On this episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down with Virginia angler Nick Passalacqua to break down one of Central Virginia’s most underrated bass fishing regions — the James River, Appomattox River, Chickahominy River, and Lake Chesdin.
Nick grew up minutes from the James and Appomattox, and in this conversation he gives us a true local’s perspective on how these fisheries set up, why the Appomattox fishes differently from the James, where tidal influence matters, and why Lake Chesdin may be one of the most overlooked big-bass lakes in Virginia.
We also dive into Nick’s recent 24-pound tournament bag on Lake Chesdin, how he targets both shallow grass fish and offshore fish, why the hotter the weather gets the better the bite can be, and what makes Chesdin such a sneaky big-fish factory. Nick also breaks down his Quaky-style bait setup, treble-hook rigging, grass fishing approach, crankbait/Carolina rig bite, and how gizzard shad and bluegill influence the fishery.
Later in the episode, we talk about the current state of the James and Chickahominy, how the hard winter may have impacted grass, why some areas are fishing tougher than normal, and the growing forward-facing sonar debate in local Virginia tournament trails.
Topics covered include:
• Lake Chesdin bass fishing breakdown
• Nick’s 24-pound tournament bag
• James River vs. Appomattox River vs. Chickahominy River
• How tide affects the Appomattox River
• Grass fishing and offshore fishing on Chesdin
• Quaky bait setup, hooks, rod, reel, and line
• Why Chesdin produces giant bags
• The state of the James River and Chickahominy in 2026
• Forward-facing sonar bans in Virginia tournament trails
• Local Tuesday and Thursday night tournament series
• Nick’s future tournament goals, BFL plans, and fishing journey
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Nick Passalacqua on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.passalacqua.98
Nick Passalacqua Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick.passalacqua?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/
Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/
Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/
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Phone Number: (757) 566-1278
Email: lin@fishingprotech.us
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