I set out with Coop to try something different. We launched with nothing but worms and a plan. Catch our own bait, grab dinner on light tackle, then run upriver and try bumping for flatheads for the first time. Light wind, about 5 mph, set the tone for a full day of fishing and a lot of learning on the fly.
The Fishing Mission Begins
We called it a Smores board efficient today. The plan was simple:
- Catch about 10 bluegills for bait
- Target stripers for dinner
- Learn to bump for flatheads, a new technique for us
Why Start with Nothing?
I wanted a challenge. No live bait beyond worms, just hooks and time to figure it out. It was all about learning because we came down with no bait. We even joked about leaving the LiveScope at home to keep it raw.
Heading to the Cove for Bait
We slid to the back of the marina, a mix of docks, shade, rocks, and shallow cover. I rigged worms under a float and pitched tight to trees in 5 to 9 feet. Early bloopers included forgetting spot lock, hitting a tree with the bobber, and fixing a lost bobber plug with electrical tape.
First Catches: Bluegills and Perch
A “nice little bluegill” hit first, then a big yellow perch for the bait tank. I adjusted the bobber to about 2 feet and started lipping fish. Oh, I got him turned into a theme. Bluegill and perch set us up for later.
Switching Gears to Striper Fishing
With bait in the tank, we slid out for stripers. We threw a rattle trap and a white fluke and found fish fast. The regulation window was 19 to 24 inches, two fish total. We popped a string of 18-inchers, then finally stuck a 19 and a 22. Doubles happened more than once. These fish were flat out aggressive.
Dinner on the Line: Measuring and Releasing
We measured carefully, squeezed tails, and logged fish:
- Short at 18, release
- Short at 18, release
- Keeper at 19
- Keeper at 22
I told Coop, If you catch one that’s 19, then I get to use your rod. He said sure, then handed me a net full of tangled treble hooks instead.
A Surprise Walleye Joins the Haul
Somewhere in the mix, a fish with a thin head and big eyes showed up. We looked it up and felt good about calling it a walleye. That brought our species count up, right alongside bluegill, perch, channels, and stripers.
Upriver Adventure: Prepping for Flatheads
With two keeper stripers in the box, we ran upriver to bump for flatheads. No cutting board, so we cut bait on a busted tackle box lid and split pieces by inches. We used 4 oz dragging weights on our usual rigs, the JBN magic stick style, and eased into 45 feet.
Learning Bumping on the Fly
The process was simple in theory. Drop to bottom, pick up, let it go, and match current with the trolling motor around 0.5 mph. We fumbled with direction and speed and laughed through sore arms. Dude, I’m so excited. I want my first flathead.
River Surprises: Line and Rocks
We hooked into a mess of heavy line tied to a jug float and hand-lined a couple hundred yards off the river. Nothing on the end, but at least we pulled it out. Rocks made hits feel fishy, yet baits stayed on and we kept moving.
First Bumping Success: Blue Catfish
Then the rod loaded. It felt different. Not a flathead, a solid blue cat in the 8 to 10 range. Net, photo, quick release. Species tally grew.
More Bumps Lead to Channels
Coop followed with a channel around 7 pounds in 22 feet. We both agreed, bumping is pretty relaxing once you get the rhythm.
The Big One That Wasn’t
A huge takedown near the end had us fired up. Bugs were everywhere, lines were singing, and we were talking about leaving. Net ready, we landed another good channel, somewhere in the 12 to 15 range. The leaving fish strikes again.
Lessons from the Potomac
We wrapped early due to lightning and bugs. Final tally, 16 to 17 fish and 7 species. No flathead yet, but it stays on the list. Key takeaways:
- Improvise gear when you forget stuff
- Patience pays off, especially when learning new methods
- Clean up river junk when you can
Follow along on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Big thanks to supporters like Triple City Anglers and Minotaur Hooks for keeping us dialed in.
We started with worms and ended with dinner, a pile of fish, and a new technique we’re sticking with. What should we try next time on the Potomac?