Summer 2014 Fishing with a Sick Stick

So it's been two months since I last posted. In the month of June, I don't believe I took the yak out once, since I was mainly focused on my running challenge of 150 miles for the month. Which I am very happy that I accomplished. Anyhow, I definitly made up for it in July into the first weekend in August.

In July I mainly hit Leesylvania State Park, but I also pounded the creeks at Pohick Bay, Mason Neck, and a little Occoquan Reservoir action. Not to mention Lake Mercer to finish off July. I managed to land fish 15"+ in each of those locations using PowerTeam Lures Sick Stick Texas rigged. Not too bad for this part of the state. My largest bass of the year is an 18", still looking for the 20"+.

Anyhow, here is a short 2 minute video of the fish I caught from July through the first weekend in August.

Mid-Atlantic Kayak Bass Fishing Series #2: Pohick Bay

The morning was perfect, I just couldn't find them. Well, other than the snakehead that came off a stump on a 1/4 oz swim jig. It simply demolished the jig! All that was left was a bent hook with no paint left on the jig head.

Strategically, I felt it would be best to attack the cove across the launch, since the majority of the anglers headed to the creek. The plan was to circle back to the creek as the tide headed out. 

I ended the day with 27 1/4 total length. I caught both bass back in the creek, which I found to be clear, just like Leesylvania after heavy rain. Both fish were caught on a Carolina rigged stick worm. 

It was my first tournament in 2 years, it felt good to compete again. There were 23 anglers, 13 of which had submissions. The next one is June 21st at Point of Rocks. Visit http://www.thehobielife.blogspot.com/p/mid-atlantic-kayak-bass-fishing-series.html to learn more about the Mid-Atlantic Kayak Bass Fishing Series. 

Muddy Waters

With all the rain we've had this early spring, it's been quite a challenge for me. My goal this year is to get my confidence up using the jig and craw rig. It seems to be working the best as I found out yesterday while fishing Pohick Bay.

We had a group of Northern Virginia anglers meet up yesterday for some fishing. Out of about 5 anglers, managed to catch more than two. Numbers were not that great for the rest. He managed to catch them on jig and pig rig. While the others that did catch bass, all landed them on a worm. One angler had a wacky rig, another had 10" ribbon worm on a weighted hook, and I had a Carolina rig tied to the end of mine.

Selfie

Bass attempting to eat Berto's camera

While it's been tough, I always enjoy being out on the water. Here are some other shots from my previous outing. Until next time. Tight lines.

Bass at Lake Audubon

Senor Gato at Lake Audubon

Hickory Shad

My First Shad Run 2014

As the American and Hickory shad make their annual run up river, I decided I would give it a go to see what the fuss was all about. So I went on on my first chase on April 12, 2014. I managed to catch 8 shad that day. They certainly put up a good fight on light tackle.

Then chased after crappie after lunch.

Then after some largemouths, but blue cats decided to play.

I certainly had a great time out on the Occoquan River. I'll be hitting it again tomorrow. Hopefully the greenies will come out and play.

Pounding the Bank and Pavement Winter 2014

It's been three months since my last post. I guess it was a bit of laziness on my part. Since majority of my photos were posted on Instagram, I didn't take the time to take care of this blog. So I decided to catch up before I take the yak out for the first time this year. 

So what have I've been up to this winter? Well, I made a promise to myself that I would take care of my body and add more cardio exercise this year. You see when I left the US Navy, I de-compressed and stopped working out. Well, that wasn't very smart of me. So, on Thanksgiving 2012, I took my first steps back to getting into shape by taking a mile walk. A week later, I was running a mile. In 2013, I ran a total of 300 miles. Now those that run or love to run, I should say, that is nothing. But it was a start. My goal for 2014 is 900 miles.

Snow running.

Spring running.

In December, I stumbled upon a post by @oldguyrunning on Instagram. He was reminding runners about registering for the January challenge in Challengeville. Basically, you select a challenge, you run, post your mileage and tag it in Instagram. There are several challenges to choose from. I'll get into that later. Anyhow, I started on the lower shelve with the #oldguyrunningtimefighter, which was 48 miles for the month of January. I decided to move up the shelve to the next challenge, which is #oldguyrunningtinman. This challenge which was 93.3 miles for the month of February. I then decided to stay with this challenge another month since the weather wasn't cooperating. I ran another 93.3 miles in March. 

The shopping cart as it's called.

A guide to some of the challenges. 

I was asked last month to join the Challengeville City Council. I happily accepted.

My April challenge is #oldguyrunningbigfoot, which is 150 miles for the month. I currently have 17.3 miles is in. More to come.

Now, onto fishing. Well, I have not taken the yak out since December, but I was busy casting true left, right, and center when the water wasn't frozen over. I did some research in late fall on how to land more fish when fish become lethargic. I downsized. I used 1/32 jig head with BassProSop Mini Magnum tubes filled with PowerBait Crappie Nibbles. As you can see, my research and persistence paid off.

Crappie

More Crappie

Bluegill 

Bass

The first three months of 2014 have been fantastic! Heck I feel fantastic! My running will continue and kayak fishing adventures will start up again tomorrow. Tight lines, my friends.