December in central Virginia can run the gamut in terms of weather so area outdoorsmen have learned to dress in layers, adding or removing as needed and they’ve also learned to not put their fishing equipment away for the winter! The early November warm temperatures had bass cruising the shallows looking like they were preparing to spawn and anglers were donning shorts and t-shirts while out on the water. Then came a week of below-freezing temperatures at night which drove the fish back in to deeper waters. One thing is for sure, winter time fishing can bring some hawgs into your boat so finish your holiday shopping and get out on the water!
Brian “Razor” Bodine of Razorback Guide Service is spending most of his time this month in the woods guiding trophy deer and doe management hunts. Razor guides year ‘round and is celebrating 25 years in the business. His love of everything outdoors is evident from the moment you meet him and start your quest together. His popular Cast & Blast trips are ideal for those of us that enjoy waterfowl hunting but also can’t stand to be on the river without wetting a line if the bird action should slow. Spring gobbler guided trips fill up fast so if you’ve considered doing this in 2023 then be sure to contact Razor today. And of course, Razor’s guided smallmouth trips are his most popular offering and provide hours of action on the mighty James River.
River smallmouth move a bit slower in the colder months so you need to as well. Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits will be productive. You won’t go wrong tying on anything that looks like bait as the fish are hungry and should bite when presented properly.
Many of us are in the woods this month working to fill our freezers for the year. Should you find that you have enough for your household but still have some tags left, please consider donating to Hunters for the Hungry. It’s really quite easy, just go to www.h4hungry.org and you’ll find a list of participating processors in your area. All you will need to do is drop it off and the processor will handle the rest. If you live in Louisa County you can donate your venison to the Resource Council who will in turn get it to very appreciative families in need.
James River Jets’ owner Jim Starkey is already looking towards the spring season. Order your custom-built jet boat from him this month and you’ll be rigged and ready for the warm weather fishing frenzy! Starkey’s attention to detail in rigging these Rhino boats is top notch and the customer service is far superior to any big box store out there. Give Jim a call today and talk to him about your dream boat and he’ll do his darndest to build it out exactly how you envisioned.
Lake Anna Outfitters, located at High Point Marina, has several fishing kayaks in stock. They have a 3 Waters Big Fish 103 and a Big Fish 105 with pedal drives. They also have a Feel Free Lure 11.5 V2 with pedal drive and two Feel Free Moken 10 V2 paddle-powered boats. With weekend hours throughout the holiday season you still have time to make sure there’s a kayak under the Christmas tree this year!
Be sure to mark your calendars for the Richmond Fishing Expo in Doswell January 20-23 in Doswell. Here you’ll find the largest array of tackle, combined with some of the finest professional talent around, offering a weekend of fishing overload.
Many kids have an extended break from school during this time so please consider giving them one of the best gifts ever – the gift of your time. Take them out fishing, hunting or even hiking and show them your love for the outdoors.
We wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and happy holidays.
Chrissie McCotter
