Fishing report for Aug. 1, 2013

Ben Moles has been itching to fish in a bass tournament with his dad, Brady. Tuesday evening, the 8-year-old from Pulaski got his chance in the Rock House Marina night tournament at Claytor Lake.

Ben's debut was a good one.

Casting a Jitterbug topwater plug, Ben hooked a 5.59-pound largemouth bass about 9 p.m.

The lure had been headed toward a tangle in a fallen tree when the bass struck, but the big mama headed to deep water to help ensure the young bassmaster would be able to get the fish to the boat.

After weighing the fish, tourney director Mike Burchett had some advice for the anglers yet waiting to weigh in.

"I said, 'If anyone has a largemouth heavier than 5.59 pounds, y'all might as well just go release it now,' " Burchett said sarcastically, hoping no one would displace Ben for the win . "Of course, no one was even close."

Lakes

Mike Burchett at Rock House Marina reports that bass fishing is decent at Claytor Lake, where the water remains stained due to continued high inflows from the upper New River. Jolt spinnerbaits and black and blue chatterbaits are producing good smallmouth action on the lower lake after dark. Finesse tactics, including fishing Senkos and drop-shot rigs around docks and marinas, is also producing some bass. Chip Blevins reported that cut sunfish has been taking some decent channel catfish after dark. Trolled umbrella rigs are producing good striper action.

At Smith Mountain Lake, big soft plastics and natural-colored crankbaits are pulling some good bass off brush piles at depths of 15 to 18 feet, reports Dewayne Lamb at Captain's Quarters Marina.

Stripers are in schools at the mouths of major feeder creeks, and are hitting live bait on down rods. Trolled umbrella rigs are also working.

Streams

After last weekend's rain blew out the New River yet again, the river is gradually dropping. Still, flows are about four times normal levels. Fishing is possible; it just requires knowledge of fishing in high water conditions.

The James River, meanwhile, is at a nice level. John Mays at Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan said he's hearing reports of 30- to 50-fish days since the water has dropped and regained some clarity.

Topwater lures and live bait are both producing well, as are soft plastics.

Saltwater

Cobia action has been good in the lower Chesapeake Bay, with sightfishing producing lots of fish topping 50 pounds. Some nice red drum are also available.

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