Catching Covid The word elicits a response from social media overlords, fact checking and links to the CDC with information about social distancing, masks, vaccines, more masks, and booster shots. But when you mention covid to anglers, they go fish. Even the Maryland Governor’s stay at home order in March 2020 couldn’t keep fishermen from wetting a line. As covid continues, many family gatherings, outdoor activities, and sporting events have gone underground to avoid being labeled a “super spreader”. Rising above it all and keeping it real…and safe, families and friends chose fishing as the much needed escape from the incessant media and political coverage of things you could and couldn’t do. Tournaments continued on a limited basis and the 25th Annual St Jude Children’s Hospital Tournament was cancelled. Always an inexpensive and accessible activity, during covid fishing hooked participants normally not even remotely interested. After every other form of recreation was shut down, fishing was wide open. Alexandria-based Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) 2021 Special Report on Fishing shows fishing grew in popularity with nearly 55 million participants, including 4.4 million first-timers. Fishing satisfies covid cops as being a safe activity. Picking up a rod relieves other covid symptoms, stress, and anxiety, enabling participants to focus on something outdoors that’s free from covid hype or hypodermic needles. While covid has shut down the country, it has led new people to the water. Getting to the water is the first step toward fishing. Most first time anglers expected their trip to be relaxing. Spending time with family was the most common motivation to start fishing, according to the study. These newcomers have brought the fishing industry closer to its goal of reaching 60 million participants within the 60-month period ending in December 2021. Fishing isn’t just a “guy” thing. This report says…
By Steve Chaconas New Toys, New Modifications There’ve been many new devices to make bass fishing more effective and enjoyable. A few stand out. Many were met with resistance by fishing’s rank and file. “I don’t need that” or “I’ve always done it this way” or “Just wait to see if they really work” were common excuses for not embracing the new and disposing the old. One of the first was the gas foot pedal. In early years of boating, a hand throttle was standard on every bass boat. Left hand on the steering wheel and the right on the throttle. Boaters operated their throttle by hand with one hand on the wheel. Along came the foot pedal, allowing complete boat control with both hands on the steering wheel. Better for boat handling and safer too. About a decade ago, shallow water anchors were becoming available for bass boats This enabled remote control of two anchor spikes deployed into the lake bottom. Prior to these devices, anglers used trolling motors to keep boats in position. Along came Power Pole and anglers stayed put with the touch of a button, especially handy in current or windy conditions for fishing specific target fishing. Trolling motors wouldn’t be used, making it quieter near fish hangouts. Effective while fishing and for taking a break to change tackle or retie without losing boat position. In addition, these anchors made docking a piece of cake, allowing boats to be safely away from the dock to avoid damage. Fishing electronics have truly changed fishing. “Seeing” underwater to find fish hangouts or fish themselves, these minicomputers with big screens eliminate unproductive fishing time. In the last few years, Garmin released the most innovative advancement since Humminbird released side imaging. LiveScope allows anglers to aim a transducer to see…
By Steve Chaconas “Catching” Up In this fast paced world with email, Instagram, and social media posts, there’s nothing like a 6 hour fishing trip to get reacquainted with high school classmates. Fort Hunt High School was a huge school. Our class of 1973 had nearly 650 graduates. Alumni from all over the country gather every year to stay in touch at an annual reunion at Fort Hunt Park and via social media. A couple of us reunite on the Potomac River for an annual fishing trip. During our school years, we all fished. Why not, with the Potomac River right up the street. But then the river was nasty, polluted with forever contaminants and fresh raw sewage. But by the time we were in the waning years of school days, the river cleaned up. My buddies Duel Ballard and Keith Salo moved out of the area but maintained contact with those who just couldn’t leave the Alexandria suburbs. In the 70s Duel spent several years on the Fort Hunt Crew team, rowing up and down the river. Duel and Keith grew up in the oldest part of Fort Hunt territory, Hollin Hall. In fact, our baby boomer classmates provided a steady flow of students into one of the best high schools in the country. Nearly every home housed a Federal or future Federal. Most of them enjoyed fishing. Flash forward to 0600 on a July morning, the same guys who couldn’t get up to go to school on time were at the dock ready to fish. We all anticipated a wonderful day, regardless of Mother Nature. But today she cooperated with fantastic weather and decent fishing. But, let’s face it, we weren’t out on the Potomac just to fish. We sped through 50 years chatting about our friends, teachers and…
By Steve Chaconas How many fish in the sea? Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist John Odenkirk has been counting Potomac River bass since Northern Snakeheads (NSH) invaded in 2004. While shocking and studying NSH, the River’s prized largemouth bass were a by-catch. While the Potomac NSH population is down, likely due to predation by fish, birds and anglers, the largemouth bass fishery is in outstanding shape. Odenkirk says the only poor year class in the last six was the 2018 class, the wettest year in recorded history, showing a drop off in the 2019 surveys. Odenkirk says the good years are “…driving the gravy train.” The DWR conducts regular and consistent fishing surveys with electro shocking boats maneuvering where bass are located. These areas are the same and the length of the surveys are timed. Once stunned, bass float to the surface where they’re netted, measured, logged, and released. This process doesn’t harm fish. Samples are collected from 4 Virginia creeks, once in April and once in May. There are 3 runs in each of the four creeks with 2 survey periods. Data collected is calculated to give a statistical count of largemouth bass. Odenkirk says when trying to compare catch rate with relative abundance…more sample sizes the better. Odenkirk only conducts spring surveys when bass are shallow and before submerged aquatic vegetation emerges interferes with access to bass with thick vegetation. This is different from other jurisdictions, running their own surveys. From this data they determine the relative abundance of bass, and this statistical number of bass is a surrogate for actual population. DWR data is stratified by age. Generally, a fish under 8 inches a fingerling or juvenile. On average a one year old bass is 4-12 inches. Much of this is dependent on environmental influences, habitat, and forage, but…
By Steve Chaconas Oh no, not another tie! Here is my annual “Dude, don’t get Dad another tie column”! He might wear it…only when you’re in town or when you mention it. He really dreads having to tie one on for you! It’s Father’s Day, put a bit of thought into the gift for the guy who was always thinking of you! Let dad know he’s legendary. Don’t let dad get caught short in shorts. Hiking or wading a stream, Filson’s Dry Falls Shorts have the best of both material worlds to keep dad in motion, cotton for comfort with 2% spandex for durability and a bit of stretch. He might not know he has them on, which might avoid an embarrassing family picnic. A drawcord and elastic waistband keep Dry Falls Shorts comfortably in place. Deep front pockets hold phone, wallet, and keys securely. Back pocket flaps secure with Velcro®. These shorts are up to any tall task or trip. Comfortable and tough. Filson.com Toss dad’s rubber rainsuit. Sitka’s 3-layer GORE-TEX Dew Point Jacket provides lightweight, waterproof, and breathable Gore-Tex foul weather protection and comfort. Lightweight and tough, Dew Point is cut to allow layering for nearly all-season rain protection. For high activity, armpits unzip for added ventilation. Zippered side pockets are accessible while wearing a backpack. Sitka’s adjustable hood keeps elements out. Cuffs seal and jacket bottom cinches, preventing rain from creeping into dad’s arms and waist. Big in features, Dew Point is packable, squeezing into nearly any space. sitkagear.com Pull the wool over dad’s eyes with a gift he’ll never take off. Nothing feels better or more natural than merino wool. In 2002 Minus33’s outdoors passion began with a snowmobile brand, expanding to hiking, skiing, and hunting. Minus33 products naturally provide warmth, breathability, and comfort. Chocorua Crew…
Go Fish By Steve Chaconas Angling Buzzes with Cicadas Showing up every 17 years, cicadas enter the region with sight and sound and are expected to appear up and down the East Coast between late April and early June, as the ground temperature reaches the mid 60s. They come out of the ground, mate and then die while their offspring go back underground and wait another 17 years before emerging to repeat the process. Anglers and fish will be waiting for cicadas with baited breath. Cicadas provide a meaty snack that creates a buzzing invitation along the surface, often buzzing in circles to allow fish of every species to zero in. A few billion will take to the air and some will inadvertently end up in the water. This creates a topwater feeding frenzy. During Cicada season 17 years ago, anglers noticed that fish keyed on anything that lingered on the surface as the cicada conditioned fish looked to the skies when eating. Around 2 inches in length, cicadas are not hard to find. They are all over trees and on the ground, making them easy to collect for bait. If they can’t be seen, noisy males can be heard and then located. As if the noise wasn’t enough, these insects are hard to miss with their orange wings, buggy red eyes and distinctive noisy mating calls. They are totally harmless to humans, and a tasty meal to fish. Cicadas may enhance fishing in clear-water scenarios where fish feed by sight, or in shallow water where they are close to the fish despite visibility. Fish will find them. Looking for birds diving on cicadas will reveal areas chummed with cicadas. These are the best places to fish as the buffet attracts fish. As with other topwater lures and baits, low light,…
By Steve Chaconas No Fishing? When Maryland Governor Hogan banned fishing and boating last spring and social distancing and limited gatherings stopped bass tournament anglers in their tracks, many thought that would be the end of anti-fishing pressure. Now two areas are extending Government control of navigable Virginia and DC waters. Just over a decade ago Quantico Marine Base set a precedent, laying claim to a sizable portion of the Virginia shoreline adjacent to its base and navigable Chopawamsic Creek entering the base. In the name of national security, the off limits extends over 300 yards into the Potomac River. In DC’s Washington Channel, Fort McNair is in the process of closing off its perimeter out to 300 yards, citing security measures specifically due to the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks and 2013 Navy Yard shootings. McNair’s Officer housing, Officers club and golf course are among the sensitive targets. Surrounded by water, the perimeter is monitored with security cameras, lighting, and a road frequently patrolled by Military Police. A restricted area (RA) would provide a false sense of security or at least be ineffective should an attack be launched. In the past, there’s been an unofficial off-limits area, arbitrarily enforced. Congress passed DC Cong. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s bill to redevelop the Southwest Waterfront and the Wharf, the sites most affected by the proposed rule. A reinvigorated Wharf has brought the DC community together and generated tax revenue. She says the rule is unnecessarily restrictive. “…and even when given the opportunity, military officials have not addressed the question of whether less restrictive measures could provide the same security.” Echoing the call for security common sense is DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Residents and visitors alike are discovering for the first time the bounty that our Anacostia and Potomac Rivers offer in terms of…
By Steve Chaconas Carpet Burns Photos of fish laid out on carpet make a lot of catch & release anglers cringe. While there isn’t a specific scientific study to correlate laying a fish on carpet to fish mortality, common sense with complimentary science makes the case. Slime coat serves as an outer skin to protect fish skin and scales from bacteria, virus, disease, parasites and infections. Slime coat removal might not kill fish immediately but could contribute to delayed mortality. Texas Pro Lake Management fisheries biologist Steven Bardin says, “Once that damage occurs, bacteria transfer can happen from your hands, in the live well, or even once released.” Slime coat becomes damaged or is removed when coming into contact with abrasive surfaces, including carpet. Minimal handling and less air exposure is best when intending to release fish. As more anglers practice catch and release, whether fun fishing or participating in tournaments, proper fish handling becomes paramount to fishery survival. In addition, fish exposed to poor handling are the bigger fish in the system. Not many photograph 6” bass on the carpet. Guides aren’t exempt from lapses in fish care, taking photos with anglers holding 4 or 5 fish to promote business or to commemorate a great day. Every time a fish is handled contributes to its possible delayed demise. While many fish handling aspects, livewells, nets, non-piercing cull clips, and hooks have been studied, there’s nothing about fish on carpet. As such, many tournament and recreational anglers aren’t on board. However top tournament trails are delivering a message with a penalty. Boyd Duckett, President and MLFLW CEO, says Major League Fishing arrived at their no-carpet rule several years ago. MLF organizers noticed highly pressured lakes had higher delayed mortality rates and fish with sores on their bodies, not so much around their faces…
Go Fish By Steve Chaconas Bringing Fish into View “Fishfinders” don’t find fish as much as they find locations where fish might live, however they require angler interpretation. Subsequent generations with computers interpret sonar signals and provide views beyond the boat bottom to hundreds of feet around the boat. It’s been 5 years since Garmin electronics released their game-changing LiveScope technology. It provides a new view of underwater fish hangouts with more than just a spec, blob or arch. Fish shapes in motion, including their position on cover and the lure presented to them, are easily identified. Improvements and tournament wins are making this a must-have for pros and weekend anglers alike. Many pros are covertly using LiveScope to avoid conflicts with other sponsors. Pros not crossing that line lamented at seasons’ end they need to find a way to come on board or fall behind the fishtronics curve. How good is the new Garmin? Falcon Boat Mercury pro angler Troy Morrow was hanging in against top pros. But Garmin’s LiveScope turned his career around in the last 2 years when he helped to pioneer the new LiveScope system. There was a learning curve as these units are much more effective when making frequent tweaks. Morrow, a quick study, demonstrated his prowess on the Potomac River in 2019. Fishing was tough for the pro field in a series of three events a week or so apart during the heat of the summer. While anglers targeted thick river grasses, Morrow relied on LiveScope to find and catch fish on rocks, docks and submerged wrecks. “I like to fish hard targets. That narrows down what to hit. Seeing cover, a broken post or stump, I don’t have to make 10 casts to find it.” Morrow sees underwater targets…
By Steve Chaconas Fulfilling a New Year’s Resolution, fly fishing was on the table for 2020. Our fifth annual two-day small mouth bass fishing trip with Captain Matt Miles almost never happened. Traditionally my buddy Alan Friedlander and I schedule a trek to Lynchburg Virginia in August. However our trip last year was postponed due to the virus. So we rescheduled for late October. At 3:45AM our 4 hour drive to the Lynchburg Marriott to meet Capt. Matt was underway. For me, it’s the only time I opt for my fly gear. It’s also the only time when I’m totally focused on my fishing. Hopping into Capt. Matt’s truck we headed to the Roanoke River. A 45 minute drive in Capt. Matt’s truck and our shuttle guy dropped us at the launch site. Then he drove the truck to where we would eventually pull off the water 8 hours later. This has been standard procedure for the past 5 years. We returned to a familiar Roanoke River float. Welcome fresh air greeted us as we assembled Orvis 6 weight fly rods, threaded Scientific Angler fly line through the guides and tipped with Gamma Frog Hair leaders. Water had some color and was cooler. Capt. Matt said fish have been a bit off the bank, closer to deeper water. It’s all relative as deeper was around 4 feet. We started with the Game Changer, a fly version of a traditional suspending jerkbait. But first, it was time to reacquaint with casting, working the baits, and hopefully hooksets and landing fish. Doing this only once a year for the past five years, Capt. Matt got me up to speed quickly. As a long time guide, I didn’t want to upstage or intimidate our guide. All I had to do was pick his…
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