Episode Details

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we sit down with Buggs Island Alpha Series Champion Billy Shelton to break down a high-level tournament bass fishing masterclass that every angler needs to hear!

Competing against 82 of the region’s best sticks, anglers were faced with a brutal cold front bass fishing scenario, with temperatures dropping nearly 35 degrees overnight—classic post-frontal conditions that typically shut down the bite. But despite the odds, Billy Shelton delivered an elite-level performance, bringing in a 20.43 lb tournament-winning bag to claim victory.

His dominant day earned him $11,000 in tournament winnings, plus an additional $10,000 contingency bonus from Vexus Boats, totaling an incredible $21,000 payday in a one-day bass fishing tournament.

In this episode, Billy breaks down his entire approach—from patterning bass in changing weather conditions to dialing in the right fishing tackle setup and choosing the best bass fishing lures for success. He reveals how he located fish early in main lake bays, stayed on an aggressive bite, and capitalized using chatterbaits to trigger reaction strikes—one of the most effective bass fishing techniques for pressured fish.

We also dive into:
 • Tournament fishing strategies used by top-level anglers
• Bassmaster-style decision making in high-pressure events
• How to adjust your bass fishing setup during a cold front
• The importance of lure selection, including when to throw moving baits vs. slowing down
• Proven fishing tips and techniques to help you catch more largemouth bass

Billy Shelton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billy.shelton.378 

VA Elite 70 team and Alpha Series on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=va%20elite%2070%20team%20and%20alpha%20series 

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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

Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ 

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ 

Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech 

 Phone Number: (757) 566-1278

Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 

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