Camp Fish a Pond

If you have plans to camp this summer, don’t forget the fishing rods. You probably will be camping near some water such as a lake, river, or stream and that means a good opportunity for some fishing fun. And make sure you and your kids don’t overlook that little pond near camp.

Here are a few reasons to fish a pond:
 

1. Ponds are shallower than lakes and thus more productive. They warm quickly in the season and because sunlight reaches much of the bottom, the resulting aquatic vegetation and plankton is a great kick start for the food chain. As the vegetation increases through the season, consider weedless rigs and topwater lures such as frogs.

2. Because ponds are smaller, you can cover a higher percentage of the water and have a better chance of casting to fish. These fish aren’t going anywhere. It is just up to you to discover what lures or bait they want. Depending on the fishing pressure on this pond, you may need to try to show the fish “something different.” For example, consider casting smaller or larger than average lures.

3. Ponds are “user friendly.” In larger bodies of water, fish seem to have periods where they are “on” or “off.” However, pond fish almost always cooperate. Ponds are a great place to take kids fishing. Equipped with a can of nightcrawlers or grasshoppers, success is almost guaranteed.

Fishing in a pond can be so successful that it can be tricky to manage and keep in balance. For example, if a few top predator large bass are removed from the system, it can result in years of stunted sunfish. In general, catch and release is the way to go but, depending on the pond, a few bluegills probably won’t be missed in that productive pond for long.

Is a pond your favorite place to fish? Check the recent released 2015 top 100 places to fish and boat to choose a place to go, share this post with your friends and remind them to renew or get their fishing license before camping near fishing opportunities.

Andy Whitcomb

Andy Whitcomb is a columnist, outdoor humorist, and stressed-out Dad. He says there are “people who fish”… and there are “fishermen”.  One of the few things he knows is that he is a “fisherman”...  To the point it could be classified as borderline illness.  Sharing this obsession is rewarding, therapeutic. He likes to encourage people to “stop and smell the crappie."  Enjoys catching fish, but gets a greater thrill out of helping someone else hook up.
Born in Florida, but raised on the banks of Oklahoma farm ponds. Now relocated to western Pennsylvania. He has fished, worked, lived all around the US.  He has a B.S. in Zoology from Oklahoma State as well...
And he met his wife while electrofishing. He has been contributing weekly to www.takemefishing.org since 2011.