CB, 4/17/05, Hickories still Hot!

[McFly]

After various family obligations yesterday, snuck down to the river for a couple hours of shadding. Fished from the rocks on the DC side just below Chain Bridge from 4:30-6:30. Sink tip line (6 wt.), 6 ft. leader to 10 lbs., bright orange/red/yellow weighted patterns. Lost count after 20. Steady catching until I had to leave. Many large hicks to 19/20" (females?) in the mix. Shadows on the water as sun set improved bite. Downstream swing into seams w/med. speed retrieve worked fine.

Stood next to Bob, flyfishing, who was also steady catching the entire time. Not many other shad fisherman about CB even though the parking area was jammed.

Interesting encounter: after fishing for about 15 min. on the first empty rock I choose, 4 heavily "armed" bait guys decided they were all going to fish off the same rock. They just smiled, said something in spanish, laughed when I said "shad" and proceeded to cast right in front of me. Not seemigly worth quarling over, I simply reeled in and conceded the spot. So it goes on the springtime Potomac.

Lastly, on my first spring outing last Thurs. evening just before dark, met and fished near Hyla who was putting a hurtin' on the hickories from a well chosen spot. That night, a fast retrieve was the ticket. Hyla, enjoyed your carp stories and insight... thanks.

[Salient Running]

Interesting encounter: after fishing for about 15 min. on the first empty rock I choose, 4 heavily "armed" bait guys decided they were all going to fish off the same rock. They just smiled, said something in spanish, laughed when I said "shad" and proceeded to cast right in front of me. Not seemigly worth quarling over, I simply reeled in and conceded the spot. So it goes on the springtime Potomac.

It makes me wonder how anyone could be so oblivious to their a--hole behavior. I'm inclined to think they are not. Your an easier going gent than myself. I'd have at least shown my disaproval. Sneer, spit, piss. I'll try to learn from your example and not let my anger at such situations stick like to me like slime.

[McFly]

SR,

I'd won't say I wasn't annoyed and I did voice my displeasure. But since other spots were available that seemed just as good if not better for flycasting I didn't fight it. It did make me consider what I would have done if one of my kids had been with me ... I would have felt like they were bullying my kid... but then maybe that would be the true test: what example do we set for the next generation of anglers? Too many fish in the river anyway to let a few jerks ruin a good day.

[hyla]

Hey McFly! It was good meeting you last Thursday. I went out yesterday as well and fished from my inflatable yak so I wouldn't have to deal with people like that. Usually I put a couple of backcasts across their face, smile and with any luck they get the hint.

Anyway, my friend and I hooked up with a ton of Hickories just down river of Fletcher's that day. And just like you pointed out, they were all on the large size. Many were definately males. Few females in the mix. Very fun![grin]

Look forward to seeing you out there again soon (Tuesday?).