Pond fishing from the shore offers a unique angling experience that harks back to the roots of many anglers’ early fishing days. Wired2fish contributor Kyle Wood shares his top 5 pond fishing rod and lure setups for catching bass, panfish, and even catfish. *Product links at the bottom.
THE SPINNERBAIT
At the top of Wood’s list is the spinnerbait. Spinnerbaits excel due to their ease of use, weedlessness, and fishability at various depths. Wood discusses spinnerbait selection criteria such as blade configurations and colors.
BLADED JIG
The bladed/vibrating jig runs a close second to the spinnerbait and shines when there are fewer snags. Like spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits are available in various sizes and colors, allowing you to fish a range of depths. Strong flash and vibration also help draw bass to the bait, a big plus in dingy water.
SKIRTED BASS JIG
When the situation calls for a more measured approach, Wood turns to a compact finesse jig. He prefers a versatile do-all casting jig capable of swimming, flipping, or working across the bottom.
LIGHT SPINNING SETUP FOR PANFISH
Ponds offer excellent opportunities for several panfish species. Because of this, Wood includes a lighter spinning setup in his arsenal. Ideal for bluegill, crappie, and even small bass baits, a light to medium-light power spinning setup is a must when small lures and finesse are needed.
CATFISH ROD
Woods always packs a rod capable of doing battle with whiskered critters. Channel cats, common in many ponds, are strong fighters and provide tons of action. A powerful casting setup spooled with a strong braid allows you to fish a variety of live and cut bait.
Wood underscores the fun and simplicity of pond fishing from the bank. From spinnerbaits and vibrating jigs to specialized setups for panfish and catfish, you can confidently approach any pond and cash in on some excellent multispecies fishing.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
SPINNERBAIT SETUP
- SPINNERBAIT – Terminator Pro Series Spinnerbait, Colorado/Willow: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Casting Rod, 7’3” Medium Heavy – Extra Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – 13 Fishing Inception G2 Casting Reel, 7.3:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
BLADED JIG SETUP
- BLADED JIG – Z-Man ChatterBait Mini Max: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BLADED JIG TRAILER – CrushCity Freeloader: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – 13 Fishing Meta Casting Rod, 7’2” Medium Heavy – Moderate Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – 13 Fishing Inception G2 Casting Reel, 7.3:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
JIG SETUP
- JIG – The Luke Dunkin Lob Jig (Lots Of Bites!): Check out at Bait-WrX
- TRAILER – Zoom Super Chunk: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – 13 Fishing Envy Black III Casting Rod: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – 13 Fishing Concept A2 Baitcast Reel, 7.5:1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
SPINNING SETUP
- JIG – VMC Curl Tail Jig: Buy at Omnia Fishing
- ROD – 13 Fishing Defy Silver Spinning Rod, 7’0” Light: Buy at Rapala
- REEL – 13 Fishing Kalon O Blackout Spinning Reel, 2.0: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
CATFISH SETUP
- ROD – G. Loomis E6X Steelhead Gen2 Casting (E6X 1083-2S STR): Buy at Scheels
- REEL – 13 Fishing Concept A3 Casting Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
