Fishing Clubs Offer Great Oppurtunities for Local Anglers

Let's face it, Northern Virginia is, and always will be, a very transient area. A lot of residents are not from here originally and may only stay temporarily. For the nomadic fisherman who now makes his home in Ashburn, this can pose all sorts of challenges. Beloved home fishing waters have been left behind, lures and tactics that worked across the country are foreign here, and perhaps the reliable fishing boat was a casualty of the move to Virginia.

Fear not ye wandering fishermen of suburbia, for there are many fishing clubs and organizations in the area that provide opportunities to pair up with local fishermen to learn the ways of the local fish. The following are just a few recommended organizations:

• Potomac River Smallmouth Club (PRSC): Formed in 1988, the PRSC is an organization dedicated to catch and release fishing for smallmouth bass, and protecting and improving habitat for the tough fighting fish. The PRSC takes part in community based activities such as river clean ups, recreational and educational events, advocacy for water quality and aquatic resource management It also holds an annual fishing tournament. With a focus on the Potomac River and its tributaries, the PRSC is a great option for Ashburn residents, since Loudoun County's northern border is comprised of prime Potomac River smallmouth habitat. Membership is open to everyone and costs $35 per year. To learn more, check out the PRSC website, or attend their next club meeting at 7:30 p.m. July 27 at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. 
• Chesapeake Women Anglers (CWA): For local fisherwomen interested in honing their fly fishing skills, the CWA is a club whose mission is to be a premier fly fishing club serving the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by promoting fly fishing for women through education outings, and environmental awareness. The club offers "Fish, Lunch, and Learn" events from April to November that are designed to educate members about their home waters and provide networking and learning opportunities for participants. The CWA also participates with "Casting for Recovery," a national organization that provides free fishing retreats and support for women who have, or have had, breast cancer. CWA membership costs just $30 per year. For more information, check out the CWA website.
• Potomac Bassmasters of Virginia (PBV): According to its website, the PBV is one of the oldest bass angling clubs in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of bass fishing, conservation and youth involvement in angling. The PBV sponsors several bass fishing tournaments per year, as well as an annual youth fishing derby. The PBV also participates in C.A.S.T for Kids events, which provide opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged children to enjoy a day of fishing. Membership in the PBV is $75 per year. For more information, visit the PBV website here.

Are you a member of another local fishing club that deserves a shout out? Tell your fellow anglers about it in the comments section.