BPS Bassmaster Northern Open

[EZPZ21]

I just got my confirmation !!!.... I'm in for the first BPS Bassmaster Northern Open !!.... It's on the James River in Virginia , its tidal water , I haven't fished fresh tidal water in 20-25 years , anybody have any pointers , on baits , rods/reels line .....?

[pjmcla]

Great --  Good luck.  I would go back and see what the folks did in previous tournaments.  Based on the shows I have seen, the tide is very important.

[EZPZ21]

Thanks Pj , good advice !! ... And from what I remember of fishing the Hudson tide is everything !

[Mic]

That is great!  I have never fished a tidal river before, if you could post how you fish it after the tourney, I would appreciate it. 

[Jester]

I'm not sure about fishing that far north but down south the best part of the tide is the last hour of out going through the first hour of incoming. They will turn on and off like a switch so you have to be there when the bite starts and hope you find them before its over.

  Dennis

[Denny Welch]

A rule of thumb for our Delta is to fish inside the weed line at high tide and outside the weed line at low tide.  Try fishhead.com for tide information.  You might have to get a more local website, but do it because it's important.  Good luck.  I hope you whack 'em.

[EZPZ21]

Thank you Denny and Jester .... I will try my best , Mic , I will post up my results , good or bad , and any experience I get from my pros I will share with you for sure

[Lamar]

 I fished the Weekend Series Divisional on the Potomac River a few years back as a boater. My first question is are you a boater or non boater ? If your a boater you got a lot to learn and good luck. If your a non boater then you need a good draw with a boater that knows the tides. One thing I did learn was the wind can change the tide. Never even thought about that till I saw it happen on the final day. My tournament was in the fall and we were punching grass matts. My guess would be the matts are not there yet and it will be like fishing Guntersville in the late spring. Rattle Traps, Spinner baits, Swimbaits and Chatter baits would be my guess. I made a 1/2 oz chatter bait and put a 3.5 swim bait on it and they ate it up when they weren't hiding under the matts.  I would all so check online with the BFL, Weekend Series and maybe even Federation to see what weights it takes to win. That will give you an idea what size fish your looking for. Then go have fun. I was very surprised on the size and number of bass that are there.

[EZPZ21]

Lamar , I am a Co-angler , this is my third year as a Co , and I can't believe how much I've learned !!!... Your tips are huge to me !!! Thank you !!!... I hope to put them to good use , I'll let you know my results , good or bad !!! Thank you again


EZ

[Lamar]

The 1/2 oz. Chatter bait I made from 1/2 oz. football shaky head painted white with a 6/0 hook. I used a 3.5 inch sexy shad on it and no skirt. The heavy weight holds it down so you can crank it fast and not have it flip over. Trust me it's something they don't see every day. You need something that vibrates and just ticks the grass. If you can find that combo you should be able to catch fish.

[EZPZ21]

Thanks for the tips Lamar .... I will get some made up for sure !