't tangle when I moved them and I could see my bait thru them! I now use them on my boat! The best I have ever seen! Check them out! http://www.hawgpockets.com

MIZMO tubes, Punisher Jigs, and most of the Lucky Craft and Mann's baits are now in Bass Pro Shops latest catalog&look for them!

2008 Potomac Tides under REPORTS AND TIDES. Print a copy.

New to the river? Get a pro-quality map for fishing the Potomac and for other Virginia waters map from GMCO: www.gmcomaps.com. They list popular locations and hidden dangers of navigating the Potomac.

Have fun! Questions, comments or booking a trip: info@nationalbass.com. I have a lot of articles on various strategies and techniques on my site. If you have a suggestion for an article, let me know. Check out my website: www.nationalbass.com. I can't fish the entire river all the time; so if you have some information to share, let me know.

Captain Steve Chaconas/National Bass Guide Service/SEOPA
"Take me fishing!" .·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >"

Water Temperature: 42 degrees; Water clarity: 1-2 feet

"We are experiencing a variety of patterns on the river that coincide with changing weather patterns. On high pressure days we do well along the main river by fishing rocky or gravel points that have some wood or other hard cover. Medium running to deep running crank baits, depending on the tide, draw strikes from quality bass as well as some juvenile stripers. Following up with a Manns Sting Ray grub produces additional bass. On cloudy or warmer days, we have had success along waning grass beds where we observe bait fish activity. Hard or soft jerk baits, shallow running crank baits or plastic worms do well. Our most productive bait in these areas has been the Berkleys four inch pulse worm in blue fleck color. Creek ledges with water at least seven feet deep adjacent continue to give up a mixed bag of bass, jumbo yellow perch and an occasional large white perch on the Manns two inch grub. We rig these on an exposed hook, 1/4 ounce ball head jig and coat our baits with Smelly Jelly fish attractant."

Water Temperature: 52 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus

"We had excellent fishing last week for a variety of species. We found bass on main river rocky or gravely points during the first few hours of an incoming tide where they liked a crank bait bumped along the rocks. Juvenile stripers were in these areas also and hit the same crank baits. We then moved to wooded lay downs in the creeks during the mid part of the tide where a Berkley, blue fleck Pulse worm, drew strikes from quality bass. On the high end of the tide we would move onto a shallow grass flat and throw a four inch shallow running hard jerk bait and caught bass and yellow perch."

Water Temperature: 60 degrees; Water clarity: 2 feet plus