How to Fish in Ponds

Pond fishing is not all that different than stream or river fishing, but the fish are. You need the right bait, know how to set your line depending on what you're fishing for and know where they are. Keep in mind that fish in ponds do not typically bite while they are spawning no matter the bait.

Baits for Fishing in Ponds

Baits to use vary according to the type of fish that is in the pond, and that varies according to geographical location. Worms are attractive to all fish, though.  If you are fishing for bass, use spinner bait, such as a Rooster Tail or minnows. To avoid Sunfish or any small fish so prevalent in ponds, use a size 6 or larger hook. For catfish, crayfish tails, which you can get from a nearby stream with a net, work very well.  

Setting Your Bait

How to set your bait depends on what type of fish you want to catch. Fish are mainly top or bottom feeders or anywhere in between. Catfish are bottom feeders and Bass may be top feeders if there are flies. To catch bottom feeders, keep your sinker only a couple inches away from your hook. To catch fish that stay nearer the surface, keep your sinker 6 inches or more, depending on the depth of the water. Use a bobbin to keep bait from sinking.

Where the Fish Are in Ponds

Fish tend to hide in ponds, especially smaller ones because they are preyed upon more. And some fish scour the outer edges of the pond for food towards the evening. Great places for big fish to hide are under large rocks, tree roots and into a recessed edge of the pond. If you are looking for the big ones, cast your bait there.