Three Must-Have Lures for the Tidal James and Chickahominy Rivers

The tidal portion of Virginia’s James River -- and its tributaries, including the Chickahominy and Appomattox Rivers -- has hosted three Bassmaster Classics, a Jacobs Cub (Forrest Wood Cup) and numerous other major bass tournaments. After some ups and downs, including a bout with the Largemouth Bass Virus about 20 years ago, the rivers are currently on fire. Aggressive stocking and habitat management programs produce solid limits up and down the leaderboard and most springtime tournaments include at least one 8-pound-plus fish. 

Nevertheless, tidal rivers in general and the James in particular often befuddle anglers used to lakes. Not only do the water level swings create navigational issues, but you can be on the best spot at the worst tide and think that it is barren. Success also requires a specialized set of lures. Fortunately, my friend Lin Bell, owner of Toano, Virginia's Fishing Pro Tech, knows what the bass on these waters chew over other options. He's learned not only from personal experience and by word-of-mouth, but also by seeing what the area's most accomplished anglers buy on a regular basis. He rings up the sales and stores the knowledge, but in the video below he'll give you three specialized options you cannot live without.

Lin sells all of these lures in his shop. Stop by or call him at 757-566-1278. No one likes to talk fishing and lure design (and especially Megabass products) more than him, and if you can't make it in person he provides free shipping if you order over $50 worth of fun.