Fishing the DMV

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by Matt McCluskey , the champion of the James River Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Regional Championship . Matt put on an absolute clinic, hauling in a two-day total of 34 pounds, 12 ounces to claim a $50,000 prize package , including a brand-new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat . Matt breaks down how he unlocked a key stretch on the Chickahominy River ,...

Did They Just Kill BFLs? The Shocking 2026 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Changes! On this explosive episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down Major League Fishing’s massive announcement about the 2026 Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) — a complete overhaul of one of the most iconic tournament trails in bass fishing. MLF just dropped a bombshell:  Forward-Facing Sonar will be restricted to a 3 hour t...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by Lake Anna Fishing Guide Matt Strykul of SB Fishing. Matt delivers an in-depth Fall Bass Fishing Report for Lake Anna, Virginia ! Matt breaks down current conditions, top techniques, and where/what you need to be throwing to find success this Fall. Book a trip with Book a Trip with Matt of SB fishing Right here! https://www.lakeannabassfis...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by Josh Powell Morris to dive deep into the world of fall crappie fishing ! Josh shares insights into how seasonal patterns, water temperatures, and bait choices come together for some of the best crappie fishing of the year. We also recap his 2025 crappie tournament season , breaking down key lessons, standout moments, and what he’s learned...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , I sit down with Joseph Sharpe , an angler who grew up on the shores of Bugg’s Island (Kerr Lake) . With decades of time on the water, Joseph gives us an in-depth breakdown of how he approaches bass fishing on this legendary fishery during late summer and early fall — when the water is still warm, baitfish are moving, and the bass are in transition. Fro...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with military veteran and accomplished kayak angler Ross McVey. Fresh off his impressive victory at the Chickahominy River and Chick Lake B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series event, Ross shares the story behind his winning performance, where he put up an incredible 91.50 inches and secured Big Bass honors along the way. The Chickahominy River, a lege...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , we’re diving into the world of Fall River Smallmouth fishing with three legends of the water — Jeff Wolford, Jeff Miller, and Gayland Hethcote . With over 100 years of combined experience , these anglers have spent a lifetime unlocking the secrets of the Susquehanna, Shenandoah, Upper Potomac, Upper James, and New Rivers. From seasonal migrations and b...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I am joined by none other than VA Elite 70 Alpha Series Angler of the Year Champion, Brandon Pritchett! Brandon has proven himself as one of the most consistent regional sticks, competing in both Major League Fishing and Bassmaster events, where he’s racked up multiple Top-10 finishes . This season, he claimed the Elite 70 Alpha Series AOY title , further cemen...

On this exciting Monday Night Live of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by tournament angler Matt McCluskey , fresh off a Top 10 finish in the Potomac River Toyota Series . Matt gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how he pieced together his tournament success, breaking down the baits, areas, and decisions that made the difference. We also dive deep into what makes the fall season on the Potomac River...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by local fishing legend Rick “Hawk” Hawkins . Hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, Rick recently made headlines by dominating the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Super Tournament presented by T-H Marine on the Potomac River. With a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 33 pounds, 5 ounces , Rick took home the victory, and closing out the Shenandoah...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , I sit down with Susquehanna River legend Joe Raymond for an in-depth conversation about his life, his guiding career, and how the river is fishing this fall. Joe has been a staple on the Susquehanna since 2012, building his reputation as one of the most respected anglers and guides on the river. From wading small creeks as a kid to buying his first boa...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by local hammers Shane Crawford and Clark Hile to deliver a Fall Upper Potomac River Fishing Report ! Shane just locked down Angler of the Year on the Upper Potomac USA BASSIN – Jackson Kayak Trails Maryland Division and put up over 100+ inches in a Mid-Atlantic Kayak Bass Fishing Series event earlier this year. Clark wasn’t far behind, finishing in...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with Bucky Osborne, creator of the popular YouTube channel Tri Waves Fishing. Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, Bucky has spent his life exploring the Chesapeake Bay and sharing his fishing adventures online. His channel dives into everything from inshore and offshore saltwater action to freshwater excursions—and even some custom boat...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , I talk with local angler Jarvis D. Raynor , fresh off his big win at the Maryland ABA Professional League event on the Potomac River! Jarvis gives us an in-depth September Potomac River Bass Fishing Report , breaking down how the river is fishing right now, the state of the grass beds, and what anglers can expect heading into a tournament-packed month...

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen—we’ve officially wrapped up the nearly two-month-long Sizzlin’ Summer Showdown ! 🎉 First off, a huge thank you to everyone who participated. This event was an absolute blast, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Looking ahead: by mid-September I’ll announce whether our next event will be in October or if we’ll go straight into the Holiday Bass Bash . Ho...

On this exciting episode, I’m joined by Andrew Blair, owner of Tactical Fishing Company . Snakehead fishing has exploded in popularity across the Mid-Atlantic, fueled by federal funding for invasive species programs in Maryland and Virginia and a huge push encouraging anglers to remove snakehead from our waters. But alongside that, an equally passionate community of anglers has emerged dedicated n...

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV , we’re heading back down to North Carolina with local stick Jason Barnes ! Jason has built an impressive career as a tournament angler , highlighted by being an MLF BFL All-American Qualifier , the 2023 MLF BFL North Carolina Angler of the Year , and now competing on the 2024 Carolinas Bass Trail . Jason joins the show to break down North Carolina’s bes...

On this episode, I sit down with Dave Thompson , fresh off his big win at the NVKBA Battle of Five Lakes II , where he locked down the top spot with a rock-solid 82.00” limit ! This marks Dave’s 6th major kayak victory , cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent and knowledgeable anglers in the region. Competitors had the unique challenge of choosing between Lake Frederick, Burke Lake...

We are diving headfirst into the Final full week of the Sizzlin’ Summer Showdown —and let me tell you, things are already heating up as we come down the home stretch!!!  Massive Cash Prizes & Custom Plaques Up for Grabs! OVERALL CHAMPIONS (Mixed Bag or Largemouth Only): • 1st – $500 + Plaque • 2nd – $200 + Plaque • 3rd – $150 + Plaque • 4th – $100 + Plaque • 5th – Plaque SMALLMOUTH ONLY DIVISI...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I’m joined by Billy Kohls, owner of Smith Mountain Lake Guide Service! Billy brings us the early fall fishing report straight from Smith Mountain Lake and shares an in-depth look at how to catch bass during the fall transition. We break down: •How water temperature, baitfish movement, and seasonal patterns affect bass behavior. •The best techniques and lures to...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I sit down with the innovative minds behind Gettin Jiggy Baits to dive deep into the exciting world of Cobia fishing in the Chesapeake Bay . We cover everything from whether Cobia fishing in the Bay is becoming over-pressured, to what makes this fishery so unique and challenging. The guys also share the origin story of their company , how Gettin Jiggy Baits cam...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by Dave Miller to dive into one of the most heated conservation debates facing our waters today overspray of herbicides in our local bodies of water. We tackle a hot-button issue shaking up the fishing and conservation community: The decision to use diquat dibromide—a federally approved herbicide that’s banned in the European Union—to combat the spre...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by two incredible anglers— Matt Strykul of SB Fishing and Matt McCluskey . We dive into how each of their seasons is shaping up and what it takes to compete at such high levels of tournament fishing. Strykul is grinding through nearly 78 tournament trails a year , including the highly competitive Elite 70s and Elite 70s Alpha circuits. Meanwhile, McC...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by Brian Collins , an Eastern Shore native and administrator of the Facebook group Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal! . Together, we tackle one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most pressing and controversial topics: the fight over menhaden . Often called “the most important fish in the sea,” menhaden are vital to the Bay’s ecosystem—filtering water and servin...

On this episode of Fishing the DMV , I’m joined by Roanoke local Trevor English to explore one of the most storied and ecologically rich rivers in the mid-Atlantic—the Roanoke River . Stretching 410 miles from its headwaters in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia to Albemarle Sound in North Carolina , this river has shaped communities, sustained incredible wildlife, and delivered wor...