Washington D.C. Striper Fishing 7/11/12

[Fishamajig]

Working off an internet report from master expert angler "Curly" I decided to check out some of the striper fishing in Washington DC. I set out with my 16' Lowe Big Jon along with stepdaughter and her boyfriend. We launched at Gravelly Point amongst a sea of immigrants and jet noise and headed for the Washington Channel, right next to one of nations most polluted rivers, the Anacostia.

The plan was to troll some sassy shads and Gulp! and try to locate a school of stripers we could jig on. We trolled with the spinning rods using the new 2-prong Yumbrellas, being touted as Bait School Technology. These bass guys come up with fancy names, for years what we saltwater fisherman called spreader bars. Who knew we were using Bait School Technology all along... Anyway, while putting the 25 hp at idle, I lowered the baits slowly to the bottom on a slow troll and was hooked up in seconds and in the next 15 minutes it was doubles every pass, mostly undersize but several over the 20" mark. After awhile we started jigging on the fish and found 5" Gulp! jerbaits the ticket and caught dozens of fish one after the other. We finally ended up at a spot were the water was foul and the air so putrid you wanted to puke. There was plastic garbage and tree limbs floating in big pods, and the fishing could not be better. Ahh, urban fishing at its best.

I would never eat fish from such filth but did keep 3 keepers to filet and feed to one of my many bosses. Bon Appetite you prick...

Anyway - there are fish above the Woodrow Wilson if you want a different experience. And since there are no pound nets or live-liners - chances are they should be around for a while.

Tried to upload pic's from cell phone - no dice. Will try later.

[Bottom Knocker]

What time of day??

[Fishamajig]

afternoon

[Scott McGuire]

Good Work!

[family affair]

"I would never eat fish from such filth but did keep 3 keepers to filet and feed to one of my many bosses. Bon Appetite you prick..."

Love it!

[crabby and son]

Rock fish are fine to eat from the Potomac in DC. They are not there long enough to cause damage. You think the bay is any better? C'mon Dennis.....................Gary

[kiko13]

Hey fishawhatever....what are you doin' in our hood?

You know, I can tell stories about you in that place.....

Ernie

[kiko13]

Rock fish are fine to eat from the Potomac in DC. They are not there long enough to cause damage. You think the bay is any better? C'mon Dennis.....................Gary

Ernie

[bhead62]

Nice going. Get those pictures up!

I've seen a few guys trolling up and down the Washington Channel and wonder if they ever catch anything besides attitudes when someone crosses their lines. On the Bay I pay attention who's pulling lines behind them but not so much that far up the river. I've never seen one hook up but I guess they wouldn't be there if the fish weren't there. My Bay Sport Fishing License doesn't allow me to fish in DC waters and never bothered to get one for DC because I didn't think there was anything there to catch.

BTW I've launched my boat for the last time at Gravelly Point. Never again will I deal with that mayhem. The $5 fee at Columbia Island just north of there is a deal IMO.

[kiko13]

DC license is $13 for non residents.

Gravelly is an early game (get out before the crowds or go during the week) but CIM makes you disconnect your trailer from your truck....not worth the $5. The ticket is heavy for leaving the 2 connected....I know!

The WC (and other scenic spots) has many nice species of fish....and yes, we hook up, often.

Ernie