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Tidal
Potomac River:
The
tidal Potomac River is a wonderful resource, proclaimed by many experts
as “the finest tidal largemouth bass fishery in the world.” While
most popular for her largemouth bass, smallmouth and striped bass are
also plentiful. We provide guided outings from the tide line, just
upriver of Washington, D.C., to the Route 301 bridge, approximately 50
miles downriver—plus every Maryland and Virginia tributary along the
way. We choose a launch site that best suits river conditions, weather
considerations and “where the fish are biting best.” As good as the
river can be, it can be tough some days. One thing is certain; there are
plenty of bass to pursue. The average bass is 2.5 pounds but some 4#,
5#, 6# and larger bass are fairly common. Ken Penrod has written three
books about the historic Potomac and our guides have intimate knowledge
of the fishery. Our boat license covers you except in District of
Columbia waters—but our guides carry DC license for sale. We utilize
large, comfortable Ranger bass boats powered by Mercury outboards. One
or two persons. Multiple boats available. A great February to December
fishery.
Upper
Potomac River:
Not to
be confused with the tidal Potomac, the upper Potomac River is
smallmouth bass country—a free flowing river of some 250 miles.
Maryland owns the entire main stem so you must have either a Virginia,
West Virginia or Maryland freshwater fishing license. The most popular
and productive areas lie in the Piedmont region but we have guides for
the “mountain” area if water conditions permit. Smallmouth bass are
prolific, and it’s not unusual to catch (and release) 50-100 bass per
3-person outing and some of these bass are trophy caliber. We fish from
comfortable Xpress/Mercury jet boats with artificial lures. This is a
great, relaxing experience where you never fish the same water. Spinning
or fly tackle is recommended—and the ladies and youngsters can have
productive days. One or two persons. Multiple boats available. A great
April to December fishery.
Susquehanna
River, Pennsylvania:
“I
consider the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania to be the finest
smallmouth bass river on the east coast,” said Ken Penrod in his book
titled Pursuing River Smallmouth Bass. We prefer the area above
Harrisburg, launching from Riverfront Campground, where the Juniata
River meets the “Susqy.” We fish from Xpress jet boats powered by
Mercury jet drives. Our “window of opportunity” depends upon river
flow—and we want high water. The best time frame is mid-March through
May. We use spinning tackle and artificial lures, especially Mizmo
tubes. It’s no big deal for a 3-person trip to catch (and release)
30-50 smallmouth bass in the 3-pound-and-better class. We can provide
low water, summertime outings also. Fishing license required. One or two
persons. Multiple guides available. March through May, or whenever the
river level is above 4.0 feet at Harrisburg.
Upper
Chesapeake Bay & Tributaries:
The
tidal Susquehanna River, North East River and “Flats” were at one
time Maryland’s premier largemouth bass fishery. Guess what? It’s
not that far off the mark today. What a great water to fish! We utilize
big, comfortable Ranger bass boats powered by Mercury, and our Lowrance
GPS and sonar provides invaluable assistance. We choose launch sites
that suit the weather and tide. Our boats cover fishing license. While
largemouth bass may be most sought after—you should see some of the
smallmouth bass we catch—and rockfish too. March through November. One
or two persons. Multiple guides available.
Deep
Creek Lake:
Some
call Deep Creek Lake “Maryland’s Other Vacation Destination” but
for those that prefer the mountains to the beach—wild, quiet beauty to
ant-colony crowds and sand in the underwear—black bass to sand crabs,
this is a no-brainer. Did you know that Deep Creek Lake is/was home to
four of Maryland’s freshwater fish records? We fish from
super-comfortable Ranger bass boats with all the finest equipment.
“Last summer was the best fishing I’ve ever seen and I’ve been
fishing here for more than 40 years,” said guide Brent Nelson. Our
fishing techniques are rock-solid, and if the kids want to accompany dad
or mom, just bring some live bait. Hard core bass anglers are hard
pressed to find more or better bass—but fishing can be tough at times.
April through October. One or two persons. License required. Multiple
guides available.
Lake
Anna, Virginia:
Lake
Anna may be your best bet to catch an eight-pound largemouth bass
between Maine and North Carolina—but it can be tough at times. An
impoundment constructed to supply cooling water for a nuclear power
plant; this lake is a 12-month fishery. While largemouth bass brought
initial popularity to this lake, it’s the striper fishery that draws
so many. Located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia, the
lake is beautiful and well managed. License required. One or two
persons. January through December. Multiple guides available.
Chickahominy
River, Virginia:
Every
bass fishery goes through peaks and valleys as far as productivity is
concerned, and while the “Chick” hasn’t been so good the last
couple of years, we have good reason the believe that “she” has
turned the corner. This is a fantastic setting where every conceivable
fish holding cover is available—and therein may be the problem for
some anglers. “There is just so much cover to fish.” Our boats and
guides are top-notch. You must have a license. One or two persons. May
through November. Multiple guides.
Maryland’s Eastern
Shore Tidal Rivers.
Sassafras River:
One
of our guides, Dave Covell, thinks enough of the Sassafras to own a
vacation residence there—Dave loves this water. It is quite productive
but can be fickle at times. Largemouth bass is the focus, and Dave’s
big Ranger bass boat is a joy to experience. Our license covers you. One
or two persons. June through October.
Choptank
River:
Only an hour
from Washington or Baltimore’s Beltway, the Choptank River is a
“decent” largemouth bass fishery—and highly underused. We launch
from Martinak State park and fish a myriad of cover from wood to
vegetation. We fish from excellent Ranger bass boats powered by Mercury.
Tidal flow is very important with the outgoing tide most productive. Our
boat license covers you. One or two persons. Multiple guides.
Nanticoke
River:
This
can be a tough fishery without a falling tide but no visitor ever came
away with negative emotions. The winding, marsh rich estuary has some
productive tributaries to visit if the main stem proves difficult. Our
modern bass boats negotiate the river miles effortlessly. If spring
perch or pickerel appeal to you—this is the answer. Spatterdock in
Broad Creek, or along the shores near Seaford or in the Marshy Hope is
the best summer pattern for spunky bass. Our boat license covers you.
Outgoing tide is important. One or two persons. Multiple guides.
Wicomico
River:
The
Wicomico River, accessed in Salisbury, is a terrific largemouth bass
fishery. The best fishing lies within the “No Wake” zone of the
city, and it’s not unusual to fish an entire day without using
outboard motor power. Our Minn Kota trolling motors and Douglas marine
batteries are all we need sometimes. While the outgoing tide is best,
it’s not so necessary as some of the other tidal rivers on the Eastern
Shore. Our clients have taken bass to five pounds and it’s not beyond
reason to expect 20-30 bass per “good-day.” It’s a little noisy
here, because of the town, but hook up with a fat bass and tell me you
heard a horn honk. Our boat covers license. One or two persons. May
through September. Multiple guides.
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Pocomoke River:
You
have to book at least two days for us to escort you, but what a jewel this river is.
Many of our clients have summer homes in nearby Ocean
City
and book us
for this water. The bass aren’t big by Potomac standards but they make up for that in
numbers and fight—most days. The summer pattern is
spatterdock and cypress roots but we have a few
extra patterns to employ. Our boat license covers our guests. June through October. One or two persons.
Multiple guides
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