Thread: An open invitation for all to attend the Western Branch Bash.

Just wanted to throw it out there that everyone is invited to attend the Western Branch Bash. If you live in SE Virginia you definitely should not pass this up. I know we have a lot people that view the forums but do not post and this is fine, I would however highly recommend that if you're able to, attend the Bash. I'm sure that there are some crappie fishermen out there that view the forums and since they don't post feel that they shouldn't attend the bash, or may have other reasons that they feel they shouldn't attend. I'm here to tell you that you will find it very worth your while to attend. You will meet a great group of guys that share the same love for crappie fishing as you and you will definitely pick up some tips that will only help to improve your fishing game. I love numbers so let me throw this out there. The 9 years prior to posting on crappie.com I averaged 6.04 crappie per trip on 236 trips. At the tail end of 2006 I started to post and pick up tips from the forum, my average went up to 9.7 crappie per trip. (61% increase) This year, after attending 3 bashes and exchanging fishing tactics with a few members of the forum my average has gone up to 23.8 crappie per trip. (245% increase) I'll be real honest and admit that if it weren't for the Virginia forum I would not have anywhere near the success I have had this year. Although Western Branch has a 12hp limit, if you have a trolling motor you can catch crappie. My first stop of the day will be at a spot that's only around 500 yards from the boat ramp. (this way everyone can watch me catch the winner. :D ) So, no excuses, get on out to the Bash and you won't regret it. Here's hoping for a good turnout and that the crappie are a biting.

I'll addd to that, that if you live anywhere close, show up even if you don't want to fish. A little meet and greet before takeoff and then come back for the weigh in. I won't be able to make it down. But there is a good group of guys and gals here. I am looking forward to the Kerr lake get-together.

Btw, Tap, I only have a large outboard and a trolling motor, can I still launch and just not use the big motor?

Good luck everyone. Poor Tap....the local never wins!

Dayton

From the official Norfolk site:

3. Boats with larger motors are allowed on the reservoirs as long as the operational motor is no larger than 12 H.P. Electric and/or gasoline boat motors of up to 12 H.P. are permitted. Use of motors over 12 H.P. is expressly prohibited. The use of 4-cycle engines is encouraged. NOTE: Boats equipped with prohibited motors may be allowed so long as the prohibited motor is disabled (prop removed, not fueled), and propulsion is provided by a permitted motor.

http://www.norfolk.gov/utilities/res...odechanges.asp

will be working 8x4 , good luck to all and my the best man win.
hope to see some pictures.

i hope to get out and go fishing one day next week.

If I make it it will be in my kayak. I had planned to go to Ft Pickett to register for hunting this year but if my plans change I will be there. I don't feel like taking the prop off my bass/crappie boat.

Dusty last time i was checked in the spring the warden didnt say anything about a prop being off. we just had the motor up with the prop still on.

Hey Dusty
I may be making the trip in the canoe. Also don't feel like taking my prop or gas tank out. Hope to see you out there.

Prop is supposed to be removed. http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/...lay.asp?id=137

For what it's worth, I use to see the Game Warden and Norfolk police on a regular basis out there. I have not seen either of them this year and I've been on the Norfolk owned lakes 50 times. Having said that, watch them make an appearance on Saturday. :D I'm guessing that budget cuts are keeping the Game Warden's off the lake, not sure what's keeping the Norfolk police away.

They sure knew we would be at B-dam.
Watch they'll come in from the second ramp and try to be sneaky.