Pond fishing: where to fish and what to use

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Where in the pond: inlet, weeds, shade, dock

Inlets carry food into the water and are great spots, and fish often gather there before spawning. Fish the edges of weed beds and lily pads rather than the middle.

Under docks and overhanging trees fish find shade and cover, and the biggest ones are often far under the dock. Sunken trees, rocks and brush hold fish too.

• Inlet
• Weed edge and lily pads
• Shade under trees
• Dock
• Sunken wood and brush

Time of day and season

In high summer morning and evening are usually best, and you can fish under a dock all day. In fall midday often gets better as the water cools.

In spring bluegill and largemouth bass move shallow to spawn. In early spring and after a cold spell the fish tend to sit deeper.

Target fish in a pond

In US ponds largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish are the typical fish, and the bass eat small bluegill, frogs and crayfish among other prey. In Germany pond anglers often target carp, and on pay ponds stocked rainbow trout.

Catfish hold where streams enter a lake, around timber and along drop-offs. They find food by smell.

Baits for the pond

A worm under a bobber catches almost anything in a pond. For bluegill a small piece is enough, and bass take nightcrawlers, crayfish, small topwater lures and soft plastic worms.

Catfish take nightcrawlers, chicken liver and, once the water reaches about 70 °F, prepared baits on the bottom. For dough baits on stocked trout, Missouri recommends a size 16 to 18 treble hook.

• Worm under a bobber
• Small topwater lure for bass
• Chicken liver or prepared bait for catfish
• Dough bait for stocked trout

Rules: permission and day tickets

Many ponds are private, so you always need the owner's permission. In the US follow your state's rules and limits.

On a pay pond in Germany the operator gives you the permit, usually as a day ticket, and tells you the price and the rules. Whether you also need a German fishing licence depends on the state, and most require one even on a pay pond.

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