MARBURY, Md. — There may be few fisheries more well known or consistent than the Potomac River. That is, unless something drastic happens … like a hurricane.
At the time of this writing, Hurricane Erin is working its way up the east coast. Considering that directly impacts the Potomac River (and, most notably, it’s grass), it could be a huge curveball for the final event of the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Shenandoah Division season, the Potomac River Super Tournament scheduled for Sept. 6-7.
This year, BFL anglers benefit from an expanded slate of Regionals, which minimizes travel costs and provides more opportunities to qualify for the $120,000 BFL All-American while fishing familiar, closer-to-home waters. Click here to find out more.
What to expect
Fingers crossed, Hurricane Erin and any other storms should be long gone by the time this event rolls around. However, the effects could still be there.
“[The hurricane] is going to change things pretty significantly the next few weeks,” local Todd Langford said. “A storm like that brings ultra-high tides that can play with the grass a bit.”
By “play with the grass,” Langford means the tides could lift the matted vegetation up and carry it out into Chesapeake Bay. Now, will that be a bad thing? It depends.
Langford says fewer mats could throw off the frog bite, but it also might concentrate the fish into smaller areas, making them easier to pinpoint, especially as the tide rises and falls.
Plus, even if the matted stuff goes out to sea, it’s not like the river is suddenly going to be hurting for vegetation.
“All the typical creeks with good healthy grass should play,” Langford said.
However, as well known and consistent the fishery can be, it also has a history of sneaky, overlooked places being big players in tournaments. Take the 2021 Regional won out of Pohick Creek, Justin Lucas’ 2016 Elite Series victory off a lone dock and a vast array of other examples.
Baits to bring
While the grass situation might be in flux, there’s probably going to be little change in the baits to bring.
“Honestly, it’s the same five lures that always seem to win,” Langford said. “It’s either a vibrating jig, a soft-plastic stickbait, a swim jig, a topwater or a frog. Maybe some punching stuff, but only if the mats are still there.”
What will it take?
The Potomac is a fun place to fish for numbers, but Langford says the 4-pound-plus fish have been less consistent in recent years. Thus, he’s expecting 15-16 pounds a day to win, as local team events have taken 17-18 pounds.