MARE-BASSIN Blog: March 2012

Saturday, March 24, 2012

When You See The Dogwoods Start to Bloom; Go Bass Fishing

When most people see the dogwood trees start to bloom, they think Spring is finally here. They comment on the beauty of the trees and the sweet smells that go along with Spring. I however look at the Virginia State tree blooming in an entirely different way, dogwood trees blooming means that the big bass are ready to eat. So when I see the annual occurrence it's time to go bass fishing.

Having bass fished since my youth (which was a long time ago) some of my best experience in catching large bass has come during the dogwood tree bloom. It's funny, I have caught a very large number of large bass (over 5 lbs.) over the years but I can remember every one I caught during the dogwood bloom. Maybe it's because it was the first big fish of the season. It is a true sign to me that Spring is here and the fishing season is in full swing.

Two of these fish stand out to me the most, both were caught in the same spot, the same way on Lake Anna one year apart. It's possible that it was the same exact fish as it was almost 8 pounds the first year and almost 9 pounds the next year. I let both fish go as I have with every bass I have ever caught with one exception. That one exception was a fish I caught with my good friend Jeff Coble on Falls Lake in NC. It was a 11 pound 3 ounce monster caught on my favorite bait; a spinnerbait. By the way, that monster bass was caught on April 2, 1992 during the dogwood bloom.

The dogwood bloom happens every year, usually between April 1 and April 15 depending on the weather and your geographical location. I have found that it does not matter what part of the country you are in, when it happens, it's happening on the water. So when I see dogwood trees have started to bloom, I go fishing and I suggest you go to.

Sincerely,

Brian

E-Mail: brian@mareinc.com
Phone: MARE Inc.: 301-898-3717
MARE of Aquia: 540-657-1136
Web-site: mareinc.com
                mareinc.rangerdealer.com
Facebook: MARE Inc.
                  MARE of Aquia
                  MARE Inc. Boating & Fishing
Twitter: @MAREMARINE
YouTube: MAREMARINEINC

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Potomac River is on Fire

The Potomac River is on fire, no it's not burning, but the bass fishing is red hot. Early reports are that bass are being caught in large numbers and the larger fish are showing up shallow. It is a great sign for the up coming season when the river is on fire early.

What is causing this to happen this year? Is it because of the mild winter that we have had most of the season? Maybe it's because we had very little high water on the Upper Potomac or it could be just one of the cycles that the river goes through from time to time. I believe that the fishing is already great because of all three reasons.

The first reason is a mild winter which allows the grass to stay healthy and has kept the water clear. When that happens, it creates habitat for the food source and gives the young of the year a chance to survive the winter months. All things that are great for the fishery.

The second reason is that the Upper Potomac to this point has not really flooded this winter. No flooding means that thousands of tons of sediment has not washed downstream to the Lower Potomac and a large amount of cold river water did not come with it. No sediment and no large amount of cold river means the water quality and clarity has remained constant. Water clarity allows sunlight for the grass to grow and the shallows to warm up. Again, great for the fishery.

The third and final reason is that the Potomac seems to be on the up tick, fishing has been good and heading toward great over the last couple of fishing seasons. There has been more larger fish being caught and the overall numbers appear to be on the increase. This is great for all the anglers that fish on the Potomac River.

Whatever the reason, fishing appears to be great. When the fishing is this good, this early, there is only one thing to do; get out there and enjoy it. It's time to go fishing on the Lower Potomac, because the river is on fire.

Sincerely,

Brian Lancaster