Pond fishing

[Randy]

I do a lot of my fishing at ponds/small lakes in Brampton, I live in Mississauga but don't know of any ponds worthwhile nearby. I've been fishing for a few years and usually just cast anywhere in a pond, recently I've started to understand fishing closer to underwater structure. However, in many of the ponds I fish you can't really see any structure such as fallen trees and a lot of the time I don't even see much vegetation also. When fishing ponds/small lakes from shore, what should I look for when deciding where to cast or is it just a matter of fishing everywhere until I discover where the fish hold?
Also I've noticed many of the members here are from the area North of Toronto, is there anyone in the Peel region or willing to travel here that would like to fish an urban pond nearby? Maybe have an OSF meet?

[mcfly]

I'm usually down to fish new ponds however, I'm only motivated if it has been scouted and known to hold certain species and sizes. (ie. 1-3lb+ Largemouth, 5-15lb+ carp).

As far as where to cast, try within 15' of the shore, if there are weed beds try to cast on the edges. Understanding where the fish are is dependent on what species you are targeting and what type of lures you are using. If you let us know what you are usually using we may be able to give you some tips

[Randy]

(08-03-2013 10:42 PM)mcfly Wrote:  I'm usually down to fish new ponds however, I'm only motivated if it has been scouted and known to hold certain species and sizes. (ie. 1-3lb+ Largemouth, 5-15lb+ carp).

As far as where to cast, try within 15' of the shore, if there are weed beds try to cast on the edges. Understanding where the fish are is dependent on what species you are targeting and what type of lures you are using. If you let us know what you are usually using we may be able to give you some tips

I usually use stick worms and Grubs/1/4 oz. jig head, recently I got some spinners and was hoping to catch something on them though. However, I do have an array of soft plastics and some hardbaits also.

[MichaelAngelo]

From shore you're looking at casting parallel to shore and covering shorelines in the morning/evening and also casting to weedbeds. You can buy weedless jigheads that make this easier. Some guys are skilled enough to feel the bottom countours and weeds with a jighead while fan casting to identify prime locations.

Feel free to post in the Meetups section anytime

[ray6591]

Hello anyone used these portable fish finders? If so do you find it useful in atlease knowing the water levels when you go out fishing. Saw a small unit that attaches to the rod and another piece you throw in the water. Nice to know if anyone has used it...

[Giuga10]

I usually locate areas that are about 3-6' deep and work a small spinner, (mepps aglia size 0 or 1), and try to locate large rocks, weed beds, and other structure. I've also learned that purposely bumping your lures into things like rocks and stumps can trigger a strike because it makes your lure look like it's a dying fish that's struggling.

Good luck!

[instapump416]

(08-04-2013 08:19 PM)Giuga10 Wrote:  I usually locate areas that are about 3-6' deep and work a small spinner, (mepps aglia size 0 or 1), and try to locate large rocks, weed beds, and other structure. I've also learned that purposely bumping your lures into things like rocks and stumps can trigger a strike because it makes your lure look like it's a dying fish that's struggling.

Good luck!

Thanks for the tip

[Giuga10]

(08-04-2013 09:50 PM)instapump416 Wrote:  Thanks for the tip

No problem. Hope it can help get you on to some fish

[DonFisher]

I find aiming at nearby structures to be very effective when you have live bait, even with worms, the small pan fishes do lure in bigger fish as they follow the smaller fish in, just gotta have patience. GL

[Randy]

(08-04-2013 08:19 PM)Giuga10 Wrote:  I usually locate areas that are about 3-6' deep and work a small spinner, (mepps aglia size 0 or 1),

Thank you, have you ever caught bass>12" on spinners of those sizes?

What's typically the first lure you guys think to use when you arrive at a pond and are targeting largemouth bass?