Did you get out over the weekend, or one afternoon, and do any fishing?

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. Last Monday, I slipped over to Wilna Pond with my grandson, Bentley Forbes to do a little fishing. He came over to spend a little of his spring break with me. We didn’t get out early. We kind of took our time to wake up fully.

I got us started with a nice 3 pound bass, but it was a grind for sure. I also managed to find a nice-sized crappie on my wacky-rigged worm.

We continued to fish around, doing everything we needed to do to make the fish bite, but all we were getting were those little fish that loved to peck on your bait. It feels good, but they just aren’t big enough to take the bait.

Bentley finally hooked up to one of those bites that decided to grow up quickly. She pulled hard, stripping off line as he held her tight. She tried to go under the boat, but Bentley held fast, pulling her back and then working her into the waiting net. What a fun fight!

Proudly, he held up his almost 3 pound bass before releasing it back to grow up some more. What a fun day indeed!

Tuesday, we got an earlier start and headed back to Wilna, determined to find a big one. They were doing a prescribed burn on the grassland fields there to help clear off the overgrowth and promote the growth of native plants.

We launched and started our search, making our way toward the back. You could see the smoke hanging in the back, so we decided not to go all the way where it was a little thicker. Bentley started us off with the first bass of the day. It wasn’t a monster, but it really doesn’t matter—you can’t beat it.

We kept moving and searching. I finally hooked into one myself, and it didn’t like that the worm had a line attached to it. It took off in a hurry, pulling the drag as it took line before the line pulled back and it turned. The head was shaking from side to side and then another run. Finally, a slide into the net was expertly executed by Bentley.

Again, it wasn’t the monster, but it was a solid 4 pound bass. A quick measure and picture, and back she went.

In a little over two hours, we had found two bass willing to take our bait. There were plenty of nibblers for sure. We kept hunting, and I hooked into another nice bass that didn’t want to come into the boat. And once again, Bentley scooped her into the net. This was my biggest bass of the day—a solid 5 pound bass that had a small baitfish hanging out of her throat but still wanted my bait.

Some quick pictures and back she went to spawn and grow bigger. We ended our day on a high note, heading home to get something to eat.

April came in quietly as we took the day off. My trolling motor messed up as we were trying to get off the water the day before. I switched out motors but needed to get some connectors for the wiring.

Bentley wanted to cut grass. He went to use the push mower, but the cable snapped inside the cover. We checked everything on the riding mower, and after a quick go-over of everything, the little boy that used to ride in my lap to cut grass sat behind the wheel and engaged the blades. I can’t believe just how fast he is growing up. But he was happy to be able to do it.

After getting done, he had a quick shower and dinner before I had to take him back home. Everything runs in circles. Watching him grow and spending time with me reminds me so much of my youth, coming back to Warsaw to spend time with my grandparents. The first time getting to cut the grass at the farmhouse by myself. Life reminds us of the precious memories we have made over the years.

I got back out Saturday to Wilna for a little fun. I was hoping with the approaching front Sunday that they would really be biting. While I was right about them biting, I just never found anything over 14 inches long. But I found a lot of small bass, which means we had a healthy hatch last year. Now, if I can only find some of those 7 pound bass I caught over the winter. There are plenty of big bass out there.

Around the Pond

The water temperatures are rising, and with the weather system ahead, the spawn should be happening soon. Target the spawning flats and shallows. And don’t think you are too shallow unless you are right up on the bank.

Work the shallows with a variety of baits. A wacky-rigged worm is always a great choice as it can be used in inches of water out to the drop-offs. A shallow-running crankbait is also a great choice that can catch more than just bass. A spinnerbait is old school, but it still works. Use either a double willow leaf blade or a willow leaf with a small Colorado blade. White with a little chartreuse or blue works great.

And don’t miss out on the topwater bite. A walking bait covers a lot of water and is very effective, but there is something about working a frog around the lily pads and that explosion when they hit it. Also work the drop-off and points. And don’t forget to work the laydowns and brush piles. A Texas-rigged creature bait or worm is great, along with a jig. Just be patient.

River Action

The fishing in the Rappahannock should start heating up soon. With so many changes, make sure to check the regulations. Fishing is fun, and you don’t want it ruined because of a change in the law. Now is a good time to check your license, your safety equipment, and your gear so you are ready to go.

Safety in Mind

As the weather continues to warm, more people will be getting out to take advantage of the water. Check all your gear before getting on the water for the first time. Make sure your life jacket is good. If you have one that has a gas cylinder to arm it, make sure it is in the green. And please wear it on the water.

Make sure if you get out to leave a float/bank plan with someone, and let them know if you make changes. Have a dry bag with a complete change of clothing, including a towel to dry off with. Think safety first, have fun, and live to fish another day!

If you get to go fishing one afternoon/evening or this coming weekend, take some pictures of your catch or the kids having fun. I want to see them and share it here for everyone to see just how beautiful the Northern Neck is for fishing. Send your pictures, fishing reports, questions or comments, to FishingNNK@gmail.com. This column is about you and for you and fishing in the Northern Neck. Remember, “Do yourself a favor, take a kid fishing.” Make a memory to last a lifetime.