Potomac River & Patuxent River Breakdown: Tidal Bass Fishing Secrets with CJ Craft

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down with CJ Craft to break down the current state of Potomac River bass fishing, tidal bass fishing, and what it takes to catch quality tournament fish on one of the most pressured bass fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic. CJ recently finished tied for 2nd place in the Shenandoah Division BFL on the Potomac River with 15 pounds, 13 ounces, and he shares exactly how he approached a tough tidal river tournament where the bite window opened early and every key decision mattered.We talk in-depth about the challenges facing the Potomac River right now, including the lack of submerged grass, shrinking grass beds, heavy boat pressure, lower tournament weights, and why the river is “fishing smaller” than it has in past years. CJ explains how limited grass has pushed more anglers into the same community holes around areas like Belmont and Occoquan Bay, why grass fishing on the Potomac River has become more difficult, and how hard cover fishing has become a major factor in catching quality largemouth bass.CJ also breaks down his BFL fishing strategy, including how he practiced for the Shenandoah Division BFL, why he stayed close to takeoff, how low tide positioned his fish, and how he caught every bass he weighed before 8:00 AM. We dive into tidal bass fishing tips, understanding tide timing, fishing around pressure, making adjustments during tough conditions, and why overlooked water can be the key to catching bigger bass in Potomac River tournaments.In this episode, we also cover the Battle of the Border Series, Maryland vs. Virginia tournament fishing, local Potomac River team tournaments, and how CJ and Jeff Whitner adjusted from a hard cover pattern to a grass-oriented pattern in changing tidal conditions. CJ shares his thoughts on Potomac River spawning windows, spring bass fishing, chatterbait fishing, Thunder Cricket setups, fluorocarbon vs. braid, and how to target quality bass when the river is not producing the giant bags anglers are used to seeing.Toward the end of the show, we explore another unique Maryland tidal bass fishery: the Patuxent River. CJ introduces us to the Pax River Elite Series, fishing around Jug Bay and Jackson’s Landing, and how the Patuxent River offers a completely different style of Maryland bass fishing with muddy water, current, laydowns, lily pads, hard cover, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, snakehead, stripers, and catfish. We also compare the Patuxent River to other tidal fisheries like the James River and Chickahominy River and discuss how fishing tight tidal creeks can help anglers become better tournament fishermen.If you want to learn more about Potomac River bass fishing, tidal river bass fishing, BFL tournament fishing, Maryland bass fishing, Patuxent River fishing, grass fishing, hard cover fishing, chatterbait fishing, low tide bass fishing, spring bass fishing, pressured tidal fisheries, and how to catch more bass in tough tournament conditions, this episode is packed with local knowledge, tournament insight, and real-world fishing experience from CJ Craft.CJ Craft on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cj.craft.451534 Pax River Elite Serious Invitationals:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/420654917404080/ Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcastIf you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at [email protected] Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: [email protected] Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs Support the show