Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Get A Fishing License
Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.
Register A Boat
Register your boat today. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more.
Home > Take Me Fishing Blog > February 2021 > Local Fishing Checklist for Freshwater Ponds and Lakes
Since spring is right around the corner, now is the perfect time to put together a local fishing checklist. A checklist can help you get prepared for new freshwater fishing adventures close to home.
If you’re just getting started, learn about the species that inhabit local ponds and lakes near you. Freshwater fish such as largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish are some of the most common species, but you can check the Places to Fish and Boat Map to find out where to fish near you and get information about which species you can catch. When selecting the best tackle and gear, you’ll want to consider the fish species you plan to catch and type of local fishing spots you plan to fish.
The fishing gear included in this sample checklist will provide you with a basic idea of what you’ll need to catch largemouth bass and panfish at local fishing spots, such as the bank of a pond or lake shoreline.
Once you have your tackle and gear assembled, check a local fishing report or local fishing forecast that provides current information about which species are actively biting in the waterways near you. For example, you can use the Take Me Fishing skill for Amazon Alexa as a resource for up-to-date local fishing forecasts.
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing adventure.
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing and boating adventure.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more.
Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter.
SUBSCRIBERS PREFERENCES
What information would you like?