Springtime brings about some of the best opportunities for bank fishing ponds for bass. Wired2fish contributor Kyle Wood shares his expertise on making the most out of these conditions, focusing on techniques and strategies ideal for bank fishing during the spring. Kyle’s overarching theme? Pay attention to water temperature and adjust your location and presentation to improve your catch rates.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- BLADED JIG – Z-Man Chatterbait Mini Max, color – Bluegill: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Rapala CrushCity Freeloader, color – Sungill: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Crankbait Casting Rod, 7’6”: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – 13 Fishing Concept A2 Casting Reel, 6.8:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 20-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- THERMOMETER – Check out Meat Thermometers at Amazon
UNLOCKING SPRING POND FISHING POTENTIAL
Water Temperature Insights
Wood emphasizes the importance of monitoring water temperatures, even resorting to unconventional methods like using a meat thermometer. Understanding water temperature, even if just a rough estimate from the bank, can offer valuable clues about fish activity levels. He notes a significant difference in fish behavior between colder waters around 50°F and warmer waters that drive more feeding activity.
Choosing the Right Lure
Wood suggests moving baits in the face of an algae bloom and warmer waters. A ChatterBait becomes his lure of choice, ideal for fan casting large areas and drawing fish from a single bank fishing perch. As he demonstrates, the bass are more than willing to commit—fishing a faster presentation increases his catch rate over a bottom bait. The choice of lure and insights into water temperature form a critical component of spring pond fishing success.
Fishing Approach and Adaptation
Wood discusses the necessity of adapting your fishing approach based on the pond’s features and the fish’s spawning stages. He illustrates the importance of targeting areas with substantial cover, where bass naturally set up. Furthermore, he explains how environmental changes, such as a sudden cold front, can necessitate a shift in tactics, like downsizing your lure to coax bites from finicky bass.
Wood’s approach to pond fishing in spring underscores the blend of science and intuition that guides successful anglers. By paying close attention to water temperature, adjusting your lure, and targeting key areas around ponds, anglers can significantly increase their chances of landing on active fish.
