HENRICO, Va. — The James River is a tournament hotspot for events at all levels, particularly in the summer months. So, it’s no surprise that the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine will visit the venerable fishery on consecutive weekends.
Both the Shenandoah (June 20) and Piedmont (June 28) divisions are set to take on the tidal river. But if anglers are expecting to same patterns to hold up for both, they better think again.
What to expect
Patterns change all the time, but few are as volatile as ones on tidal fisheries like the James (along with its tributaries like the Chickahominy and Appomattox).
What worked in the morning may no longer work in the afternoon because the tide and water levels have shifted. Now stretch that out across a week, and local Broderick Luckey says while the location may be the same, the two weekends should fish like two entirely different events.
“There will be two different tides on two different weekends,” Luckey said. “So, fish may set up somewhere one weekend and be in a completely different place next weekend. The second tournament will provide entirely new opportunities compared to the first.
“So, I think you’ll see consistent weights, but it could be two completely different patterns to get there.”
Hence why Luckey said anglers need to figure out the timing for both hard cover and vegetation for both events. Any and all habitat could hold fish right now depending on the tide.
“There’s nowhere that won’t have fish,” Luckey said. “They’ll be pretty much on everything right now.”
That’s not necessarily good news considering how much “everything” there is in the James – miles of cypress trees, jungles of vegetation, laydowns galore and manmade cover like docks, sunken barges and duck blinds.
But as much cover as there is in the fishery, Luckey said it still tends to fish small. He figures the tournaments will be won either near the ramp (due to many release fish from recent events) or in Upper Chippokes or Chickahominy.
“Everyone will catch fish, but it will be figuring out what the better ones are doing and where they are,” Luckey said. “Pros will either be on them or not; hit or miss. But if a pro hits, it could be really good.”
Baits to bring
First and foremost, leaving the dock without a vibrating jig on the deck almost completely disqualifies an angler from contention. They’re that key on the fishery. Once you get past the standby, though, more options open up – most notably a frog or a Texas-rigged drop-shot. Both can be crucial in slowing down and finding that key bigger bite.
What will it take?
According to Luckey, the James River tends to fish a lot like Florida fisheries, meaning anglers will often bring in a handful of 3-pounders and then one giant to anchor their bag. And rest assured, the James has fish in excess of 10 pounds swimming in it.
So, the potential for a boater to have a big day and get over 25 pounds in either event is always possible. However, Luckey said most tournaments tend to be won in the 17- to 20-pound range, and he doesn’t see that changing. Just know 20 pounds by no means guarantees victory if someone connects with a couple kickers.