On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by Hunter Smith and Len Bell of Fishing Pro Tech for a late-October Chickahominy River and James River bass fishing report! We're breaking down the fall largemouth bass bite in Virginia, how recent storms and extreme high tides have impacted fishing, the best bass fishing lures for October and November, and some exciting new tackle hitting the shelves at Fishing Pro Tech!
After weeks of northeast winds, heavy rain, and blowout tides, the Chickahominy and James River have been dealing with some challenging conditions. But according to Hunter Smith, the fishing has actually improved! With water temperatures hovering around 65–70 degrees, hydrilla and lily pads still holding strong, and bass beginning to focus more on shad and baitfish, the fall transition is creating some interesting opportunities.
Hunter takes us behind the scenes of his recent two-day bass fishing tournament, where he managed to catch four quality largemouth weighing approximately 16.5 pounds on the first day! We discuss why the bite completely shut down, how high tides can make productive docks nearly impossible to fish, and why rotating between grass, cypress trees, docks, and other structure is so important this time of year. He also shares his top fall bass fishing baits and explains how he adjusts when the big-fish pattern stops producing.
Then we're joined by Len Bell of Fishing Pro Tech for a look at the latest bass fishing tackle, hard-to-find Megabass lures, new Z-Man ChatterBaits, SPRO crankbaits, and some fascinating history behind legendary vintage fishing lures. Plus, we've got details about Fishing Pro Tech's upcoming Black Friday sale, rod-and-reel raffle, and winter fishing expo appearances!
🎣 IN THIS EPISODE:
CHICKAHOMINY & JAMES RIVER FALL FISHING REPORT
· Late-October bass fishing conditions on Virginia's tidal rivers
· How northeast winds, storms, and blowout tides affect largemouth bass
· Current water temperatures and the fall transition
· Why hydrilla and lily pads are still important
· How bass transition toward shad and minnows during the fall
· Fishing grass, cypress trees, docks, and man-made structure
· Why falling water and low tides can create better fishing opportunities
HUNTER SMITH'S TOURNAMENT BREAKDOWN
· Finding tournament-quality bass during practice
· Catching four fish for approximately 16.5 pounds on day one
· Why the bite shut down after the early morning
· How incoming tides can make dock fishing more challenging
· Using Senkos and finesse worms to generate bites
· The importance of rotating through different types of cover
· Big-fish strategies versus securing a five-fish limit
· How tournament conditions force anglers to adjust
BEST FALL BASS FISHING LURES
· Drop shots and finesse worms for difficult fishing conditions
· Senkos for skipping docks and catching pressured bass
· ChatterBaits around hydrilla and remaining vegetation
· Buzzbaits, poppers, and Whopper Ploppers for fall topwater fishing
· When cooling water temperatures make topwater less productive
· Why having multiple presentations ready can make the difference
NEW FISHING TACKLE AT FISHING PRO TECH
· Hard-to-find HideUp FullCast Quakee restocks
· Megabass YAGOT creature baits and Grand Siglett
· Megabass Dyna Response blade baits for colder water
· Megabass Karashi 80 and replacement feather hooks
· New Z-Man Octane Minnows and ChatterBait PZ2
· John Crews Buzz Wagon buzzbaits
· SPRO Rock Crawler crankbaits and their hunting action
VINTAGE BASS FISHING LURES & CRANKBAIT HISTORY
· Why original pre-Rapala Wiggle Warts are so desirable
· The legendary Bomber screw-tail crankbaits
· Vintage Bagley crankbaits and collector favorites
· Why certain older crankbaits have unique actions
· Using snaps versus tying directly to crankbaits
· How small tackle adjustments can improve lure performance
FISHING PRO TECH EVENTS & BLACK FRIDAY
· Friday, November 27, 2026: Fishing Pro Tech's annual Black Friday sale
· Storewide discounts, free coffee, donuts, and lunchtime pizza
· A $500-value rod-and-reel combo raffle with $2 entries
· Raffle proceeds matched by the store in support of cancer research
· Upcoming Raleigh and Richmond fishing expo appearances
· New Megabass Levante rods and Daiwa Tatula reels discussed
Whether you're planning a fall bass fishing trip to the Chickahominy River, learning how to fish the tidal James River, looking for the best November bass fishing lures, or just love talking fishing tackle, this episode has something for you!
Hunter Smith on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hpsfishing/
Hunter Smith on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcYT38BxL_yFHkbb977e_Hw
Fishing Pro Tech on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech
Fishing Pro Tech
7812-A Richmond Road
Toano, VA 23168
Phone: (757) 566-1278
Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast
If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com
Green Top: https://www.greentop.com/
Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/
FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHt
Max4 Fishing: https://max4fishing.com/
LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/
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