Fall Fishing October 2013

I had some time to spare over the weekend, so I decided to pound the bank at a local lake that has produced around this time of year in the past. I tossed a StrikeKing Redeye Shad and a Berkley PowerBait 3" Smelt on a 1/8 jig head. I ended catching two greenies on each lure. Here is a quick time lapse of my outing this past weekend.



I'll definitely be bringing my yak out with me next weekend.

 Until next time, tight lines.

Rain, Occoquan Bass, and Cicadas

Last weekend started out to look like a total washout. I finally caught a break late Saturday for about an hour, so I decided to hit a local residential pond for some action.After missing out on a big girl, I ended only with a feisty dink. It was great to get out out of the house if only for a short period of time.

The following day, the forecast called for 60 percent chance of rain in the morning, clearing up until 3'oclock p.m., and 40 percent chance of rain the remainder of the day. I loaded up and headed out towards Occoquan Regional Park.

I began pounding the banks with overhangs as I made my way up towards the bridge and lily pads. As I got to the first bridge, I finally landed an 18" largemouth on a Gulp 3" minnow.

She put on a good fight and made the trip worthwhile. Even if I was looking over my shoulders as storm clouds approached.

I continued my way landing a few more dinks until I reached the lily pads. Along the way I had seen some huge snakeheads cruising along. I decided to target them by throwing top water frog and a spinner bait. But, no such luck.

On the way back, the sun began to peak but darker clouds began to form, it was time to call it a day. As I enjoyed the scenery, I had some hitchhikers onboard who decided to go on a cruise. Cicadas!

  

It was a fun little trip. I finally had a chance to see these somewhat clumsy insects flying around crash landing in the water.

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.