Episode Details

In this episode of Fishing the DMV, we are joined by Chad Boyce from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating and historic bass fishery Back Bay in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

With the 2026 Maxam Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound coming up June 11–14 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, this is the perfect time to look at nearby coastal bass fisheries and understand how shallow tidal rivers, coastal bays, grass flats, marsh systems, and brackish-water largemouth bass habitats can shape tournament strategy. The Bassmaster Elite Series event will take place on the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound, one of the most unique stops on the 2026 Bassmaster schedule. 

Chad breaks down the incredible history of Back Bay bass fishing, from its legendary years as one of Virginia’s premier trophy largemouth bass destinations to the challenges that changed the fishery over time. We discuss the rise, decline, and ongoing rebound of Back Bay, including aquatic vegetation, water quality, salinity, habitat loss, stocking efforts, electrofishing surveys, and what the future may hold for this iconic Virginia Beach bass fishery. Virginia DWR has documented Back Bay’s recovery efforts and noted Chad Boyce’s role in monitoring the largemouth bass population through fisheries surveys. 

If you love bass fishing, Bassmaster tournament coverage, Virginia bass fishing, North Carolina bass fishing, tidal water fishing, coastal largemouth bass, grass fishing, shallow-water power fishing, marsh fishing, fisheries biology, and the history of legendary bass fisheries, this episode is packed with information.

We talk about how Back Bay connects to the larger conversation around Virginia Beach fishing, tidal largemouth bass patterns, submerged aquatic vegetation, grass beds, wind-driven water movement, coastal bay bass habitat, and why these shallow-water systems can produce some of the most unpredictable and exciting bass fishing in the country.

Topics covered in this episode include:

·      History of Back Bay bass fishing

·      Virginia Beach largemouth bass fishing

·      Virginia DWR fisheries management

·      Back Bay’s rise, decline, and rebound

·      Aquatic vegetation and bass habitat

·      Grass fishing and shallow-water bass patterns

·      Brackish water largemouth bass behavior

·      How coastal fisheries compare to reservoirs and river systems
 The future of Back Bay as a trophy bass fishery

Whether you are preparing to follow the Bassmaster Elite Series, trying to understand the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound fishery, researching Back Bay Virginia fishing, or just love learning about historic largemouth bass fisheries, this episode is a must-listen.

Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast

 If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com

Virginia DWR Website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/ 

Virginia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDWR 

If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com 

LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ 

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

Link to Tactical Fishing Company: