Even if you are bundled up in every clothing layer received under the Christmas tree, January still isn’t the best month for fishing comfort. The fish are still biting, but it’s too doggone cold! What to do?
Clean out tackle boxes, organize lures, repair rods and reels, then head to the show! January is the best time for show shopping, not just for bargains but also for hard-to-find specialty lures. It’s also a great time to get a deal on a new boat or a 2011 leftover! The one-stop shopping place this season will be Doswell, just north of Richmond!
The Richmond Fishing Expo is in its 4th season; following the path, but not the footsteps of the quarter century Richmond outdoors show tradition. While shows in the area have been dying on the vine, the Richmond Fishing Expo has been on a steady dose of Miracle Grow for the past few years. The biggest noticeable difference is the larger and more modern facility at the Farm Bureau Center - Meadow Event Park. Plenty of parking, clean rest rooms, and HEAT! This will be the second year conveniently located on exit 98 (Kings Dominion exit) off I-95
But what really happened to shows until this recent Richmond revival? Whether running the show was getting old, or the show owner lost interest, a gradual erosion was taking place in the late 90s into the early new millennium. Big name pros are the centerpiece for most shows. But, the lack of investment in them caused immediate erosion of the credibility and appeal of the big tent show. Without top pros, even some of the “big name” local experts dropped out…or were cast aside. Simultaneously the bass tubs, giant fish tanks, were also cut. There’s something about seeing fish at a fishing show that elevates the electricity in the air. And finally, old organizers pulled the plug on advertising. No TV advertising or radio broadcasts; basically ZERO publicity. Former showmen were trying to coast their way into attendance. Once attendance dropped, the manufacturers stayed home which eliminated buzz with new tackle and gear. Soon after, the retailers shrank their booth size and eventually completely dropped out. Even the “boutique” tackle sellers said goodbye as they watched show attendees walk past their booth, seeking freebees and keeping their hands in their pockets rather than opening their wallets. Four rooms with wall-to-wall boats, tackle and outfitters, dwindled to one or two spread out rooms with knife sharpeners, cooking demonstrations, and junk jewelry. It didn’t take long before a 4-day show became 3 and Friday’s open came and went quietly. Saturday’s crowds were so-so and Sunday was a ghost town with exhibitors beginning their exodus during show times.
When times were good, a once-a-year show promoter could get by with opening the doors and letting the crowds in to buy, buy, buy. Instead, the crowds stayed home and said bye, bye, bye. That trend is over as a career show promoter is on board with five big shows throughout North Carolina and in his 4th year in Virginia! Big name bass pros, Shaw Grigsby and David Dudley will be joined by saltwater expert Dr. Julie Ball. Tackle retailers like Green Top, Susquehanna Tackle and Dave’s Tournament Tackle...and other tackle treasuries will have tons of inventory for sale! Bass boats and everything from kayaks to jon boats will be on display and ready for delivery. Seminars are included with pros and local experts revealing secrets to landing every species in area waters! Many other pros, experts and guides will be on hand for one-on-one chats to get the bottom line on fishing tips. Lots of enterta-tional (or edu-tainment) stuff for kids including fishing activities like trout fishing for kids and everyone’s favorite, the BASS TUB with in-the-water lure demonstrations.
When it comes to successful fishing shows, which comes first, the crowds or the exhibitors. It’s apparently both! The more attendees, the more exhibitors. More exhibitors, more attendees. A win-win show situation. The show does go on! The Richmond Fishing Expo is alive with excitement and is the mid winter prescription to cure cabin fever.
Potomac River Bassing in January
Winter fishing is here! A steady dose of Silver Buddy Lures burped off the bottom along steep drops! Use a medium heavy rod with a softer tip or a medium action rod with a bit stiffer action. I like the Quantum KVD spinnerbait rod. With less stretch, 12-14 pound test Gamma fluorocarbon line will allow for better hooksets.
Other choices are grub. In particular is the Mann’s Stingray grub, 3-inch avocado rigged on a ¼ ounce ball head jig. This is a light line presentation; 6-8 pound test Gamma copolymer line. Cast green-pumpkin Mizmo tubes with an insert head and allow it to sit and then glide. Watch your line and set the hook while reeling and pulling. All soft plastic presentations are slow.
Also, Punisher hair jigs with Punisher chunks and rattles are effective. They really soak up garlic flavor Jack’s Juice attractant. This bait works when sitting and shaking!
If water warms a bit, and is fairly clear, crankbaits like Lucky Craft’s Flat Mini DR in chartreuse patterns and reds will work when cranked very slowly on 10-pound test line. Here, a very soft cranking rod is important, as the bites are soft. It’s also important to have sharp hooks. I replace mine with Mustad Ultra Point short shank triple grip trebles.
If the water is very clear and warmer…up to 45 or above…try Lucky Craft Pointer 78 suspending jerkbaits.
Wear a PFD, dress in layers with new materials like the base layer Redington Rex Technical Tee, and to cut the glare preventing sunlight headaches this time of the year, put on Maui Jim gray lens polarized sunglasses.
Capt. Steve Chaconas, Potomac bass fishing guide, BoatUS “Ask the Expert” http://my.boatus.com/askexperts/bassfishing/
Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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