[justlearning]

It's hard to beat Nov and Dec in IMHO....go back and pull up the reports under Virgina Rivers Talk and compare them.....Good Luck!!

Jerry

OK....So if not May and June.....Any suggestions? Earlier, later? Excellent months? And again....Thanks!

 

[justlearning]

March or April so that's my new timeframe. I also think that I might just look at renting a boat for the remainder of the days after my guide. I want to be able to fish good water and not be limited by my boat. So questions:

1) I think I've decided to go with a guide for my first day
Jeff if you use a guide don't wait to long to setup a date....Spring is a busy time.....I like Hugh Self

2) Will renting a boat open up my opportunities considerably?
I hope someone makes a response on renting a boat....have not heard of of any boat rentals.
3) Any suggestion on where to rent a boat?
?????????????

4) Suggestions on cabin rentals / campsites, etc
I had the idea I wanted to rent a cabin on the James....but did not run across any on the net....hope someone responds. On my website a few of the hotels for Chester and Hopewell are listed......I have heard of efficiencies but have not heard any reports on them

INTOWN SUITES PERDUE SPRINGS
2601 PERDUE SPRINGS DR
CHESTER, VA
23831-2125
Phone: 804-706-9320
URL: www.intownsuites.com

Homewood Suites by Hilton Richmond-Chester
12810 Old Stage Road
Chester, Virginia
United States 23836
http://www.findlocalhotels.com/hotel/11279357/homewood_suites_by_hilton_richmond-chester.html

5) Can I buy bait or will I need to catch it? Casting nets are illegal up here so I've never used one before. Hate to waste half my time trying to figure that out.
A gill net would be the way to go...it's hard to beat fresh bait....I've heard Jordan Point Marina sells frozen shad and also FISH TALES BAIT & TACKLE in Hopewell.


Jerry

 

[justlearning]

Thanks Shawn...I've stayed there several times....in fact week before last was my last stay....but didn't have any idea they rented toons.......I wanted to carry my daughter and grandkids & of course her husband....to the James but didn't feel my boat was larger enough with the kids.....

The times I stayed there it was nice.....in prime season.... it' s hard to get a room there unless you make reservations several months in advance....

Jerry

I found a place that rents pontoons on the Chickahominy, but nothing else yet.

Here is a link and I have no idea how far it is from Hopewell and Deep Bottom.

http://www.riversrest.com/find.htm

 

[justlearning]

Shawn..5 foot swells with the wind 17-20 MPH ..maybe more if it's a west wind against the tide....but if the wind is not over 8-10 not to bad....it's big water from Hopewell down....a 20 ' should be fine if you have any width....

Now if you wanted to stay at the River's Rest you might just want to trailer the boat there..... it's some where around 10-12 miles from Deep Bottom to Jordan Point....from Jordan Point to the mouth of the Chick by water...around 25-28 miles ....then another 10 - 12 miles up the Chick to the River's Rest.

Straight down 5 about 35 miles....you have to make a left hand turn at Wilcox Neck Rd.....it's 4 a way intresection..but easy to miss the turn...an old store on the left hand corner....after the turn just watch for the Marina and Blue Heron Signs..... If you get to the Chick..before making the turn ..gone to far.......

Jerry

How far is it from Hopewell and Chester. Will my 20 footer do it? I heard you talking about 5 footers and that's a tad rough for me.

 

[justlearning]

I probably should have said something....75% of the time I come to the James I'm never below Presque...most of time the not even below the lower leg of Deep Bottom....our largest fish in that area has been 61 lbs...so yes you can have an enjoyabe fishing trip. Oh and BTW Captain Hugh is known for staying in that area and always puts in at Dutch Gap.....he would be the man for you if you came.... he could show the ins and outs then take off on your own...wouldn't be a bit surprised if you ask he would also help with bait the other days....

Well good luck with whatever you decide....

Jerry

It sounds like Deep bottom is the place for you. Lots of bait and smaller water. The area id more protected from the wind. There's no need to go down river below hopewell. There are all the big cats you want between hopewell and the 95 bridge. I jus caught a 70 the other day in that area.

 

[justlearning]

I would give Capt Hugh a call he always has the cell on:
804-426-2944

Deep Bottom it is....Thanks again! I sent captain Hugh an email and will let everyone know how things work out. You've all been a big help in helping me determine my best options under my circumstance. Hopefully, I'll be posting some pics of my trip If nothing else, you'll get a few stories I'm sure.....Thanks again, and everyone take care...Enjoy catching those fish! Wish it wasn't so freeking cold up here....I want out on the water!! The bug has bit...haha

 

[justlearning]

Yea...that's why I suggested to call him....he's slacking a little on email....lol...
I would think Deep Bottom is fine for the toon----just as any boat watch out for the shallows and keep up with the tide. Tell Capt Hugh Jerry said hello.....you may even like putting in at Dutch Gap....that's where Captain Hugh puts in and where you will have to meet him.....just make sure the vultures aren't back....

Well, I'm still looking at Deep Bottom at the moment, but my uncle is now telling me that he might be willing to take down his pontoon boat. I believe it's a 25 foot. Is this area deep enough and easily navigable with a pontoon or would there be different suggestions if we go that route? I'll try and give captain Hugh a call because I didn't get any response to the email and I'd like to make my final arrangements. Recommend March or April? Does it matter? I don't want to freeze but I do want to catch fish and not wait until the spawn if things slow down that much. Either that, or wait till after the spawn if it will then pick back up.

 

[justlearning]

Another neat thingy ou can do to get the feel for the James is use Google Earth.....just do a search on google for google earth...you will have to download some free software.....and you need high speed internet and you need a large amount memory at least 256...512 wouldn't hurt.....once you install the software then in the search box or as they call it.... fly to box ...just type in Hopewell VA .....you are real close to the river....just like googe maps you can grab and drag ...zoom in and out......run up and down the river....it's been a great tool for me...use it often

Jerry

Disregard....I found the depth maps