Anyone ever stay here? Smallwood is booked up for the april 21 bfl. How hard is it to go by boat to smallwood for the blast off? Ive always stayed at Smallwood.
Anyone ever stay here? Smallwood is booked up for the april 21 bfl. How hard is it to go by boat to smallwood for the blast off? Ive always stayed at Smallwood.
Depending the weather could be an easy run, but you also may not be able to get there. I wouldn't chance it for a tournament. If you are going to stay at Pohick better option would be to drive down to Leesylvania and go start across to Smallwood.
Why would it be bad? I know the potomac can get nasty but is it because of the weather or some other reason?
Weather (wind). Darkness, floaters.
Just a long ride in the dark.
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Waldorf, MD
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I've crossed from VA to Smallwood in the dark for many years. It's 15 minutes by boat and 1.5 hours by road for me. Easy decision. As noted the weather plays a major role in getting across. I've had a few questionable trips but none I didn't make it. Pohick is going to be a bit farther than going straight across. Not sure I would be doing that in the dark on TX morning. Problem with Leesylvania is when they actually open the gate to get in if your not staying inside the park.
Look for a hotel in MD.
Last edited by mikesxpress; 02-21-2018 at 06:23 AM.
How far by boat is it?
It is probably 15 miles or so. In Pohick Creek navigating is relatively easy since there are homes on the way out on the right, just have to stay a ways out due to unlight docks and lots of fish traps. Once on the main river Possum Point power plant is easy to see, not many bright landmarks on the MD side.
I have run that part of the river at night to find a friends son who broke down--did not like it one bit and it was calm.
Also, there is a gate between the campground and ramp. I have been there early and never found it closed, but may want to check.
Plenty of hotels on MD side.
super 8 is close
My travel partner and coangler link already booked the campground. If i make the trip and save my track on my graph i should be ok. I didnt think it was that far by looking at the map but guess it is. Thanks.for the help guys
The saved track doesn't account for floaters or waterman fishing gear. Have a powerful light hung over the side to light the way, go slow, and be safe.
Even with a powerful light, "reading" the waves in really rough water in the dark is a BIG risk. When it gets bad on the Potomac you need to see several hundred yards in front of you to avoid getting swamped, I would have a backup plan if 20 - 30 mph NE winds are forecast, particularly if their blowing against the tide - that will be absolute hell and there's a good chance you won't make it.
I guess the backup plan would be drive the hour and a half all the way around.Originally Posted by obsession18
I would look for a hotel on the MD side and reduce your grief level.
I'm thinking you may be right. Thanks
Or trailer down to Leesylvania and go across to Smallwood from there.
Another option for you to go the camping route is Aqua land. I have never stayed there but it is a campground
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But is the gate open early enough?
Not going to open in time for you to get across and make check in.
Thanks. There goes that idea. I think when I see my partner this week I am going to convince him to get a hotel room for one night closer to Smallwood. This takes all the stress and anxiety out of the equation.
Leesylvania is open at 5:00 am in season.
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