The fun continues

[J.A. Veil]

Today's weather was outstanding. I launched the kayak at 1:00 to return to the Severn tributary where I had left the pickerel biting on Tues. The bite for the first 30 minutes was not too good, but eventually the fish turned on. I kept catching small pickerel (12-15") and found 3 larger ones (20", 21", and 22"). I eventually lost count, but suspect I landed at least 15 pickerel today. The presence of so many young fish is a great harbinger for the population in that tributary.

The 22" was the fattest pickerel I have ever seen. The extra girth made it a heavy fish that took line against the drag several times. When I finally brought it into the boat, I could not see the jighead. The fish had taken it deep into its mouth. Fortunately I had brought a "jaw spreader" tool with me. Virgil Poe taught me about this simple device that can prop open a toothy fish's mouth allowing the angler to retrieve his lure without mangling the fish. The tool is shown below in its closed and open positions. The third photo shows the large fish with its mouth held open by the spreader. I suspect that I saved this fish's life by being able to gently extract the deep-seated jighead.

This turned out to be an outstanding catching day and a spectacular day for late December.

[ronaultmtd]

Congratulations, John- Glad you could get out and have such good luck with the chain pike- the unusual warm weather is helping extend the fishing season- unfortunately the striper season is now strictly catch and release- shame too, because the big fish are still here-

[CB kayak 02]

I wish I had seen your invite earlier in the day, I probably would have made the trip. Glad your had a good time out there.

[Grilled]

Nice job!

[Shady]

You sure do have the pickerel dialed in... Let me know the next you are heading out.

[J.A. Veil]

You sure do have the pickerel dialed in... Let me know the next you are heading out.

Ryan -

Did you get your vehicle straightened out? The last I heard you were out of commission for a while.

[Shady]

My Escape is still getting worked on, but I got an F150 for a rental, so I should be able to just strap my kayak in the bed.

[Polar Rock]

I loved reading your recent posts. I had to run to Crystal City yesterday for work. On the way home, I pulled over at the Holding pond across from Gravelly Point at National Airport. I had read a recent report about a fellow Kayaker catching Snakehead in that pond. I watched a lot of splashes coming from some sort of fish,,, some were pretty big too. anyway, I rushed home with visions of Pickeral if I could launch before sunset. Traffic stunk so I had to settle for a few casts from the neighborhood Pier (WSP). NO TAKERS.
I really want to try that National Airport pond one day if anyone would be interested in a run down...
In the meantime,,, I'll be looking for a couple of free hours and looking for CP over the holidays!

[J.A. Veil]

I loved reading your recent posts. I had to run to Crystal City yesterday for work. On the way home, I pulled over at the Holding pond across from Gravelly Point at National Airport. I had read a recent report about a fellow Kayaker catching Snakehead in that pond. I watched a lot of splashes coming from some sort of fish,,, some were pretty big too. anyway, I rushed home with visions of Pickeral if I could launch before sunset. Traffic stunk so I had to settle for a few casts from the neighborhood Pier (WSP). NO TAKERS.
I really want to try that National Airport pond one day if anyone would be interested in a run down...
In the meantime,,, I'll be looking for a couple of free hours and looking for CP over the holidays!

If you decide to fish there, make sure which government has jurisdiction. If it is DC waters, your Maryland license is not valid. I think MD and VA have reciprocity for tidal waters, but I don't know at all about reciprocity for non-tidal waters.

[Polar Rock]

YEP.... I do need to get that squared away.... hoping to do it over the internet. I'm heading down to my Mother-in-Laws place on Christmas Day. It's right off the Occoquan River exit.... I stopped by there a couple of weeks ago and watched a couple of guys pulling Monster Crappie from a pier in the State Park there. I have visions of getting a couple of hours in but family plans may take me in another direction....