Out of State Weekend: Virginia Bass and Snakeheads

[Shameless14]

Spent three days with my Dad in Virginia and fished on the kayak all weekend.

Saturday and Sunday we spent on the Shenandoah River. There was a fish kill last year and unfortunately most of the larger fish died. However because of this we worked small 2 inch grubs and senkos on ultralight rods with 4lb test. Between the two of us, we had over 200 fish total between the two days, most being smallmouth bass under 12 inches (tons in the 4-6 inch range LOL) and redbreast sunfish. We still had a trifecta of 15 inch spotted bass, a 16.5 inch smallmouth, and a 19.5 inch largemouth that flopped off my kayak before we could take a photo . However we had a great time fishing the rapids, riffles, and pools of one my favorite rivers that has a such an incredibly dense population of smallies. Before the fish kill there were reports of smallies up to 22 inches. Definitely recommend the trip to anyone, especially in a few years once most the fish get big(ger) again!!

Monday we hit Aquia Creek, a trib of the Potomac river, in search of big bass and SNAKEHEADS. Threw chatterbaits and spinnerbaits first, caught 3 bass over 1lb, biggest going 17.5 inches. We then starting hitting the shallower, weed dense coves in search of the invasive predators. The topwater bites was on!! Got 8 bites between frogs and buzzbaits, but only one fish landed. Ill be the first one to tell you that im too impatient to set the hook on frogs . Nonetheless, my dad dropped a MASSIVE snakehead pushing 10lbs+ by the side of the kayak, but still landed a nice 26 incher that we will be eating soon

Overall, it was an amazing weekend and a trip that ill never forget. Had an awesome bonding experience with my father and had a great time catching tons of fish with him!!

Tight lines!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Great report with some great fishing. Nice catch dude. Looks like a real pretty place to do some fishing. Keep up the good catching!

[Eskimo]

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The snakeheads seem to be well-established in the Potomac.

I've read reports that the Northern Snakehead has worked its way into the lower Delaware River, but have never actually seen any or know anyone who has caught one.

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[Bergen Angler]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

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The snakeheads seem to be well-established in the Potomac.


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You mean, Spotted Channa? Let's eat them all as I heard that it's quite tasty.

[AndyS]

Cool pics ! Let us know how the Snakehead tastes.

[jmurr711]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

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The snakeheads seem to be well-established in the Potomac.

I've read reports that the Northern Snakehead has worked its way into the lower Delaware River, but have never actually seen any or know anyone who has caught one.

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they are established in south jersey & in parts of philly area. I took this pic 3 years ago but have yet to catch 1 myself https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...0&l=80d695ae8e

[Delawareriver]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

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The snakeheads seem to be well-established in the Potomac.

I've read reports that the Northern Snakehead has worked its way into the lower Delaware River, but have never actually seen any or know anyone who has caught one.

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Snakeheads are more then we'll established in the Potomac, bowfishing tournaments have teams bring back 40-50 some nights

And yes plenty of snakeheads in the delaware not nearly as common as the Potomac but well established none the less. Mostly in the tidal section but I shot one as far north as Warren county. Here is one from this year on the delaware