Topwater poppers are best in low light conditions at any tide, or at
lower tides in full sun! Hollow grass frogs over thicker grass, pausing
when you get to holes will get some big bites! I caught an 8 pound
snakehead this way last week…BTW Fox 5 had me on to talk about the
recent surge in snakehead catches. http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=7336234&version=1&locale=EN-US
I believe that not only is the population growing, but there's another
spawn taking place making the fish more aggressive! They are fun to
catch!
After topwaters, I like spinnerbaits. I'm adding Water Gremlin _ ounce
rubber core weights to _ ounce spinnerbaits to allow me to run deeper
and faster! Open the weight, put it on the hook shaft and replace the
rubber, then close with pliers. It won't slide and allows you to use a
smaller profile bait. Willow Colorado Mann's Classic spinnerbaits are
great for this…white skirt…nickel blades or one gold one nickel.
Of course, Mann's baby 1-Minus is still a winner. Contact grass and rip
free. Lucky Craft's BDS 4, a big-bodied shallow crank with a wide
bobbling action works at higher tides. White is a good color here. Also,
“waking” baits like the Mann's Waker or even the Mann's Mid-Minus in
citrus colors or shad patterns are working over grass and around docks
and wood! Vary speeds...in clearest water, burn baits! In stained water,
slow down. I try to fish stained water, near clear water, unless there
is a chop on the surface or low light conditions, then I fish the
clearer water.
For tournament anglers, there's one coming to the Potomac this weekend
Sunday, Sept. 7 at Leesylvania State Park. Lucas, the Tournament
Director for Anglers Choice Marine Tournament Trail says they'll have
over a $2000 purse if they have 70 boats or more for the tournament.
They also pay 1 place for every 5 boats; more teams take home money.
They feed all competitors as well. Many door prizes and cash prizes to a
couple of lucky teams that did not finish in the money…276-358-0844
I'll be giving seminars at noon at the Hanover Bass Pro Shops in on Sept
13 & 14. I'll be talking about mat fishing on Saturday and finesse
fishing techniques on Sunday. Please stop by and say hi! I'll also have
some giveaways!
I've switched batteries to the DEKA AGM deep cycle…I've already noticed
they don't take long to recharge! Full article on this new battery
technology in this month's Sportsman's Magazine! They show no signs of
wearing down either and I really use my trolling motor!
Back to topwaters…walkers are a great way to get the big ones to come
up! I like Lucky Craft Gunfish in shad patterns. Also, toads like Mann's
HardNose Frogs in white, when the sun is out, black on very cloudy days
or in off color water, in between green pumpkin…on 5/0 Mustad Ultra
Point tube hooks! Braid is the only way to go! I like Spiderwire 65
pound Stealth Ultra cast. Also a good stiff rod with a slightly softer
tip for better casting like the 2iG Ultra Strike 7'2” frog rod and a
solid reel and hold on!!!!! I'm adding rabbit fur to all of my Mann's
Super Frogs! It's easy…a drop of Pro's Soft Bait Glue…JannsNetcraft.com
has rabbit fur strips in many colors! I am also using a Furbit popper
found at Warbirds in Woodbridge and sfttackle.com. Capt. Karl Bunch
turned me on to these about 2 years ago after the Furbit won Best of
Show at ICAST…annual Vegas industry tackle show! BTW, Warbirds sponsors
Thursday evening tournaments from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Leesylvania state
park. Call store for details 703-878-3111
Topwaters are also a good way to expose mat fish for punching! Best on
flat calm, hot sunny days. Tru-Tungsten weights with Tru-Tungsten Smart
Pegs are the best way to go! Find high water mats on incoming
tides…these have more space underneath! Article coming soon to
Sportsman's Magazine! Interviews with Kelly Jordon, Greg Hackney, and
Pete Gluszek!!!!!
Craw patterned chatterbaits…I prefer the new chatterbait style bait, the
Rock N Runner…a Road Runner on steroids complete with small silver
willow blade on the underside giving a unique action and more flash!
This thumper combined with Mann's HardNose Craw is killer! I'm using
green pumpkin and watermelon skirts with contrasting or matching craws!
Various retrieves in the grass are working. Look for clear water close
to deeper water and stained water for the best bites. I'm playing with a
new one from KAOTIK Lures. Tank tossed me a few of these…quality
components and a “new” concept…holes in the blades…different disturbance
and allows baits to run deeper!
After that…Stick worms and weightless plastics…split shot, drop shot,
and slow down! Incoming tides produce cooler water. This activates the
fish a bit. Otherwise it's a slow patient presentation.
WUSA Ch9 Morning Meteorologist Kim Martucci is really talking up fishing
and boating during her morning weathercasts! Her reports are easy to
follow and accurate! Slowly but surely, she is teaching me about
weather! She is really into it! I hope she can get back out on the boat
with me again soon! But, I am going to have to be careful about telling
her some of my secrets! She posted photos and some of my secrets on her
blog, wusa9.com. Maybe I shouldn't let her into my workroom again…who
knows what photos she will get next time! I'm putting in weather request
for our next trip!
I'm also fishing a lot of Mizmo tubes now! Pitching to marsh clumps in
creeks to grass clumps and hard cover. Mann's HardNose 9 inch worms
offer a bigger target to fish with a huge food supply all around. The
Spoils area is also a good place for Mizmos! I'm pitching them Texas
rigged and with the Gerkin insert heads. I have been using the Gerkin
head for 6 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 Dance's
Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling…804-541-4162. Also,
hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jack's Juice really soaks into the
plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!
Pro's Soft Bait Glue is new and improved…how could they? They improved
the bottle! No more clogs! Much easier to apply on the water!
In June I went fishing with WUSA Channel 9 sports Anchor Levan Reid! He
wanted to go in February! We had a blast! He caught his very first bass!
Wait until you see how excited he was! http://www.wusa9.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=752271440&maven_referrer=sta
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! For cranks, I
like the 7” medium action rod like the 2iG Ultra Strike, perfect to feel
cover and hookset! It's not too limber or too stiff to keep you from
landing fish.
This year I changed insurance companies; I went to the experts in boat
insurance, BoatUS! BoatUS Angler's membership program is part of the
nation's largest association of recreational boaters protecting the
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 for a free quote.
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. My 2008 ZX225 is
for sale…call me! 703-380-7119
How many of you bought a baitcasting reel, tried it and gave up!
Apparently there are a lot of you out there! Don't give up, learn how to
use them! Start with a decent reel, $120-140 on up. Then practice…but
what do you practice? Check out my free videos (http://www.monkeysee.com/channel/show/89)
and you'll learn how to cast…if you can cast, but with only one hand,
you can learn how to use your other hand too!
It's 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 doesn't interfere with regular vision! I
love them! See what you've 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, I'll 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. I support efforts to
see to it these rules are enforced!
How about pouring your own swimbaits? Senkos? Now you can! Lure Craft
makes it EASY!!! Now they have a DVD that explains and demonstrates the
entire process! Now they offer durable and exact aluminum molds that
enable you to make “round” baits! You can customize your swimbaits and
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 on-line to find out more! (www.lurecraft.com 1-800-925-9088
for a free catalog). Make straight tail finesse worms for shakey 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
I'm 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/
I keep a few Frogg Toggs on board for sudden showers…whenever they come.
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) are always on board. They block
the wind and are breathable! I carry extras for my passengers!
My Sportsman's Magazine article will focus on staying cool on the hot
humid days! The right clothing and a new product from Frogg Toggs…the
Chilly Pad! 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.
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 I'm using.
It's Teva Time!!!!...sunscreen on my feet and I'm ready for the longer
10-14 hour days. Check out this video. Let's put the controversy to
rest!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9V_nFWSQUE - There's 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. TEVA's 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! I've learned how to replace guides
on my favorite rods and they're 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 luremaking, flytying, 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 I've 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 you'd like to set up a test drive!
CONTACT ME; I'LL GET YOU A BELOW INVOICE NO HASTLE PRICE!
I interviewed the makers of Hawg Pockets after they won the ICAST new
product showcase award. I had the gadgets in my basement for a while. I
took a fishing trip to West Virginia. My wife freaked out when I started
to load my rods with crankbaits into her new Passport Nissan Murano. She
didn't want me to hook her leather interior. I remembered the Hawg
Pockets, read the instructions and snapped them into place. They did
their job. 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! They keep my
rods from tangling and I can see the baits on the rods. This is the best
fishing lure guard 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!"
.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >
Captain Steve Chaconas
National Bass Guide Service
Alexandria, VA 22308
Phone # 703-360-3472 info@nationalbass.com
Sponsored By:
Skeeter/Yamaha // Mann's Bait Company
Lucky Craft Lures // Silver Buddy Lures // Mustad Hooks
Minn Kota // Maui Jim Sunglasses
Seal Skinz Socks and Gloves // Jack's Juice Bait Spray
Garmin // Frogg Toggs
Potomac River Fishing, 
