Private pond bass fishing
 

My friend Craig was nice enough to invite me out to a private pond he has access to and boy did we put a hurting on the bass. We fished about 4 hours and caught almost 100 between the two of us. Mostly 1-2 pounders but the biggest I landed was 16.5" and jumped right back in the water as I tried to get a pic on the Hawg Trough. I also lost 3 really good fish right at the kayak. I know.. the big ones always get away so says the fishermen, but Craig can vouch for me. I stood in the kayak and fished most of the day. Right as I leaned over to get the net, they'd slip off. He saw me lose all 3 of them and laughed each time as I threw my hat or rod down in a fit. One was easily a 4 pounder :mad:

He landed his hog though, a solid 5 pounder, maybe a bit over 5 pounds. She came out of an area we had both fished several times that morning and both caught fish out of. I guess she was being picky.

I caught over 40 and every one of them came on a Zoom finesse worm. Watermelon/red and junebug colors. I tried other lures with no luck. Craig caught them on Power Team Lures tubes and DT6 crankbaits.

I haven't had a day like this in many years when I catch 40+ bass in about 4 hours. Today has inspired me to put in the work to locate some private ponds and start asking for permission. I'd much rather do this anyday than fish JPP and deal with all the "bassholes"

Hopefully I'll get to fish that pond again with him, I feel like I have some unfinished business with the larger ones that got away!

Congrats on a great day.

Regards


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Great day for sure!

Put a hurtin on em.
I had a buddy ask me to help him figure out a farm pond he has permission to fish.
I am anxious to get out there, but i really wont have time until after the wedding/honeymoon.

You're a lucky man. I would enjoy that setting also.

Billy


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I've had a number of bass give me back my lure when they were done with it, before I was done with them!!

But we still get a thrill out of the hit, the hookup, the fight! And if they are not in the mood to hang around for photos, so be it!

That's one fun place. It's nice because there is no pressure, and you can try different techniques, and get comfortable with them. You'll get them next time Jimmy.

Yes that is definitely the location to try a new technique and catch fish. I tried a couple new things with no luck and the went back to the Zoom worms because I wanted to keep up with him in numbers haha. It didn't work, I'd say he still caught at least dozen more than I did.

Craig is a great angler, no matter where we are he catches more fish and better quality fish than I do consistently. He is definitely someone to watch, and learn from.

That is some fertile water. Green water is good water.

I think Craig's fish had more meat on his bones than you do Jimmy. :D You need to take your fly rod a few clousers and a couple mice from what I see.

Sounds like an excellent day!

Haha that's funny! For the record, I'm thin but I have plenty of meat on me as I do some pretty hard training and eat very clean. Just all the light reflecting off me from being so pale makes it hard to see. The Italian in my blood isn't noticeable until a few more shirtless fishing trips, then I darken up.

I actually did have my flyrod with me but it got a bit windy and like I said, I was focused on keeping up with Craig.

Great day!!!What kind of kayak is that in the pic? Ive been looking at getting a fishing kayak for awhile now. Saw a spl that u cound stand up on but dont know how stable or safe that would be. Really dont want to lose all my gear...lol..

Ive also got some friends that have access to some private ponds. Think i might head out there today..!!!

It's a Wilderness Systems Ride 115 and I absolutely love it. It's super stable for standing and fishing. I stand and fish in it most of the time now. Actually almost every fish I caught and landed that day while standing. During colder months, I don't do that because I don't want to fall in. It's stable enough that it absolutely won't tip over but that doesn't mean I can't lean too far back while setting the hook and fall out. I've come close a couple times. I sometimes even sit on the edge of the yak, letting my legs hang in the water, and let the wind blow me parallel to the bank while casting.

Head up to Hendersonville and check out HOOK1 (www.kayakfishinggear.com) and they will take great care of you. That's where I bought mine and there are several members of this forum who are kayak fishermen and bought their yaks from them. They'll even take you to Old Hickory to let you demo a kayak for free. I demoed this one for about 3 hours, fished out of it, and bought it as soon as I got back in the store. The staff are all avid kayak fishermen who know their stuff. They won't pressure you to buy the most expensive model, they'll get you in what fits your needs and budget best. I never once felt pressured.

Great day!!