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Report Updated April 11, 2008

I have been on the river a lot in the past few days. Water temps have been yo-yoing between the low 50's into the low 60's. This is really changing the mood of the fish. The most stable pattern has been to fish ditches and hard cover. The grass is coming in nicely, but has not developed a definitive edge. When the fish retreat, they move to deeper scattered grass and other cover, making them a bit more difficult to track down on the colder water temps.

This weekend, from 9 am to 3 pm, Seaport Marine Services is having their GRAND OPENING! 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, Chuck, 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

One of the new features on my Skeeter is the emergency ladder in the back! A simple fall overboard is the number one boating accident "event" that leads to the most fatalities. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that in 2006, 275 persons died in 721 boating accidents that began with or involved a fall overboard. While some of these accidents involved other factors, being able to quickly get back in the boat - without help - isn't easy as a BoatU.S. Foundation test of 11 portable boarding ladders recently found.

"A fall into the water can turn into a life-threatening situation very quickly," said BoatU.S. Foundation President Ruth Wood, "It doesn't take long for exhaustion or hypothermia to drain the life out of you. Boaters and anglers need to be prepared, especially if you are alone. It can happen to you."

To see a complete report on the tests as well as video of the ladders in action that will help you select the right one for your boat, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation

In the meantime, wear a PFD and have a good throwable available!

Potomac River guide Capt. John Sisson reports the old bridge pilings above the Wilson Bridge still present a potential hazard! BE CAREFUL!

Warmer water temps have allowed the fish to move up to the drop edges and stay on the flats. Fish are moving up to last year's grass on main river flats and creek mouth points. This is an excellent time to get away from the crowds and find new fish. These fish will stage in these areas for a few weeks, then move toward spawning flats as nighttime lows are not as low and the days are getting longer, keeping us warmer later.

For the cold snap, I have relied on several soft plastics presentations. I either cast to ditches, pitch to wood and skip under docks!! Mann's Stingray 3” avocado grub is my favorite, then Mizmo tubes, then drop shots. The best way to fish a Mizmo tube with an insert tube head. 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. The key this time of the year with all baits is to slow down. Stop when you can. For extended periods! This is where fish attractants come in handy. I like Jack's Juice because it really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!

The two best hard baits are the suspending jerkbait and the lipless crank. I prefer the Lucky Craft here! The Pointer 78 and the 100 are fantastic. I use 10-12 pound test…MONO!!! I don't like fluorocarbon. The line sinks…that's OK, but it sinks the entire length of the line. This makes it harder to set the hook, and to keep the fish from feeling all of the line in the water…. just my preference. Note that outgoing tides generally bring warmer water, especially as you get closer to DC. When that happens, you can be a bit more aggressive. Also take note of water clarity to determine speed and colors. Around Blue Plains and other warmer (55+) shallow…up to 6 feet…areas with clear water, I use suspending jerkbaits. The Lucky Craft Pointer is the best around! I like the 78, but will use the 100 in water that isn't as clear or a bit deeper. Keeping the bait in one spot for a long time is best! 10-pound test!!!! This allows the bait to run deeper and to stay in one spot for a while. When I get low water near drops and clear water after the water arms a few degrees in the mid day, I like to toss the Lucky Craft Pointer and let it sit as long as 20 seconds! Tough to do, but worth the wait. If it's windy, use the spinning rod!!!!

The Lucky Craft LVR D-7 is a heavier lipless bait with a thinner profile. It puts out a lot of vibration at a very slow speed. I drag it on the bottom. If there is grass, I rip it free with a short snap and the bait is balanced to fall straight down without flipping over. REDS!!!! And craw patterns are best!

Also try cranking, or spinnerbaits. You need to keep your bait in close contact with the bottom. Slow is the key! I do better with cranks on clear water sunny days and the spinnerbait when the water is stained and skies are gray and chop on the water. Try slow rolling a Mann's 3/8 Classic Spinnerbait, Colorado/Willow blades along the bottom. This bait has gold blades, white skirt. I cast it, let it fall to the bottom, then reel as slowly as possible to just keep the bait moving as slowly as possible, in constant contact with the bottom. Still using 17-pound test. All of the bites, including the cranks have been light. The fish really aren't even jumping when hooked. Been catching light colored bass with a bit of silt on their bellies. For my rods, the Ultra Strike, 2iG rods are perfect. The med/hvy 6'6” rod is my spinnerbait rod.

Slowly crank tighter wiggle cranks: reds, craws, and chartreuse with a brown back. After getting snagged and penetrating many fish, all hooks get dull! I recommend replacing 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.

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!

Email me for REGISTRATION forms for the 12th annual St Jude Potomac Teams Tournament…JULY 11th…Friday…Leesylvania!

Fish are moving shallow. I like the Mann's Baby 1-Minus! This bait works year round and can be slowly cranked in shallow water.

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.

For drop shots, Mann's Hardnose green pumpkin finesse worm is the best. The bait's tough head stays on the hook and the soft-bodied pencil point tail does a whole lot of shaking! I also like this worm for the shakey head application. I use the plain lead Gerkin jig heads for shaky head fishing…heat the head and coat with BROWN vinyl powdered coat available from lurecraft.com. It's also a good choice for the split shot rig. For the drop shot and the split shot rigs, I am using a 2/0 Mustad Ultra Lite Mega Bite hook. I like to use an 8-inch leader on my drop shot. The Carolina rig is pretty good now too! In Spoils and Smoots and in areas close to deep water! BTW I have found the PERFECT drop shot tool! The FISHING Butler (Fishingbutler.com) secures drop shot weights to your rod when putting away! No VELCRO or rubber bands! This device is adjustable and can also be used to secure rods to each other.

A “casting call” will take place at The Boathouse at Fletcher's Cove…www.fletcherscove.com, Sunday, April 27, 11:00am - 3:00p. www.nationalcastingcall.com. Industry experts will instruct parents and children alike, and give everyone a chance to fish and learn more about fishing and the environment. Highlights include sturgeon petting, a Junior Ranger Badge program, fly tying instruction and hands-on exhibits from participating partners: The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), in conjunction with The National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) and Guest Services, Inc. present an engaging all ages event sponsored by The National Park Service, The American Sportfishing Association, Discovery Creek, Discover Fly Fishing, The Future Fisherman Foundation, Family Tyes, The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, Living Classrooms Foundation, L.L. Bean, Orvis, Patagonia, Trout Unlimited, and The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

There's confusion over what licenses are required to guide on the Tidal Potomac River. I worked very closely with the PRFC this summer to come up with a grid of requirements to comply with DC, MD, VA and the PRFC on the Tidal Potomac. If you would like a copy, let me know! I support Capt. Ken Penrod's efforts to see to it that these rules are enforced!

If you are a guide or bass boat owner, call BoatUS to get a free quote. Coverages are better…designed for bass fishermen!!! Deductibles are lower! In many cases the premiums are lower too! Most roadside auto clubs won't service boat trailers, and the few that do charge well over $150 a year. They also don't include launch ramp winching service. BoatUS Angler's “Unlimited” roadside tow vehicle and boat trailer towing insures your fishing rig will never be left sitting alone on the shoulder of a highway or stuck on a slippery ramp. Up to 100 miles of tow vehicle and boat trailer on-the-road towing to the nearest safe location or repair facility is included. The BoatUS network of 20,000+ roadside towers across the country have expertise in handling boat trailer breakdowns and also provide lock-out assistance, flat tire, battery jump and launch ramp winching service. Flat tire assistance at an angler's home or storage facility is also included and launch ramp fee rebates and subscriptions to both BoatUS Angler Magazine and BoatUS Trailering Magazine are part of the package. BoatUS Angler is a membership program from the nation's largest association of recreational and fishing boat owners that offers on-the-water and roadside assistance services, boat insurance, discounts on fishing gear, as well as safety, consumer and how-to information just for trailer boat anglers. For more information, go to http://www.BoatUSAngler.com/towing or call (866) 906-0013.

It's a good time to 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 bouncing back after injuries! Three big name pros underwent off-season surgeries to make comebacks this season. Brauer, Hibdon and Wilks tell their stories. Look for my Tournament Talk column in Woods & Waters. This month I look at pros and seminars! It's not just or extra income either! 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.

Nice to wear some of the great cold weather clothes! Still in TEVA's! The Seal Skinz Chillblocker socks make that possible!
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 Wraptor (http://teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&productID=6960&model=Karnali+Wraptor) have a toe guard! They are 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 have also found a new product that is awesome! 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 started to freak 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! Check out the website. 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.

Are your boat batteries sluggish? If you have questions about battery care, check out www.nationalbass.com, go to ARTICLES and then Boat Batteries.

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!"
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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