What started out as a good spring for outdoors folks, turned into lousy weather condition in late spring and early summer.
Rain, rain and more rain not only discouraged people from enjoying the outdoors just because of the crummy conditions, but because of high and in some cases dangerous water in streams and lakes.
Among fishing spots that usually remain safe and dependable are farm ponds and small lakes.
Ponds often are good places to fish during high water, and also a good getaway during hot weather, or anytime for that matter--even through the ice in midwinter ponds can offer fishing action and some fresh fish for the dinner table.
When people fish ponds, it usually is for bluegill. Some ponds also produce largemouth bass, crappie, redear, and catfish.
Ponds can be found on state and forest service land, and many private ponds exist. However, if you decide to fish a private pond, make sure you have landowner permission.
Ponds usually are quiet places. There isn’t much happening other than a little wind, bugs and an occasional frog or bird whistle. Shadows are unusual also, so when a pond is approached for fishing, it should be done quietly. Be sneaky. Wear clothing similar to to the appearance of the surroundings and keep a low profile.
On a smaller scale, ponds are like larger lakes. Look for structure such as points, weed beds, drop offs and weed lines. Outside weed lines around points are a good place to try. Don’t overlook underwater structure like downed trees. Fish relate to these places.
Use as light or small size line and equipment as feasible and still catch fish under the conditions. Also, use bait or lures similar to natural bait found in the area.
When in comes to live bait, bee moths are good, but many anglers have success with worms and crickets. And, minnows work well for crappie.
Many anglers like using artificial baits. Around ponds where there are crawfish, the Rebel mini-crawfish lure is an excellent bait. Most anything will hit them.
Beetle spins are good baits as well, and you can catch anything on them. Small jigs fished under a bobber, which is slowly twitched and retrieved is good at attracting crappie.
The farther you can cast your lure or bait from where you are standing the better, especially at clear water ponds.
Often you can catch more fish from a pond than a larger body of water. And, it is a great place for a youngster to learn fishing. It is much easier to teach a five year old on how to fish on a pond bank, rather than explaining how to cast from a boat. It’s also more fun and safer.
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BATTLE CONTINUES -- Wanted, dead not alive! Asian carp have been the scourge of America’s lakes and rivers for nearly a century.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently partnered with Wildlife Forever reminding anglers to Trash Unused Bait to help stop the spread of these and other aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Highway billboards, wanted posters and soon to be released ads in local papers distributed throughout the state advising anglers how they can help.
“Asian carp are on the door step to the Great Lakes. As juvenile fish, Asian carp look very similar to Gizzard Shad and other baitfish so it’s critical that anglers put unused bait in the trash to prevent further spread,” said John Navarro, AIS Program Administrator for the ODNR Division of Wildlife.
Both Bighead and Silver Carp are established in the Ohio River watershed but have not been detected in the Lake Erie watershed.
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