Low flow is making it tough at Fletcher's Cove; also, a magical fly rod...
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Sunday, April 26, 2026
Friday, April 17, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} 5th Annual Bluegill Tournament — June 5–7, 2026 (t-shirt included!)
Fellow Rodders,
It's back. The 5th Annual TPFR Bluegill Tournament kicks off at 7:00 a.m. Friday, June 5th and runs through end of day Sunday, June 7th. Grab your 3-weight, find your favorite sunfish honey hole in VA, MD, or DC, and let's see what's swimming.
Four categories, four chances to win:
• Largest • Smallest • Prettiest • Most Caught
Winners announced at the June 8th Beer Tie Meeting.
And yes — every registration comes with this year's tournament t-shirt (art attached). Wear it proudly, ESPECIALLY if your biggest fish of the weekend is a sub 3-incher.
How to enter:
It's back. The 5th Annual TPFR Bluegill Tournament kicks off at 7:00 a.m. Friday, June 5th and runs through end of day Sunday, June 7th. Grab your 3-weight, find your favorite sunfish honey hole in VA, MD, or DC, and let's see what's swimming.
Four categories, four chances to win:
• Largest • Smallest • Prettiest • Most Caught
Winners announced at the June 8th Beer Tie Meeting.
And yes — every registration comes with this year's tournament t-shirt (art attached). Wear it proudly, ESPECIALLY if your biggest fish of the weekend is a sub 3-incher.
How to enter:
1. Register via the sign-up form (don't forget to pick your t-shirt size): https://forms.gle/BKNdBWZrpVcQNYWm7
• $30 for 16+
• $10 for ages 13–16
• Free for under 13 (parent/guardian must register)
2. Pay your registration fee via the Venmo QR code (attached in the "2026 Bluegill Tournament .docx or venmo username is in the sign up sheet). Please include "Bluegill 2026 + your name" in the Venmo note so we can match your payment to your registration. If you don't have Venmo, payment can be made to (me) Misha in cash at the May 11th Beer Tie.
3. Download the Official TPFR Bluegill Ruler (with the taped-on penny) and tournament rules attached or from the event page: https://www.tpfr.org/bluegill-tournament
4. Fish hard. Take pictures of your Largest, Smallest, and/or Prettiest next to the official ruler — photos without the ruler don't count. Most Caught runs on the honor system, so no photo needed there.
5. Email your submissions by 9:00 a.m. Monday, June 8th to bluegill.contact@tpfr.org
A couple of reminders:
• The ruler on the event webpage and attached is the official ruler. Print it, tape the penny on, and include it in every photo of your Largest, Smallest, and Prettiest entries.
• Read the rules that come with the ruler before you head out.
Most importantly: have fun out there.
Tight lines,
http://www.tpfr.org
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Thursday, April 16, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Shad Tips
Hi Paul -
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Most people use a full sink line for shad as it can be difficult to get the flies down to the fish with poly leader sink tips or intermediate line.
I've always found catching shad is mostly dependent on getting the fly to the proper depth more than anything else, so I would recommend a full sink/30 ft sink tip if you can get access to one.
You may be able to solve that with a poly leader/intermediate by adding weight but my guess is that it will be challenging to get flies deep enough. I'll let other folks chime in as well though.
Good luck!
Brian
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 4:09:07 PM UTC-4 Paul V wrote:
Thanks to those of you who've given me a few tips when I asked a couple of months ago--I have a couple more if you'll indulge me. I'll be renting a boat out of Fletcher's either Wednesday or Thursday next week to fish for Shad. I assume I would just anchor somewhere so that I can easily reach toward the middle? Can I get by with my 6wt and 10 ft. sink tips, or should I bring my intermediate sinking line? I have a fair amount of shad flies--mostly weighted--that I use on the Columbia. Anything else I might be neglecting to consider?
Thanks!
Paul
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Wednesday, April 15, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Tips
Thanks to those of you who've given me a few tips when I asked a couple of months ago--I have a couple more if you'll indulge me. I'll be renting a boat out of Fletcher's either Wednesday or Thursday next week to fish for Shad. I assume I would just anchor somewhere so that I can easily reach toward the middle? Can I get by with my 6wt and 10 ft. sink tips, or should I bring my intermediate sinking line? I have a fair amount of shad flies--mostly weighted--that I use on the Columbia. Anything else I might be neglecting to consider?
http://www.tpfr.org
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Thanks!
Paul
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing
if you driving out to check, also check the aqueduct underpass clearance.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 15, 2026, at 10:10, 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Thanks, fellas. I've seen bass boats out there but I was thinking more pontoon boat size. I might drive out there and check it out myself.
-Miles
--On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 9:10:07 AM UTC-4 Owen Williams wrote:
My wife works with Team River Runner kayaking for vets and their families there, and we see boats of all sizes launch there (the kayakers have their own dock to launch from). Definitely bass boats with big outboards use the ramp.
Best,Owen
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:40:55 AM UTC-4 Misha Gill wrote:
Miles, I think I've seen bass boats launched there. So I'd wager nearly any size boat would be fine. My recollection is a concrete ramp into a deep creek that outlets to the bottom of the pool above the breaks, which is a big flat section.
Cordially yours,Michael "Misha" Gill
On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?
thanks,Miles--
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing
Thanks, fellas. I've seen bass boats out there but I was thinking more pontoon boat size. I might drive out there and check it out myself.
-Miles
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 9:10:07 AM UTC-4 Owen Williams wrote:
My wife works with Team River Runner kayaking for vets and their families there, and we see boats of all sizes launch there (the kayakers have their own dock to launch from). Definitely bass boats with big outboards use the ramp.
Best,Owen
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:40:55 AM UTC-4 Misha Gill wrote:
Miles, I think I've seen bass boats launched there. So I'd wager nearly any size boat would be fine. My recollection is a concrete ramp into a deep creek that outlets to the bottom of the pool above the breaks, which is a big flat section.
Cordially yours,Michael "Misha" Gill
On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?
thanks,Miles--
http://www.tpfr.org
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing
My wife works with Team River Runner kayaking for vets and their families there, and we see boats of all sizes launch there (the kayakers have their own dock to launch from). Definitely bass boats with big outboards use the ramp.
Best,
--
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Best,
Owen
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:40:55 AM UTC-4 Misha Gill wrote:
Miles, I think I've seen bass boats launched there. So I'd wager nearly any size boat would be fine. My recollection is a concrete ramp into a deep creek that outlets to the bottom of the pool above the breaks, which is a big flat section.
Cordially yours,Michael "Misha" Gill
On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?
thanks,Miles--
http://www.tpfr.org
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Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice
Thanks Robert! I like your version of the fly! I bought a few at the boathouse but they were coneheads and seemed a bit heavy to me for their size. They didn’t cast all that great and I had a hard time getting them to turn over properly. I’ll try tying a few similar to yours for next time!
Ben
On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 7:41 PM robert craven <robpcraven@gmail.com> wrote:
I think size 8 is perfect. I often see them on bigger hook sizes but the smaller shad don't have huge mouths. So size 8 kind It works for everything.
--On Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 2:32 PM Ben Coffman <ben.g.coffman@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks Rob! We got held up with family obligations but are headed there now. We really appreciate the advice! I tied a few flies with my interpretation of a shad dart. They’re on size 8 steamer hooks. Hope they’ll work!
Ben--On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 5:48:43 PM UTC-4 Rob Snowhite wrote:
This is a great spot. 20-25 min walk from Fletchers. Great lookout spot.
We were down river and couldn’t find a shad all morning. Herring were all over.
PM me if you have any specifics about what to use. Crappie jigs on the spinning rods or small tubes work great. Use them on a fly rod too.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 11, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Ben Coffman <ben.g....@gmail.com> wrote:
I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben --
http://www.tpfr.org
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice
We had some strong winds coming up the river yesterday but the biggest issue was the crowded banks! There was someone fishing in almost every spot where there was a chance of hitting the main current, even where you suggested! Looked like a great spot and we fished just downriver from there. We saw lots of shad being caught from boats but only a few from shore. One of my kids got one but I came away with no fish on the fly! We had a great time though and I appreciate all the advice!
Thanks!
Ben
On Mon, Apr 13, 2026 at 5:53 PM Rob Snowhite <rob@robsnowhite.com> wrote:
I avoided the river today due to the wind. Pollen driving my eyes crazy. Beer tie will have me wearing glasses.Hopefully the last few days of wind don’t hinder the fly casting. Hot water with low levels could be fun this week out there.
And for hook size, the west coast folks will use a size 10 or 12 nymph hook. Never fished that myself. Sounds weird.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 12, 2026, at 7:41 PM, robert craven <robpcraven@gmail.com> wrote:
I think size 8 is perfect. I often see them on bigger hook sizes but the smaller shad don't have huge mouths. So size 8 kind It works for everything.
<1000010101.jpg>
--On Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 2:32 PM Ben Coffman <ben.g.coffman@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks Rob! We got held up with family obligations but are headed there now. We really appreciate the advice! I tied a few flies with my interpretation of a shad dart. They’re on size 8 steamer hooks. Hope they’ll work!
Ben--On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 5:48:43 PM UTC-4 Rob Snowhite wrote:
This is a great spot. 20-25 min walk from Fletchers. Great lookout spot.
We were down river and couldn’t find a shad all morning. Herring were all over.
PM me if you have any specifics about what to use. Crappie jigs on the spinning rods or small tubes work great. Use them on a fly rod too.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 11, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Ben Coffman <ben.g....@gmail.com> wrote:
I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben --
http://www.tpfr.org
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing
Miles, I think I've seen bass boats launched there. So I'd wager nearly any size boat would be fine. My recollection is a concrete ramp into a deep creek that outlets to the bottom of the pool above the breaks, which is a big flat section.
Cordially yours,
Michael "Misha" Gill
(512) 507-4305
On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM 'Miles' via Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders <tidal-potomac-fly-rodders@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?
thanks,Miles--
http://www.tpfr.org
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Monday, April 13, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} FFC Shad Report #3
Update on the American shad run and the shad spoon crisis...
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice
I avoided the river today due to the wind. Pollen driving my eyes crazy. Beer tie will have me wearing glasses.
Hopefully the last few days of wind don’t hinder the fly casting. Hot water with low levels could be fun this week out there.
And for hook size, the west coast folks will use a size 10 or 12 nymph hook. Never fished that myself. Sounds weird.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 12, 2026, at 7:41 PM, robert craven <robpcraven@gmail.com> wrote:
I think size 8 is perfect. I often see them on bigger hook sizes but the smaller shad don't have huge mouths. So size 8 kind It works for everything.
<1000010101.jpg>
--On Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 2:32 PM Ben Coffman <ben.g.coffman@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks Rob! We got held up with family obligations but are headed there now. We really appreciate the advice! I tied a few flies with my interpretation of a shad dart. They’re on size 8 steamer hooks. Hope they’ll work!
Ben--On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 5:48:43 PM UTC-4 Rob Snowhite wrote:
This is a great spot. 20-25 min walk from Fletchers. Great lookout spot.
We were down river and couldn’t find a shad all morning. Herring were all over.
PM me if you have any specifics about what to use. Crappie jigs on the spinning rods or small tubes work great. Use them on a fly rod too.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 11, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Ben Coffman <ben.g....@gmail.com> wrote:
I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben --
http://www.tpfr.org
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Full Moon Lore
My guess is that it varies by species. People who fish stripers more than me report the kinds of thing Rob was talking about in the first post.
I was trout fishing over the weekend and asked my guide about whether trout were affected and he said only slightly.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 11:43:57 AM UTC-4 Doug Parker wrote:
Rob i always heard a full moon hurt the fishing but 3 days after was good. but maybe there is a different lore around migratory or tidal fisheries.
now i have observed a connection between a full moon and panfish getting on the spawn, so maybe it is different for spawning fish.
It could also just be that i am guilty of confirmation bias of what i heard growing up about spawning bream.
On Wed, Apr 8, 2026 at 9:45 AM Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:
Do you believe in the lore of fishing a full moon? Fish spawning, fish feeding, fish more active, etc? Makes me think back to Pete Kaminsky's book about the moon pulling up an acre of bass.
I was out with a client last Thursday morning. The full moon was overnight. High tide was near. Weather was humid with fog shrouding the river.
I've never seen that many stripers of that size pulled out of the river. Merid missed it, Eric (sp?) from Beer Tie was there. Randy too. One of the regulars I've fished near for over a decade was pulling in the biggest stripers I"d ever seen. The river was full of herring and the hickory shad were very aggressive. Two stripers were on our line. One at a shad and one ate a fly. Neither fish was landed.
Not sure if the fishing was amazing due to the full moon or just a good day on the water. And no fears of the poo for me. Water is going to be low and clear for a while. Get out while you can. Call in to the office with the shad flu.
I can guarantee I will be out there for the first spring full moon next year.
Your thoughts?--
http://www.tpfr.org
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Sunday, April 12, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Boat launch at Seneca Landing
Sort of non-fishing related, but I was wondering if anybody knows if there's an official size limit on boats launched at the Seneca Landing ramp. Or what's the largest boat that could reasonably be launched there?
thanks,
Miles
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice
I think size 8 is perfect. I often see them on bigger hook sizes but the smaller shad don't have huge mouths. So size 8 kind It works for everything.
On Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 2:32 PM Ben Coffman <ben.g.coffman@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks Rob! We got held up with family obligations but are headed there now. We really appreciate the advice! I tied a few flies with my interpretation of a shad dart. They’re on size 8 steamer hooks. Hope they’ll work!
Ben--On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 5:48:43 PM UTC-4 Rob Snowhite wrote:
This is a great spot. 20-25 min walk from Fletchers. Great lookout spot.
We were down river and couldn’t find a shad all morning. Herring were all over.
PM me if you have any specifics about what to use. Crappie jigs on the spinning rods or small tubes work great. Use them on a fly rod too.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 11, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Ben Coffman <ben.g....@gmail.com> wrote:
I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben --
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Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice
Thanks Rob! We got held up with family obligations but are headed there now. We really appreciate the advice! I tied a few flies with my interpretation of a shad dart. They’re on size 8 steamer hooks. Hope they’ll work!
Ben
On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 5:48:43 PM UTC-4 Rob Snowhite wrote:
This is a great spot. 20-25 min walk from Fletchers. Great lookout spot.
We were down river and couldn’t find a shad all morning. Herring were all over.
PM me if you have any specifics about what to use. Crappie jigs on the spinning rods or small tubes work great. Use them on a fly rod too.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 11, 2026, at 5:41 PM, Ben Coffman <ben.g....@gmail.com> wrote:
I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben --
http://www.tpfr.org
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Saturday, April 11, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Shad Fishing Advice
I may be going shad fishing tomorrow morning (Sunday 4/12) with my twin 14-year old sons. They will be spin fishing and I’ll be fly fishing. We’ve never fished for shad before. I don’t have a boat. We’re coming from Tysons Corner. I’m looking for any advice on places to fish. I was considering Fletchers Cove but have never been there. I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance anyone may have. Thanks! Ben
--
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Friday, April 10, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: PPTU Fly Fishing Swap Meet - April 17
Hi All,
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Sending a reminder about PPTU's swap meet on Friday, April 17 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Waredaca brewing in Laytonsville, MD. We have a lot of excellent lightly used rods, reels, tying materials, and other gear that will be for sale at deeply discounted prices, with proceeds benefiting PPTU's conservation work.
I hope to see you there!
Ethan
On Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:26:02 AM UTC-6 Ethan Miller wrote:
Hi All,
You are invited to join Potomac-Patuxent TU for our swap meet on April 17 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Waredaca brewing in Laytonsville. Members and the chapter will be selling lightly used rods, reels, line, tying material, and much more.We are also looking for folks who are interested in selling their lightly used gear and materials. If you are interested feel free to email me back directly.
I hope to see many of you there!Ethan
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Thursday, April 9, 2026
{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Return to Fletchers this Sunday for Casting Church
TPFR Casting Church returns to Fletcher's Cove for this Sunday's Casting Church
Drop-in anytime between 8:30 and 11 am to work on your casting with instructors
We'll meet at the far end of the lower, riverside parking lot
Drop a note if you need to borrow a rod
-- Drop-in anytime between 8:30 and 11 am to work on your casting with instructors
We'll meet at the far end of the lower, riverside parking lot
Drop a note if you need to borrow a rod
http://www.tpfr.org
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Full Moon Lore
Rob i always heard a full moon hurt the fishing but 3 days after was good. but maybe there is a different lore around migratory or tidal fisheries.
now i have observed a connection between a full moon and panfish getting on the spawn, so maybe it is different for spawning fish.
It could also just be that i am guilty of confirmation bias of what i heard growing up about spawning bream.
On Wed, Apr 8, 2026 at 9:45 AM Rob Snowhite <rob@robsnowhite.com> wrote:
Do you believe in the lore of fishing a full moon? Fish spawning, fish feeding, fish more active, etc? Makes me think back to Pete Kaminsky's book about the moon pulling up an acre of bass.
I was out with a client last Thursday morning. The full moon was overnight. High tide was near. Weather was humid with fog shrouding the river.
I've never seen that many stripers of that size pulled out of the river. Merid missed it, Eric (sp?) from Beer Tie was there. Randy too. One of the regulars I've fished near for over a decade was pulling in the biggest stripers I"d ever seen. The river was full of herring and the hickory shad were very aggressive. Two stripers were on our line. One at a shad and one ate a fly. Neither fish was landed.
Not sure if the fishing was amazing due to the full moon or just a good day on the water. And no fears of the poo for me. Water is going to be low and clear for a while. Get out while you can. Call in to the office with the shad flu.
I can guarantee I will be out there for the first spring full moon next year.
Your thoughts?--
http://www.tpfr.org
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{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Full Moon Lore
Do you believe in the lore of fishing a full moon? Fish spawning, fish feeding, fish more active, etc? Makes me think back to Pete Kaminsky's book about the moon pulling up an acre of bass.
I was out with a client last Thursday morning. The full moon was overnight. High tide was near. Weather was humid with fog shrouding the river.
I've never seen that many stripers of that size pulled out of the river. Merid missed it, Eric (sp?) from Beer Tie was there. Randy too. One of the regulars I've fished near for over a decade was pulling in the biggest stripers I"d ever seen. The river was full of herring and the hickory shad were very aggressive. Two stripers were on our line. One at a shad and one ate a fly. Neither fish was landed.
Not sure if the fishing was amazing due to the full moon or just a good day on the water. And no fears of the poo for me. Water is going to be low and clear for a while. Get out while you can. Call in to the office with the shad flu.
I can guarantee I will be out there for the first spring full moon next year.
Your thoughts?
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