Fishing the DMV
Fishing the DMV Podcast is a leading bass fishing podcast delivering the most up-to-date fishing reports, bass fishing tips, bass fishing techniques, and tournament bass fishing strategies for anglers across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Covering Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, this podcast is your go-to source for largemouth bass fishing, smallmouth bass fishing, tidal river fishing, lakes or the Chesapeake Bay we are the go to source for all things fishing in the area.
Hosted by Thomas Arens, Fishing the DMV features expert interviews with professional anglers, fishing guides, tournament anglers, fisheries biologists, and fishing industry experts, breaking down bass fishing patterns, seasonal fishing strategies, pre-spawn fishing, spawn fishing, post-spawn fishing, summer bass fishing, fall bass fishing, and winter bass fishing. Every episode is packed with actionable advice on best bass fishing lures, fishing tackle, rod and reel setups, bass fishing gear, sonar and fish finders, forward-facing sonar, electronics, kayak fishing, bank fishing, and offshore fishing techniques.
Get detailed fishing reports and bass fishing intel for top fisheries including the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Chickahominy River, James River, Susquehanna River, Shenandoah River, Claytor Lake, Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island), and more. Learn proven tournament fishing strategies, how to catch big bass, how to find bass, and how to catch more fish with real-world insights from anglers who fish these waters every day.
Whether you're searching for the best bass fishing podcast, daily fishing reports, bass fishing tips and tricks, or advanced bass fishing techniques, Fishing the DMV Podcast delivers everything you need to improve your fishing, stay on top of current conditions, and dominate on the water.
Subscribe now for the latest bass fishing reports, fishing tips, and tournament strategies to help you catch more bass and become a better angler.
Fishing the DMV
377 | Is Forward Facing Sonar KILLING Bass Tournaments? | The Truth Revealed
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On this eye-opening episode of Fishing the DMV, we dive headfirst into one of the most controversial topics in the sport today—is Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) really to blame for the current issues in bass fishing tournaments?
I explore the conversation from all angles by breaking down recent articles, analyzing YouTube commentary, and—most importantly—digging into five years of tournament and sales data to examine the rise of FFS and its true impact on state-level bass circuits.
But that’s not all—we’re also connecting the dots on how technology and affordability are reshaping bass fishing access for younger anglers. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
Truck Price Comparison (Base Models – F150 XL):
· 2018: ~$27,700 (Regular cab, 3.3L V6)
· 2025: $39,645–$41,000
Ranger Bass Boat Price Comparison:
· 2018 Ranger Z520 (fiberglass Comanche): ~$40,000–$50,000
· 2025 Ranger Z520R Cup-Equipped: $86,995 base ($87,870 w/ trailer & prep)
Millennial & Gen Z Financial Pressure:
· Homeownership rate (under 36): Dropped to 36.3% by end of 2024, the lowest since 2008.
· Side hustle economy: Over 50% of Millennials & Gen Z report having at least one side hustle.
Source: The Times – Article on economic shifts
Data Sources Referenced:
Whether you're a purist who wants FFS banned or an angler who believes in embracing the future, this episode pulls no punches and puts the debate in full context—with facts, not just feelings.
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If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com
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Catoctin Creek Custom Rods: https://www.facebook.com/CatoctinCreekCustomRods
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