DC Potomac 6/13

[EdE]

Went out this evening into a strong wind. Mainly focused on exercise, but trolled rapalas up to Haynes point then 14th st bridge. When I got up to the bridge still didn't have a bite so switched to a bottom bouncer with a worm harness with a gulp leech. When I approached the bridge had a big strike and fought for a while. Turned out to be a monster blue catfish. I didn't want to damage the old fish for pic so pics are not that great and then released the fish back. I am still amazed at the bulk of these fish. Estimate is over 30 pounds and over 36 inches in length. On the way back to the marina had a nice strike on a fire tiger rapala and it was a nice 18 inch striper. Missed one more that was peeling out line. Overall was a great night to paddle and the fish made it exciting.

[frettr00]

Wow that's a big catfish... I'm used to catching 2-3lb bullheads and even those put up a good fight.

[jffoley]

Nice fish! That is awesome on a kayak. Congrats! There are some really big blue catfish in the Potomac now. I have fished with Capt Mike Starrett of Indian Head Charters and have landed a couple over 50lbs!

[Redfish12]

Ede that's a big catfish for the kayak! Looks like you had a nice day out there again. Did you keep the rock? I need to figure out where you're launching bc hanes and the wc seem like a great place for the kayak, esp in the fall when the rock school up more. Looking forward to getting out there with you sometime. Maybe next week?

[ictalurus]

Awesome work. That first pic of the cat makes it look like a weird sea monster. That's a nice way to get some exercise.

[ronaultmtd]

Last evening TV-4 (NBC) weatherman at 6 pm had a picture in the background of three kayakers fishing on the Potomac- may have been you-

[MetroMan]

^ I must've been watchign at the same time. The guy talked about the yakkers and mentioned them having fishing rods. I said to my wife "I wonder if I know them?"

She replied with the "" look "you think you know everybody"

[EdE]

Redfish 12, I am in for next week and I did keep the rock. Looked healthy so will give it a shot. Going to make a fish dish tonight. I asked about boaters safety the other day. It is a requirement but a va or md class will work. When I asked how do you deal with rentals they said they should have but I got the feeling they don't ask kayakers for it much. I ended up doing the online course just in case. I am really getting into the stripers on light tackle fun to get them on the troll and have line peel out like big palegics. As for put in I haven't explored many places, but I put in at Bolling afb marina. I think there are a few that circle Reagan that should work. Hit me up if you want to go next week, I have noticed the bite pick up as it gets closer to sunset.

[Redfish12]

That's good to hear, I have a VA one. I can get on the base I believe so maybe I can launch there too. The paddle from Gravely has always seemed too long to be worth it. I'm up for a trip for next week! I'll bring some cranks to troll, how deep are yours going?

[EdE]

Had a lot of luck with the hot and fire tiger tiger color paterns, and also blue and silver red fin deep diving. Think they run between 8 and 10 feet. Want to try more gulp techniques this week will tell you how it goes.

[DOGFISH]

Nice fish. There have been a couple of guys fishing at I think it is Bennett Point, near DC. They have been catching those large catfish on a regular basis. They have been comming into the store to buy frozen spot to use as cut bait. They are catching them from shore.