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Bass fishing in ponds can sometimes be a little different, especially if you’re used to fishing in large lakes or rivers. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be equally rewarding.
Some ponds can be home to big bass, meaning you may not have to travel far to enjoy some first class bass fishing. But you may need to change your tactics a little if you want to improve your catch rate. We’ve put together some tips that might come in handy when you head to your local pond.
A Pond Is A Pond, Right? Wrong!
Basic Question, But, What Is A Pond?
Ponds tend to be smaller and shallower than lakes but you’ll probably find that this is not always the case, as some named ponds will occasionally be deeper or larger than some named lakes.
However, generally, ponds are defined as small areas of non-moving freshwater that can either be man-made or naturally formed. There are also different types of ponds, such as those formed by glaciers, which can be found in the mountains and which may tend to have rockier bottoms compared to ponds found at lower elevations.
Habitat
Ponds can provide the ideal habitat for a range of wildlife, which is why some organizations encourage the creation of ponds to improve wildlife conservation. Many plants can also be found growing in and around ponds, creating shelter and food for fish and other animals, as well as providing oxygen in the water.
This means that ponds can be ideal places for finding bass, as the conditions can provide them with everything they look for: cover, food and oxygen. Often, there will be a range of creatures sharing the pond habitat with bass, including bluegill, sunfish, amphibians and other species that can provide forage for bass.
Many ponds tend to be relatively shallow, which can mean more light gets through the water which in turn can mean more vegetation is able to grow on the bottom of the pond. Their smaller size and shallower depths can also mean that ponds are more susceptible to temperature changes and will often warm up or cool down faster than larger bodies of water.
What Do I Need To Start Bass Fishing In Ponds?
Rod And Reel
If you’re used to fishing for bass in large lakes with long rods, you may want to think about downsizing a little when it comes to pond fishing. A shorter rod, usually no more than around 6 feet, can be easier to use than a longer rod for pond environments.
Spinning reels with a medium light rod can be a good option for pond fishing because you’re unlikely to be casting heavy baits. However, a medium weight short baitcasting rod could also be an option if that’s your preference. A fast action rod will usually perform best for bass.
When you’re choosing your line you may find that lighter line can work better for the conditions, for example, monofilament line up to 10 pounds might be a good choice but anything heavier might be a little much.
Lures
Some ponds may not be as heavily fished as some larger bodies of water and the amount of food that’s available in the pond may also be less. This can mean that bass may bite a wider variety of lures compared to lake bass, since they might be less wary of it and more inclined to take a risk for food.
Video: Bank Fishing Ponds For Bass
Plastic worms can be great to use for pond bass and can help you catch bass all year round.
Texas rigging the worms can give you a weedless presentation which can be ideal in pond environments where there will tend to be more vegetation in the water.
Accessories
If you’re fishing on a bright, sunny day, a pair of polarized sunglasses might be useful, so that you can prevent the glare of the sun from bouncing off the water. This can help you to see more clearly into the water to look for fish and check out the underwater conditions.
A kayak or canoe can also be a useful accessory to have since they can let you get onto the water while maintaining a stealthy approach. A kayak suitable for bass fishing will help you access areas of the pond that you might not otherwise be able to get to.
Pond bass can be more wary of people around the pond, which could mean they take cover in areas where people can’t reach, and a kayak could let you get to these potential honey holes.
Any Tips Or Techniques You Can Give Me?
1: Look For Structure
Just like in other bodies of water, bass will often be found in or around structure or vegetation. This could be anything from logs or submerged trees to docks or rocks. If there are no obvious structures, weeds and vegetation could be good spots to look for bass, as well as close to the banks.
You may also find that small changes in depth under the water can provide structure to bass.
2: Keep Quiet
Because of the generally smaller area of a pond compared to a lake, bass will often see you if you’re close to the water. This means you may need to change up your tactics when you approach the water’s edge and be a little quieter.
Camouflage clothing could help you blend in to your surroundings. You may also find it could help to stay low, for example, sit down, or keep a short distance back from the edge while you cast.
3: Use A Kayak
A kayak can be a useful tool for pond fishing, as it can let you cover even shallow ponds while minimizing disturbance. It can also give you the opportunity to cast at different angles and cast towards the banks without letting the fish know you’re there. Standing on your kayak can be a good idea.
Depending on the size of the pond, you may even find it useful to use a fish finder on your kayak, which can give you a better idea of the underwater landscape and let you see where the bass might be holding up.
4: Fish During Mornings And Evenings
If you’re fishing during the warmer months, you may have better success at catching bass during the mornings or evenings, when it’s a little cooler, as this is often when bass will be at their most active and usually looking to feed. This is usually when bass will be closer to the shallower areas of the pond.
In the colder months, you may find that the middle of the day can be better to catch them in the shallower zones. The deeper areas of the pond is usually where you might find bass during the heat of the day in summer and in the mornings and evenings in winter.
5: Try Topwater Lures
Ponds can be one of the best types of water to fish with topwater lures because of the high levels of vegetation found in and around the water, which can attract other creatures, such as frogs, mice, dragonflies and various other insects. This means that lures that mimic these creatures can be useful when fished on the top.
Poppers and walk-the-dog style lures can also be effective in ponds.
Video: Pond Bass Fishing With A Unique Topwater Lure!
In Conclusion
Ponds can give you bass fishing opportunities without having to travel too far. Whether you’re bank fishing or kayak fishing, ponds can be a great place to target in any season. Just remember to keep your gear light and keep your approach stealthy.
Maybe you’ve had more success in ponds than lakes? Tell us about your techniques. And if you want to help out other pond anglers, simply share this article.