Submitted by 31Airborne

Date Fished: 4/19/2008
Water Temperature: 66
Water Clarity: 2-3 feet

First off, thanks to Wayne and Will for all the help on the Chez. My first trip there was an experience - good and full of learning. You guys were a huge help - IOU big time.

Put in at Whippernock w/ the VA East FoM NTT. Saw 62.5 at launch w/ stained water and ~2' viz. Water is kinda tannic looking, almost like backwater bayou stuff. Fished primarily mid- and lower-lake. Water had warmed to 66 (mid-lake) when I came off.

In spite of the wonderful counsel I got, I found all my fish using c-rigged finesse worms (red bug) and senkos (grn pmkn). Did have my first topwater fish of the year - a spunky 10"er that creamed my Spook Jr. Only moving bait fish I had came on a bandit 100 (shad) late in the day. Key for me was that curious Chesdin grass (whatever y'all call it). Fish were dead in it, on both inside and outside edges. Made it tough w/ the c-rig but when I was patient enough to let it ease through from the inside to the outside edge, I got bit. Same story for senkos.

Challenge for me today was finding fish that would measure. I weighed 2, including a nice 5.66 chunk, but everything else was 10-11". Caught fish all day long but never got into the good ones.

Observations: 1) We put 61 boats in the water for this event. I realize 3300 acres sounds or reads like a lot, but when w/ 61 boats it isn't. This little lake got hammered today. 2) The Chesdin grass is really cool. You have the thick patches along the bank, then the secondary band in about 3' or so of water. (I targeted the groove between the bands.) It's got thick, fibrous stalks so you can't rip baits thru it like hydrilla or milfoil. It does hold fish, however, and if you have the patience to work it, it'll pay off (my 5.66 is testimony). 3) Channel turns and first breaks were key. If you could find a place where grass and a channel turn came together, you had something special. 4) My big fish had not yet spawned. Her tail was perfect and her roe sac was still forming. There are still some good fish yet to move up to bed.

Another superb performance by the Va East Tourney Cmte. Thanks y'all - you made it a great day.

Tight lines.

ATW, B

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