The Fishing Detective Guide Agency 

5.0
(115 reviews)
 Daniel K Ludwig Drive 2001, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States–

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency 

Woodbridge, VA, United States
–
21 ft
2
5.0
(115 reviews)

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency is located in Marbury and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters.

Capt. Kenneth will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. This involves 4-hour trips, mainly fishing for Snakehead and Bass, depending on the season and conditions on the day. Snakehead Trips are very popular on the Potomac and the Potomac is the best Northern Snakehead fishery in the world.

The Potomac trips will have varying start times as well as launch locations. It is necessary to communicate with the captain so that these times/locations can be discussed.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 21' Ranger boat that can safely take up to 2 anglers. All rods, reels and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. The Fishing Detective is partnered with Simms, Yeti, Quantum, Seaguar, Kuiu, Fishing Complete Inc, TH Marine, Vortex Optics, Woo Tungsten, Ardent Outdoors, Bigmouth Lures.

Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day. The Fishing Detective Guide Agency offers only catch and release trips, so any fish you catch will be returned to the water. The captain can't guarantee fish but he can guarantee that he will work as hard as possible. Capt. Kenneth fishes over 160 days a year to do his best to make memories with his guests. You'll be fishing with artificial lures so a big part of success will be down to your skill. Whatever the skill level, Capt. Kenneth believes that a guest will walk away knowing more about fishing than when he arrived.

Book your trip now and hit the water with The Fishing Detective Guide Agency.

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency is located in Marbury and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters.

Capt. Kenneth will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. This involves 4-hour trips, mainly fishing for Snakehead and Bass, depending on the season and conditions on the day. Snakehead Trips are very popular on the Potomac and the Potomac is the best Northern Snakehead fishery in the world.

The Potomac trips will have varying start times as well as launch locations. It is necessary to communicate with the captain so that these times/locations can be discussed.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 21' Ranger boat that can safely take up to 2 anglers. All rods, reels and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. The Fishing Detective is partnered with Simms, Yeti, Quantum, Seaguar, Kuiu, Fishing Complete Inc, TH Marine, Vortex Optics, Woo Tungsten, Ardent Outdoors, Bigmouth Lures.

Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day. The Fishing Detective Guide Agency offers only catch and release trips, so any fish you catch will be returned to the water. The captain can't guarantee fish but he can guarantee that he will work as hard as possible. Capt. Kenneth fishes over 160 days a year to do his best to make memories with his guests. You'll be fishing with artificial lures so a big part of success will be down to your skill. Whatever the skill level, Capt. Kenneth believes that a guest will walk away knowing more about fishing than when he arrived.

Book your trip now and hit the water with The Fishing Detective Guide Agency.

Kenneth Penrod III
Captain
Kenneth Penrod III
15 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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After work afternoon trip special
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (4:00 PM, 4:30 PM)
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Oct 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Snakehead
US $295
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip – Potomac Bass
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Dec 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Snakehead
US $325
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip – Potomac Snakehead
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 1
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Snakehead
US $325
Entire boat: 2 people
Weekend half day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (4:00 PM, 4:30 PM)
Seasonal trip
(Sat, Sun)
Bass (Largemouth)
Snakehead
US $350
Entire boat: 2 people
Full day Potomac bass/snakehead
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
7 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Snakehead
US $525
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
115 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (498)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
92%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (115)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 115 reviews
Ryan Pullen
Ryan Pullen
Repeat angler
gb
United Kingdom
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Another great trip with Ken!
Half Day Trip – Potomac Bass on August 24, 2026 • 2 adults

Another fantastic trip with Ken! Couldn’d ask for a more experienced and accommodating guide! As a repeat customer each trip leaves me wanting more and the anticipation of getting the next Bass. To anyone thinking about booking Ken, if you are an experienced angler or have never held a rod before, Ken will accomdate and make the experience one of a kind. the effort Ken puts in to put you in the best spots at the best times even when conditions are tricky is what you are paying for! to Ken - thank you again for your continued hospitality, expertise and guidance. Couldn’t ask for more from a guide - I will be joining you again, next time im in the DC area!

Reported catch:
Largemouth Bass
Snakehead
Kenneth Penrod III
Response from Captain

thsnk you so much ryan for such kind words. you and alex were a pleasure to fish with and excellent company. it is evident that you love the total experience of fishing and it was your optimism and energy that saved our day in the last hour and resulted in fish. take care.

Jon Berlin
Jon Berlin
Repeat angler
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
2d Trip as fun as the first!
Half Day Trip – Potomac Snakehead on June 15, 2026 • 2 adults

Our second trip with Captain Ken in June was as enjoyable as our first in May. We fished hollow frog lures for four hours in the morning. We caught a dozen bass and missed several more. We had hoped to catch snakeheads, but only saw three. Ken was again a great coach, helping my 13-year-old grandson the entire time. I will again recommend him to anyone wanting to do some serious fishing in the tidal Potomac. i will add that he is very quick to respond to email questions, which helps greatly in planning the trip.

Reported catch:
Largemouth Bass
Kenneth Penrod III
Response from Captain

Thank you jon. i was impressed with you and averys persistsnce. the snskeheads again did not cooperate but you certainly didnt shy away from the challenge. i enjoyed the day fishing with you. several hours after you left - we caught 6 snakeheads which says more about timing than anything else.

Joe Yanci
Joe Yanci
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great trip!
Half Day Trip – Potomac Bass on October 23, 2026 • 2 adults

Captain Ken did a great job of going with the flow. Very communicative before the trip and communicated well to set expectations. We caught fish and he dealt with snags in the line and unexpected weather with a great attitude. Would recommend to others and would go again as well.

Kenneth Penrod III
Response from Captain

thank you joe.

Bethany Sachs
Bethany Sachs
Repeat angler
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2023
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Ken is the best! Book the trip, you won’t regret it!
Single angler half day special on June 12, 2026 • 2 adults

We had such a great morning on the water with Ken. He treated us so well. He was on time, had everything ready to go and graciously helped us out every time we got line caught or lost a lure. He took extra time to teach us and help us. We saw a beaver, raccoon, deer and a ton of birds. It was a beautiful morning in nature and Ken took care of everything so we could just sit back and enjoy. Highly Recommend!

Kenneth Penrod III
Response from Captain

Thank you Beth. im so happy to hear that you guys enjoyed your day. Good luck with the move and best wishes for your new beginning. take csre.

Christopher Zhen
Christopher Zhen
Repeat angler
us
Nebraska, US
Member since 2025
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Best Experience on the Potomac
Full day Potomac bass/snakehead on May 31, 2026 • 2 adults

Ken is the best guide in the area for tidal Potomac bass and snakehead, especially for more seasoned anglers that can maximize cast accuracy. He spends more time on this water than anyone, will work extra hard to get you on fish, and wont sell you on any expectations that he can’t deliver on. On top of that, he is great to have conversations with. He’s got a loyal client in me!

Reported catch:
Largemouth Bass
Kenneth Penrod III
Response from Captain

thank you chris. your fishing efforts were truly impressive. we didnt catch many fish but you caught fish thst would not have been caight by 99 percent of people. i couldnt ask for a better client.

FAQs about The Fishing Detective Guide Agency

The Fishing Detective Guide Agency offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $295 per group - After work afternoon trip special (4 hours)
  • US $295 per group - After work afternoon trip special - 4:30 PM (4 hours)
  • US $325 per group - Half Day Trip – Potomac Bass (4 hours)
  • US $325 per group - Half Day Trip – Potomac Bass - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $325 per group - Half Day Trip – Potomac Bass - 7:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $325 per group - Half Day Trip – Potomac Bass - 8:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $325 per group - Half Day Trip – Potomac Snakehead (4 hours)
  • US $350 per group - Weekend half day (4 hours)
  • US $350 per group - Weekend half day - 4:30 PM (4 hours)
  • US $525 per group - Full day Potomac bass/snakehead (7 hours)
When you book a trip with The Fishing Detective Guide Agency, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS Lowrance
  • Fishfinder Lowrance
Trips booked with The Fishing Detective Guide Agency include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle ($20 dollar charge and pay for broken)
  • Lures (must pay for lost lures)
  • Fishing license (on Potomac the boat is licensed )
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency offers the following type of fishing:
  • River fishing (Potomac and Susquehanna Rivers )
The Fishing Detective Guide Agency offers the following fishing technique:
  • Light tackle
Top targeted fish species with The Fishing Detective Guide Agency include:
  • Bass (Largemouth)
  • Bass (Smallmouth)
  • Snakehead

Your captain

Kenneth Penrod III
Kenneth Penrod III
Woodbridge, Virginia, United States
28 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
115 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since October 2021
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
The Fishing Detective is the 'hardest working guide on the river' with an impeccable reputation and over 40 years of experience. Kenneth Penrod III has no criminal history, CPR/first aid certified, drug tested, fully chartered insured, and licensed to guide in DC, VA, MD and PA. The Fishing Detective is a nationally published writer, son of Fishing Hall of Fame Potomac River guide, former treasurer and vice chair of MD DNR Catcha Poacher Program and Black Bass Subcommittee. The Fishing Detective served a calling for 27 years in law enforcment only to be rewarded by a higher power so that he can now live his dream.
Kenneth Penrod III
Kenneth Penrod III
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
28
reports
115
reviews
2021
member since
~1h
response
The Fishing Detective is the 'hardest working guide on the river' with an impeccable reputation and over 40 years of experience. Kenneth Penrod III has no criminal history, CPR/first aid certified, drug tested, fully chartered insured, and licensed to guide in DC, VA, MD and PA. The Fishing Detective is a nationally published writer, son of Fishing Hall of Fame Potomac River guide, former treasurer and vice chair of MD DNR Catcha Poacher Program and Black Bass Subcommittee. The Fishing Detective served a calling for 27 years in law enforcment only to be rewarded by a higher power so that he can now live his dream.

The fish you can target

Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Snakehead
Snakehead
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Snakehead
Snakehead

Real catches by this captain

  • Adult angler holding a large striped bass aboard a boat on a calm waterfront.
    Fish 1
    Striped Bass
    Joe Y.
    Joe Y.
    Captain Ken did a great job of going with the flow. Very communicative before the trip and communicated well to set expectations. We caught fish and he dealt with snags in the line and unexpected weather with a great attitude. Would recommend to others and would go again as well.
  • Adult angler holding a striped bass aboard a fishing boat on calm open water.
    Fish 1
    Striped Bass
    David H.
    David H.
    Had a fun morning catching stripers with Ken!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Striped Bass while seated on a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Striped Bass
    Kenneth J.
    Kenneth J.
    Ken was informative, knowledgeable, and worked diligently to make sure I caught fish. Two nice stripers and many catfish were caught.
  • An angler proudly displaying a freshly caught Striped Bass while fishing on a boat.
    Fish 1
    Striped Bass
    Robert R.
    Robert R.
  • Angler proudly holding a large patterned snakehead fish aboard a bass boat on a calm freshwater lake.
    Elsa I.
    Elsa I.
    Captain communicated well with where we were going, how to throw the line and how to reel in fish. He took pictures and sent to us. He was really nice. We had such a good time.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing on a serene lake.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Ryan P.
    Ryan P.
    Another fantastic trip with Ken! Couldn’d ask for a more experienced and accommodating guide! As a repeat customer each trip leaves me wanting more and the anticipation of getting the next Bass. To anyone thinking about booking Ken, if you are an experienced angler or have never held a rod before, Ken will accomdate and make the experience one of a kind. the effort Ken puts in to put you in the best spots at the best times even when conditions are tricky is what you are paying for! to Ken - thank you again for your continued hospitality, expertise and guidance. Couldn’t ask for more from a guide - I will be joining you again, next time im in the DC area!
  • Teen angler proudly holds a largemouth bass alongside an adult on a freshwater fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Josh L.
    Josh L.
    It was expected due to summer heat thay fishing wouldn't be very good, but my son and I had an excellent time. This was my son's first time and wanted him to get experience. Can't wait to book again.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a boat at a marina.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Marcel V.
    Marcel V.
    Ken, thanks for teaching a couple of old dogs some new tricks.
  • A young angler and an adult proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass caught during a fun day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Grace H.
    Grace H.
    Capt Ken was really knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming! He took extra care and time to make sure we had a positive experience! The weather and the area were beautiful, and we caught fish :) Thanks so much for making our mother/son trip a good one!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Largemouth Bass while fishing from a boat in a serene freshwater environment.
    Fish 1
    Largemouth Bass
    Jamaal B.
    Jamaal B.
    Today was my son’s 22nd birthday and he wanted to go fishing. We had a great time and we caught bass and snakehead fish. Ken was knowledgeable of the area, very friendly and knew a lot about fishing. I personally haven’t fished in a long time and Ken was very patient and helpful. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend this fishing experience.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
21 ft
Year built
2018
Boat manufacturer
Ranger
Boat type
Bass boat
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
67 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Lowrance
Fishfinder
Lowrance
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
$20 dollar charge and pay for broken
Lures
must pay for lost lures
Fishing license
on Potomac the boat is licensed

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
No smoking
No alcohol
Catch and release mandatory
except for snakeheads

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 PayPal
 Checks
 Bank transfer

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