Nice start for 2014

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Upper Potomac

March 11, 2014, I took the boat out for the first time this year. I launched from Seneca Landing and headed upstream to a few of my favorite spots for Smallmouth Bass. The water temperature was 44 degrees and there was a pretty strong current; the river level is about 1 foot higher than normal. Water clarity was good with a slightly green tint.

I used my favorite lure, a pumpkin tube with 1/4 ounce jig head. After 2 hours, not a single bite, so I decided to switch up to see if I could figure out what they were eating. I tied on a spinnerbait � nothing.

Then I put on a jerk bait and the action was fast and furious. I caught 8 fish in 30 minutes, then it shut off just as fast as it started. I have never caught any largemouth that far upstream, but yesterday I managed to catch 2; one was pushing 3 lbs. The biggest smallie was close to 4 lbs and I caught two others that were in the 3 lb class. All fish were released unharmed. It was a great way to start the season.