By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

The Potomac River, a sprawling tidal fishery just a stone’s throw from the nation’s capital, has long been a proving ground for bass anglers. Its grassy banks, labyrinthine creeks and ever-changing tides demand versatility, patience and a keen understanding of the environment. For Team Toyota pro Mark Daniels Jr., the tournament was a chance to lean on his roots, tap into old-school techniques and deliver a stellar 11th-place finish.

“I don’t think a single person caught ‘em scoping there,” Daniels said, reflecting on Zenni Stage 6 presented by Athletic Brewing Company.

Forward-facing sonar (FFS) took a backseat at the Potomac. Instead, the river rewarded anglers who could expertly read the water, work the tides and wield time-tested power-fishing tactics. For Daniels Jr., a California native who cut his teeth on the tidal California Delta, this played right into his wheelhouse.

“It’s a tidal fishery and is very diverse as far as how you want to fish. You can fish offshore grass, hard cover, docks or old duck blinds. You can even fish lily pads in super skinny water which is how the tournament was won getting way back into those creeks in inches of water. It’s a power fisherman’s dream. Topwaters, buzzbaits, poppers; tons of pitching and flipping. Pick your poison.”

Daniels Jr.’s affinity for tidal fisheries stems from his early days fishing the Delta, where he learned to navigate the ebb and flow of tides and capitalize on fleeting bite windows.

“That’s part of the reason I did so well,” he explained. “I grew up on a tidal fishery so that definitely helps. But what makes it tough is the small, hour-long bite windows. You have a very limited opportunity to make hay but once you lose the tide, you better be where you need to be.”

His experience gave him an edge, but the Potomac’s complexity kept him on his toes. A year prior, the James River—a similar tidal fishery—had dealt him a “devastating finish,” a humbling reminder that even seasoned anglers can get burned.

“You’d think I’d get super excited about tidal fisheries but last year I had a devastating finish at the James River which is very much like the Potomac. That place hurt me, and I love the fishery but even with being so comfortable on tidal waters, they can get you in a hurry.”

At the Potomac, MDJ found his groove by keying in on low tide, when the receding water concentrated fish around isolated cover.

“Low water was the deal for me,” he said. “Right when the tide started going out, the bite was best for you, and I was losing that tide with each passing day. With the lower tide, a wacky rig was really good and so was a plopper-style lure and a topwater popper. The lower tide concentrated the fish in my area and made them a lot easier to locate. It concentrated them on isolated wood and hydrilla seemed to be the deal for me.”

His approach was a masterclass in old-school finesse and power fishing, blending subtle presentations like wacky-rigged soft plastics with aggressive topwaters to trigger bites in the Potomac’s grassy, shallow haunts.

“I fished 3 areas predominantly about 15 miles apart,” he noted. “They were only about 10-12 miles from the boat ramp.”

This strategic selection allowed him to maximize his time in productive zones without burning too much fuel or time running the river. Each spot featured a mix of hydrilla and isolated wood—classic Potomac cover that held fish during the outgoing tide.

But the tournament wasn’t without its hiccups.

“I finished 11th place. I was happy with my performance. I could have made the final day, but I lost a few key fish,” MDJ admitted. “Overall, I’m satisfied. I didn’t have a lot of areas, but I was able to optimize the few areas I had.”

What set Daniels Jr. apart was his reliance on traditional techniques in an era increasingly dominated by technology. The Potomac’s shallow, grass-heavy nature favored those who could read the water and adapt to its rhythms. Daniels Jr.’s background—honed on the California Delta and later refined through years of competitive fishing—gave him the instincts to capitalize. His love for punching mats, a technique he mastered on the Delta, wasn’t the primary pattern here but his comfort with power fishing and tidal dynamics translated seamlessly.

As a Team Toyota pro, MDJ embodies the versatility that the brand champions. His journey from fishing San Francisco Bay with his dad to competing on the Bass Pro Tour is a testament to his work ethic and passion.

“I have literally dedicated my life to this sport,” he said. “And let me say one thing, if anyone out there has something they love, pursue it. I’m living proof you can live your dream if you are willing to work for it.”

That drive was evident at the Potomac, where he turned limited areas into a near-Top-10 finish through smart decisions and relentless execution.