Hiking and Fishing Bull Run 2013

Here are my adventures down Bull Run from October through December 2013. There were some mild days, there were some cold days, there were some skunks, there were plenty of tiny fish caught, but most importantly it was relaxing, fun, and I got plenty of exercise. I love this time of year!

First Bass of 2013

Well, I've been missing in action due to a huge project at work, finishing up school, and no way to transport my yak since trading my old Santa Fe for a VW GTI. It was a decision I made and planned for, but the money I had set aside for kayak rack was used for a family emergency. Fast forward. I finally got my Thule kayak rack coupled with the Slipstream 887XT for my Ride 135. Install was free with purchase from Eastern Mountain Sports. Thanks to Mike and EMS Dulles for the install. Fabulous job!

Now if the weather would cooperate. Any how, I finally got yesterday to pound the banks with some old buddies. Jason DeFratus and his dad, Ron DeFratus. They are a some great folks, who have done so much for wounded warriors through Ron's Reel American Heroes Foundation.

Here are some shots of of the two I picked off yesterday. Here is Jason with a 3lb 6oz bass. He managed to catch another 3 pound bucket mouth.

Here is my first bass of 2013 which went for 3lb 6oz. Amazing it was the same weight as Jason's fish. I had been fan-casting into one location that looked promising. I probably tossed out to that point about 20-30 times before she hit as my lure landed in some weedy grassy edge. 

My only other fish came the same area. A 4lb bucket mouth. You bet I was excited. Heck I trembling from excitement. I knew she was a decent fish by the fight.I would say this one took about 10 fan-casts. 

Here are some other shots. One with the hero of the day. A swim jig with a Fat Albert grub.

A couple of hours fishing with some good old friends is was what I needed. Until my next adventure, here is a good tune. Check it out. 

Maiden Voyage

I finally was able to make it out on the water yesterday. Although, it wasn't my most productive outing in terms of fishing, I definitely enjoyed being out on the water and finding ways to adjust for future outings.

My thoughts:

The 2012 Ride 135 is a remarkable and impressive kayak. I could not believe how much space I have, the stability, and the tracking of this yak. Additionally, the replaceable skid plate on the keel is simply fantastic!

Lessons learned:

• Get rid of the tackle bag and invest in a CratePak Max or modify my existing crate. 
• Add STS to the bow where I secure the paddle under the bungee and where the tip and butt of the pole rests when laying on the deck.
• Add anchor trolley 
• Add nylon pad eyes to secure rods
• Invest in a kayak cart. I have my eyes on the Feel Free Camel Kayak Cart - 2012

Here is some footage of me avoiding the skunk. I did miss a few on a wacky rigged senko but the swim jig and Fat Albert grub came to the rescue. Whew!


Here is a shot of me standing on the Ride. Thanks Roney (A fellow KBF member and Beaver Dam fishing partner).

Outing Number 2 at Beaver Dam Reservoir

I had a visitor coming today, so I got off to a late start. I launched roughly around 12:30p.m. The winds were up a bit around 11-14mph. I headed out to my favorite point but I could not keep my position. My little 10 footer was being blow around. I decided to hit a few coves but all I managed was a couple of small crappie off a 1/8 gold Kastmaster spoon.

Off to my final cove before I called a day. The wind was beginning to pick up. I felt I had one more shot. I decided to put the spinner down and pick up old faithful, swim jig and Fat Albert grub. I positioned myself to target a drop off at the entrance to the cove. On my first cast, BAM! I picked up this nice little bucketmouth.

Although the wind was a bit strong for my taste, I did manage to get out and enjoy the outdoors. At the end of the day, that's what it is all about.

 

Beating the Bank

I thought about heading out to Beaver Dam Reservoir in Ashburn, VA in 16-20 mile winds but decided against it. I did not want to be fighting the wind in my little 10 footer. So, off to a nearby pond I went. It is a well covered pond surrounded by many trees. Unfortunately, this pond does have "No boating" signs posted. My only option was to hit the banks.

I caught a couple on a swim jig with a a Zoom Fat Albert Grub. Both were caught by making a perfect cast to a spot near rocks that had some shadows from pine trees just off the bank. The biggest of the two hit the jig just as I began to make my retrieve. The other hit once, a slight tap. I slowed down the retrieve, paused, then the fight was on.

Here is my swim jig setup and Largemouth bass.