Let’s Go Fishing!
Fishing season is upon us and the local area is filled with beautiful places to visit – for Bigs and Littles to enjoy this activity near the water.
For matches, consider a few key safety tips:
Matches under six months old can only travel within 30 minutes of their Little’s home.
Always supervise your Little in using hooks, baiting hooks and removing caught fish from hooks – fins are sharp!
If using a knife in fishing to, for instance, cut up bait, Bigs must supervisor their Little with this – and any activity planned for an outing – the Little’s parent/guardian must know about and have approved fishing, and any outing activity.
Carry a basic first aid kit.
Note that Littles age 16 and older are legally required to have a fishing license. A VA fishing license can be secured via online or through an app via the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: Fishing License Information & Fees | Virginia DWR
Where to go fishing?
There are many options to fish at beautiful places in our area. Here’s a few tips, and places that some matches have enjoyed:
James River: One of the largest rivers in Virginia, the James is known for its smallmouth bass, catfish, and even muskellunge. There's a public boat ramp in Scottsville (southern Albemarle County) for easy access. The section winding through riffles, pools, and rock ledges offers scenic views. Note that there are specific regulations for bass in the James River from the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture rivers downstream to the 14th Street Bridge in Richmond, including a protected slot size.
Rivanna River: Flowing through Charlottesville and Albemarle County, the Rivanna holds smallmouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie. Conservation efforts have helped maintain its water quality. You can find access points along its course. Note that the banks of this river can be steep for you and your Little to gain access to the river to fish.
Lake Albemarle (Albemarle County): Has a boat ramp and is known for bass, catfish, and sunfish.
South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir (behind Ivy Creek Natural Area): Previously mentioned as having a boat ramp, be aware of any temporary closures. It holds a variety of fish species.
Ragged Mountain Reservoir (Albemarle County): Has a put-in for kayaks and offers fishing.
Mint Springs Valley Park (Albemarle County): The lake here is stocked with trout by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) during the fall and winter.
Scottsville Lake (Albemarle County): Also stocked with trout by the DWR in the fall and winter.
Sugar Hollow Reservoir (Albemarle County): Another trout-stocked lake. You can also access Shenandoah National Park from here to fish the North and South Forks of the Moormans River for various trout species.
General Tips for Success:
Know Your Target Species: Different fish have different behaviors, feeding habits, and preferred habitats. Research the species you want to catch in your area. This includes what they eat, where they live (water depth, structure), and when they are most active.
For example, bass often relate to structure like submerged logs or weed lines, while trout might prefer cooler, moving water.
Understand Local Regulations: Fishing regulations vary by state and even specific bodies of water. Always check the rules for licensing, size limits, bag limits (how many you can keep), and any seasonal closures. You can usually find this information on your state's fish and wildlife agency website.
For instance, in Virginia, there are specific regulations for trout fishing in designated stocked streams, including creel limits and size restrictions.
Use the Right Gear: The appropriate rod, reel, line, and tackle can significantly improve your chances. Match your gear to the size and fighting ability of your target fish and the type of fishing you'll be doing.
A light action rod is suitable for panfish, while a medium-heavy rod is better for bass or catfish.
Learn Basic Knots: Knowing how to tie strong and reliable fishing knots is essential for securing hooks, lures, and leaders. Some fundamental knots to learn include the clinch knot, Palomar knot, and improved clinch knot.
Present Your Bait or Lure Effectively: How you present your bait or lure can make a big difference. Consider the speed of retrieval, the depth, and any action you impart to the lure.
For example, when fishing for bass with a plastic worm, you might try a slow, dragging retrieve along the bottom with occasional twitches.
Be Patient and Observant: Fishing often requires patience. Pay attention to the water conditions, any signs of fish activity (like jumping or swirling), and how the fish are reacting to your offerings.
Respect the Environment: Practice ethical angling. Avoid littering, minimize disturbance to the habitat, and handle fish carefully if you plan to release them.
Wet your hands before handling a fish to protect its slime coat, which helps prevent infection.
Tips Based on Fishing Type:
Freshwater Fishing (Lakes and Ponds):
Fish early morning or late evening when the water is cooler and fish are often more active.
Look for areas with structure like docks, fallen trees, or weed beds.
Consider using live bait like worms, minnows, or crickets, or artificial lures such as spinners, crankbaits, and soft plastics.
Freshwater Fishing (Rivers and Streams):
Fish in areas with current breaks, such as behind rocks or logs.
Pay attention to hatches (when insects emerge) if you're fly fishing and try to match your fly to the natural insects.
Be mindful of the water flow and how it affects your bait or lure presentation.
Tips for Catch and Release:
Use barbless hooks or crimp the barbs on your hooks: This makes hook removal much easier and less damaging to the fish.
Land the fish quickly: The longer a fish fights, the more stressed it becomes.
Handle the fish as little as possible: Keep the fish in the water if you can while removing the hook.
Use wet hands or rubberized nets: This helps protect the fish's protective slime layer.
Support the fish horizontally: Avoid holding a fish vertically by its jaw, especially larger fish, as this can damage their internal organs.
Revive the fish properly: If the fish is sluggish, gently move it back and forth in the water to help oxygen flow over its gills until it can swim away on its own.
Popular American Fish Species and Tips:
Largemouth Bass: Found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Use plastic worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits. Fish around structure.
Smallmouth Bass: Prefer cooler, clearer, moving water. Use tubes, jerkbaits, spinners. Fish near rocks and current.
Trout (Rainbow, Brown, Brook): Found in cold streams and lakes. Fly fishing is popular, but spinners and small baits can also work.
Catfish (Channel, Flathead, Blue): Found in rivers and lakes. Use smelly baits like nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or prepared baits. Often bite well at night.
Walleye: Found in lakes and rivers, often in deeper water during the day. Use jigs tipped with minnows or leeches, or troll crankbaits.
Striped Bass: Found in both freshwater and saltwater along the coasts. Use live bait, plugs, or jigs.
Remember to always prioritize safety when fishing. Wear appropriate clothing, be aware of weather conditions, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Enjoy your time on the water!
