Pond Hopping

(This one caught Jeremy by surprise. I would have expected it!)

Recently my friends and I decided that we needed to go fishing and, having limited time to do so, we decided that some nearby ponds would fit the bill.  There are several ponds within fifteen minutes of my house and we settled in at one that we knew offered quality fishing.  So, did we catch monster fish after monster fish?  No, sadly we did not.  But, we did accomplish our main goal and that was to have a great time and catch a few while we were at it.

  Many people overlook ponds as great fishing opportunities because they are small and something they see or drive by everyday.  It is true that not all ponds are created equal.  The use of the pond, age of the body of water, location, fishing pressure, size, and other unique factors all come together in determining the likelihood of a great day fishing.  The hidden truth about ponds is that you never really know until you try.  I know from personal experience that the look of pond can be deceiving and with a spirit of exploration and determination those "little" ponds can turn into "major" goldmines.

(Above: Jason is learning the trade as a new angler. Below: We have competition at this pond! And a pond and a angler doing his thing.)

Before you jump into your next pond adventure there is a quick and obvious check list to keep you fishing and out of trouble.  Why a need for a check list you might say.  Well, keep in mind that unless you are the owner, or the pond happens to be on public access, then it must be owned privately.  That simply means that we the fishermen are at the mercy of the landowner.  Approaching your pond fishing trips with these following questions might help you out.

1. Who owns this pond?
2. Will they allow me and my party to fish?
3. What can I do to show my a appreciation to the landowner for allowing me to fish?

4. What can I do to leave this pond better than I found it?

When you ask yourself the first question it should lead you straight into "who owns this pond" and that means asking permission from the owner.  Remember that you are probably not the first to ask and it is their right to refuse to give you access.  If this happens to you just think of your good pal Average Joe Angler and his advice: "One pond does not a great fisherman make!"  Keep looking and asking and you will find owners with open hearts and open access.  Remember when you were looking for a Prom date?  Yeah, it's kind of like that.  If one fair lady turns you down simply seek out another fair lady!

(Jeremy catches another nice bass.  Because I helped!!!)

You might look at questions three and four as overly sensitive but once you find a great pond you will want to ensure that you are always welcome.  A simple thank you letter sent to the owner will not only catch them by surprise but also let them know you value the opportunity you were given.  With question four you have a great chance to both impress the owner and improve the resource itself.  When I go on such a trip before I pack up I normally do a quick look around to reveal a few bottles, pieces of trash or other unwanted elements that have found their way to the owner's pond.  Removing these elements will reflect positively back on you and improve your next trip.

Finally we are ready to fish!  Think of ponds as your laboratory.  A place for wild experimentation.  You know that strange lure that you bought and your friends gave you such a hard time about?  Well, this is the time to give it a try.  What I'm trying to say is a pond is a wonderful to learn and try new things.  We know those fish can't escape and you can throw your entire arsenal at them if you wish.

You will also want to be ready for what will bite.  These small fisheries offer great odds at catching a variety of fish species.  Bass, bluegill,

(Why the sad face?)

 crappie, and various catfish species are all common pond fish in my area with a few other species making special guest appearances now and then.  I like to keep a "Pond Bag" ever ready for just such adventures.  It's a basically an old backpack I used for college that now holds a little bit of everything -from Crappie Magnets to Spinner Baits and Soft Plastics to various Crank Baits.  Basically not a lot of anything but just a little of everything.  

Ponds might be smaller than streams, rivers, and lakes but they can be great at making big memories and teaching valuable fishing lesson.  If noting else it's a great place bring a family member, friend, or just unwind by yourself.  So, this is Average Joe Angler saying goodbye for now and maybe I will see you pond hopping someday soon!    

(No, Jason!!! Holding this one out will not make it look bigger!!!)