End of Summer Report

[Captmikestarrett]

Last backwater trip was tonight and the rain was mild and wind worse. I introduced a couple to the world of Potomac Pike and they are hooked on it. They had four good blowups and a few more follows but never connected. So close.... We changed gears to some LGMouth and they both asked why can't we target Potomac Pike any more.. Could we catch them this way?
We scored a few LGMouth and finished out the trip with building flashes in the sky.

Now on to some reds and specs for the month of Sept.
Capt Mike

[lilmule]

Reasoning for it being last trip,in the backwaters?
Ours gets drawn down 5 ft overall so oct- nov scraping bottom.

[Captmikestarrett]

Well the LGMouth have changed gears. All summer long they look up and eat on the surface and when the water starts cooling like last night they position right along the grass lines about 4 feet deep and ambush baitfish moving out. Crankbaits are the key then and it would be fine to take clients out for that but the topwater bite and seeing the fish come to your lure is really what they pay for. I am heading to Tidewater VA area over the next month to drum up some big reds and slay some tiderunners.

I will keep you guys posted.

BTW the Potomac Pike count for 2012 is 32...

Capt Mike

[lilmule]

On ky lake doing about the same they opened the gates dropping the lake so current now,they blow up on a popper just dont take it

[Captmikestarrett]

Well they are still shallow and like most moving water they will stick to vertical edges and hit baby ones or bagley's that run 4 foot max. That big wiggle is the key along with a sharp jerk and pause. Works for me in most any moving water below 80 degrees.

Capt Mike

[lilmule]

Key wording below 80 degrees, still hot here 90s + every day no rain.

[3dkicker]

You know you just love to catch those 20-40 lb bull reds. Forget the bass and snakeheads. Plus you have bowfin and pickerel up in the Dragon that are just as toothy.

[Captmikestarrett]

Yep 3d we will once again be down on the Dragon fishing over the next month. I did not see your name on the guest list? What gives?

Capt Mike

[bassboogieman]

Looks like your schedule is fishing Fri - Mon, do you do any mid-week trips for Reds? I have some time mid-Oct but it would have to be a Wed or Thur, or both. If I'm going to travel that far it might as well involve a couple days of fishing, as well as arriving the night before, so do you have any lodging recommendations? Isn't the Dragon area down by the Bay Bridge? Headed for the Potomac next weekend (9/7 thru 9th) for bass and those "Potomac Pike".

[Captmikestarrett]

I have a family house on the Piankatank River that I sometimes guide out of. Yes, staying at my family house is the best way. Drive 2.5 hrs form DC on a Friday night and fish twice on Saturday and once on Sunday before retuning home. Hurricanes in Sept cause issues now and then so I leave the last weekend of Sept open. First of October I am back on the Potomac chasing monster cats.

So I sometimes do mid week trips but have no leave left after this summer. As far as a place to stay there is few hotels in Gloucester VA.

Capt Mike

[3dkicker]

Originally Posted by Captmikestarrett

Yep 3d we will once again be down on the Dragon fishing over the next month. I did not see your name on the guest list? What gives?

Capt Mike

Working in MD to pay the man Really wish I could make it. I'd love to get into the big reds or some decent croaker. Seems that I miss the good ones when I'm not there. I've got to stop believing those tales told around the dinner table.