Know Where to Find Information
Want to know “how to know if a pond has bass?” Here’s an easy way to understand!
Finding a good pond for bass fishing isn’t just about searching it on the internet. It’s like looking for a secret treasure spot. Sometimes, people might tell stories about places filled with bass, but they might not always be true.
Think about it like this: imagine if someone told you there’s a candy store with all the candies in the world, but when you go there, you find out there’s only a few. That’s how some fishing stories are.
So, when you hear about a pond that’s great for “pond bass fishing,” make sure you check if it’s true. Not all ponds have bass. And just like you wouldn’t want to waste time in a candy store with no candy, you wouldn’t want to waste time fishing in a pond with no bass!
The best way? Well, that’s what this article will hopefully provide. Let’s unlock that question we all have when driving by a small farm pond off the highway, “Does that pond have bass?”.
Check the State Fishing Guide
One of the primary and most underestimated sources to determine whether a pond is teeming with bass is your state fishing guide. However, it is supremely astounding how frequently this goldmine of information is overlooked by amateur anglers and even some seasoned ones. In the age of the internet and depths of information at your fingertips, cracking open your state fishing guide can unearth some gems.
What folks fail to realize is that these guides aren’t just mere booklets containing rudimentary fishing rules; rather, they are chock-full of detailed maps, specific fish species information for various bodies of water, and other invaluable data on fishing conditions. Ignorance or dismissal of such a potent tool borders on the scandalous in my view.
I strongly hold the belief that no one can call themselves a genuine angler if they haven’t poured over their state’s fishing guide. It’s like trying to master culinary art without ever learning about ingredients or attempting to navigate the high seas without understanding maritime charts!
Moreover, these guides are painstakingly compiled by local experts who have dedicated their careers and lives to studying local aquatic life and environments. These guides are often curated by the Game Agency that stocks these ponds and lakes throughout the state! By ignoring them, you’re not only depriving yourself of vital knowledge but also dishonoring the hard work invested in gathering this data for your benefit.
So take this as a clarion call to dust off those guides and delve into them with renewed interest. That small pond you always that you have always dismissed might just hold your next personal best bass.
Figure out if it is public with apps like OnX
On the flipside, never has it been easier to use apps and internet tools to help you discover bass fishing ponds that you never knew existed. The instruments at our disposal are more potent than they’ve ever been! One such tool that has proven to be remarkably effective is the OnX app.
This isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill application; it’s a veritable treasure trove for anglers. Moreover, figuring out if the pond you’ve set your sights on is public can prove to be quite the conundrum. Thankfully, OnX has made folks that love to pond hop for bass easier than ever before.
Now, this is where apps like OnX stride into view with a solution. Let me tell you something about this marvel of an application – it’s like having your very own modern compass guided by laws and regulations!
With just a glance at your screen and a few taps here and there, you can discern whether that promising body of water lies within the realm of public accessibility or not. You can toggle off private lands and public property, determine areas that aren’t listed on your paper guides or internet, and can unlock access to small bass fishing ponds that many anglers have no clue exist.
Gone are the days where you had to squint at faded maps or rely on unreliable word-of-mouth information. With OnX at your fingertips, not only do you have access to detailed topographic data but also up-to-date land ownership details across 985 million acres – isn’t that something?
Honestly speaking, you are at a severe disadvantage if you aren’t using apps like OnX to help determine public land access, log property details, and finding near areas to hit those “diamond in the rough” bass ponds. It turns the question “I wonder if that pond has bass?” to a simple answer in no time.
After all, knowledge is power; don’t let ignorance restrict your prospects of landing that trophy bass! So download apps like OnX today and step into the future of fishing, where every pond is a potential goldmine of bass and you are arming yourself with more knowledge than the next angler.
Use Social Media to Determine the body of water
In today’s world, not using social media to get fishing tips would be like not using a map on a treasure hunt. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are full of people sharing pictures of their big catches. And guess what? Sometimes they even tell you where they caught them, whether on purpose or accident.
It’s pretty cool to see people showing off their fishing spots. Now, I’m not saying you should be blasting away in the comment section asking the exact coordinates or letting others know where that angler is at, but keeping a mental tab on these posts and images give you fantastic intel on some smaller bass fishing ponds to notify you when the bite is hot and where at.
Look at posts from your area or search for fishing hashtags. Talk nicely with people who caught big fish. Maybe compliment them and ask about the bait they used. If they want to tell you more, like where they were fishing, that’s a bonus!
Also, there are places online where people chat about fishing. Sure, they might argue about which fishing gear is best or who caught the biggest fish. But if you’re patient, you can find hints about good places to fish and maybe check off that question about if that smaller pond is worth your time fishing if you are observant.
Remember, some people on the internet like to brag. So, while they’re busy showing off, you can learn about some cool bass fishing spots. Think of social media like a special map, helping you find the best fishing places.
But, always remember to be careful. Not everything you see or hear on social media is true. But hey, searching for the best fishing spot is part of the fun adventure, right? Keep you eyes peeled, and you might just find out that the ditch you have been looking to score a few bites might be well worth a fishing stop.
Ask the Locals
Hey, if you want to know “how to know if a pond has bass” or get tips on “pond bass fishing,” the best way might be to ask people who live nearby!
Local people, especially the older ones, know a lot about the area. Think of them as living storybooks with all kinds of cool tales and secrets about fishing spots. They know every part of the pond and have seen the fish come and go. They can even tell you what bait to use or where the sneaky bass like to hang out.
But remember, when you want to ask locals about “local bass ponds,” it’s important to be polite. Instead of asking right away, maybe start by talking about the weather or their garden. Then, slowly bring up fishing. This way, you’re being friendly and they might be happy to help.
And always say thank you! They’re sharing a secret with you, so it’s nice to show them you’re grateful. You could even invite them to fish with you. They might have more tips to share, and it’s always fun to have a buddy when you’re fishing. So next time you’re near a pond, try asking the locals for some advice. It might just lead you to the best bass fishing spot!
Also, don’t forget to stop into your local tackle shops if you have any in the area! They can be hotbeds for the hot bite, and it’s always fantastic to support local business. If you happen to be traveling through Nebraska to fish, check out this article I created to get an idea on where the best tackle shops are in the Cornhusker State!
Call your local Wildlife Service
If you’re in a dire strait, being led astray by the internet or clueless locals, then consider this – call your local Wildlife Service. Yes, you heard it right! Your taxes go towards funding these organizations that are chock-full of professionals who know their fieldfare from their nightjar, and yes, they certainly know if your local pond is teeming with bass.
So why not pick up your telephone (it’s that device you constantly use to scroll through social media) and actually use it to make a call? Therein lies knowledge beyond what any app can provide, nestled within the mind of a bona fide expert who is paid to help you!
Moreover let me tell you this – they want to hear from people like us! They chose a livelihood of living and breathing the outdoors through game management, and are great sources to get a better idea on where some great bass fishing spots are!
Our shared experiences allow them better manage our wildlife resources. They are just as keen on knowing how many bass you’ve caught so when they do their annual or biannual fish counts, their data reflects what’s really happening on the ground.
Now before you get all hoity-toity about ‘I pay my taxes,’ ‘I have no time for this’ or ‘they never pick up the phone’ excuses to avoid making an effort – consider this: Isn’t it wiser to get first-hand information directly from those who study these bodies of water? Isn’t it more reliable than Joe-who-drinks-at-the-tavern kind of advice?
You think asking people if there are bass in a pond is like asking if there’s light in the day but trust me – not all ponds are created equal and neither is every body’s expertise. So please for heaven’s sake stop assuming, start dialing your local wildlife service.
Don’t be too full of pride or too shy to approach your local Game Agency, that is what they are paid to do and appreciate talking with folks that are passionate about bass fishing and the outdoors in general!
Use Apps like FishBrain
In the digital age we live in, even activities like “pond bass fishing” have seen a boost from technology. It might sound surprising, but if you’re wondering “how to know if a pond has bass,” there’s an app for that!
Enter Fishbrain, an app designed specifically for anglers. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods and guesswork, Fishbrain offers a treasure trove of information. Users of the app share their fishing experiences, letting you know where they’ve found bass and what bait they used. It’s like having a community of fishermen in your pocket, sharing their secrets.
Now, this doesn’t mean you lose the joy and challenge of fishing. It’s about blending old and new: using Fishbrain to get tips and suggestions, but still relying on your skills and intuition when you’re by the pond. The app merely offers a starting point, a hint. The thrill of casting your line and feeling a tug remains as exciting as ever.
Some might argue that apps like Fishbrain take away from the authentic fishing experience. But in reality, it’s about adapting and using all the tools at our disposal. After all, if a tool can increase the chances of a successful catch, it’s worth considering.
So, if you’re serious about your fishing game, give Fishbrain a try. It’s about combining the wisdom of fellow anglers with your own knowledge and intuition.
For other tips and apps that can boost your bass fishing and get you more involved in the community, check out this article created that will help you make more friends in bass fishing, and therefore unlock new areas to fish!
For an in-depth video that shows you how to break down the new waters that you find that you might be pond hopping, check out this video by Tactical Bassin‘.
Final Cast
After doing lots of planning, talking to people, and trying out new apps, it might feel overwhelming. But remember, fishing isn’t just about knowing where the bass are.
It’s about the excitement of waiting and hoping as you cast your line. It’s about feeling proud when you catch something and learning from the times you don’t. Every fisherman around the world knows this feeling.
Figuring out if a pond has bass can take work. It might be hard at times, like when you’re trying to understand a tricky app or when you’re waiting for a long time on the phone. But every challenge you face brings you closer to that moment when you feel a fish on your line.
So, to all my fellow fishermen, stay strong and keep going! There’s no feeling like figuring things out for yourself. Every time you fish, it’s a new adventure. Even if you don’t always catch a bass, every fishing trip is a chance to learn and enjoy nature.
In the end, fishing is all about enjoying the journey, not just the catch. There might be tough days, but remember: the more you learn and try, the closer you get to that amazing moment when you feel a fish tug on your line. And that’s what makes it all worth it!
Tight lines,
Dawson
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