In much of the country, small ponds are among the first areas that anglers target in the Spring. Ponds warm quickly in periods of mild weather, triggering fish to feed aggressively in the shallows or near structure.

To prepare for an early season pond fishing trip, anglers have a variety of things to consider. These include a checkup of equipment, sharpening of knives, etc.

An important task before the season's first pond fishing trip is usually a visit to the local tackle shop. Most anglers will need new fishing licenses, fresh line, bait and perhaps a few lures. Fortunately, most pond fishing tackle is affordable and simple to find. A few basic rigs will usually suffice.

Anglers often find that jigs and soft plastic bodies are essential for pond fishing. Jigs in the 1/16 to 1/4 oz. range usually work well, with curly tail bodies in chartreuse, white and motor oil being popular colors in many areas. Other soft plastic body styles may be used with effective sizes, shapes and colors varying locally. Traditional crappie jigs are also essential, with top colors varying by location.

Small jigs are fished alone or sometimes with a spinner blade, depending on conditions and angler preference. For an entire season of pond fishing, a more extensive selection of lures might be necessary, but in spring, simple jigs are often all that is needed.

Rather than use artificial lures, many anglers will fish with live bait during the Spring. Common baits include minnows, nightcrawlers, bloodworms, maggots, grass shrimp and small crawfish. Live baits can be fished under a bobber using a simple hook or a small jig head. Live baits may also be fished on a single leader or standard top and bottom rig.

Weather conditions are important for early season pond fishing. Depending on factors, fish may suspend in deeper areas or move into shallow flats to feed. In late winter thru early spring, anglers sometimes achieve excellent results if they are able to catch a sunny day with calm or moderate winds. In these conditions, anglers can scout the body of water, looking for areas of flat, shallow water that are exposed to direct sun. Water temperature often rises considerably in these conditions, triggering fish to feed.

Casting jigs is a good way to scout out ponds in the early season. A slow retrieve, combined with occasional twitches of the rod are known to be effective. By varying lure types, sizes and retrieve techniques, anglers can cover the water column in search of feeding fish. Once fish are located, anglers can continue to cast or switch to live baits.

Late Winter and early Spring weather can be very unpredictable and subject to change at a moment's notice. Sunny days are not a sure thing and in some areas, rain and even snow are constant problems. Not only does rain and snow hamper immediate fishing, but excessive runoff can shut down fishing for days. Storm water may carry silt and debris which hamper visibility. Rising water levels may also affect fishing, displacing fish and their prey. Anglers can do little but wait in these situations.

After bad weather, anglers may find fish suspended near dropoffs or other structure, waiting for better conditions. If fish can be located in this holding pattern, vertically jigging with lures such as crappie jigs, soft plastics or small metal jigs may prove to be effective. As with other situations, a live minnow or other live bait may also incite fish to strike if presented at the correct depth.

As the weather cycles thru periods of warm clear days mixed with storms, anglers can switch tactics as necessary, watching for changes in behavior. Eventually warm weather will dominate the season and pond fishing techniques will become more stable. 

No Comments Yet.