There's a little pond near my house that has bass up to about 3 or 4 pounds. For a long time I thought it didn't have a significant bass population because I only rarely caught them. I threw topwaters, spinnerbaits, and other lures without success before finally catching them in significant numbers on wacky rigs and drop shot rigs.

I know topwaters are supposed to be good bass lures, but I never got a strike with them, even though I know now that there were bass in the pond. The pond is only 2 to 3 feet deep with a few areas that go down to 4 to 5 feet. Could it be that this pond is too shallow for topwaters (because they scare the fish away)? Are there other lures that just don't catch bass in a small, shallow pond, even if they are presented properly (without being snagged)?

Every little pond is unique and may have it's own little quirks.
They may be leery of top water baits because they have been caught on them before or in a small pond they may even be able to see you when they move up near the surface.

I fish a little pond by my house and I've been very successful with topwaters, specially w/a popper. Drop shot rigs are great as well. I think epicoutdoors has a point about every little pond has it's own little quirks. I just keep casting and find out what works for me.

sinko

That's what works at my pond.

I have several ponds of various sizes plus have stocked and managed ponds for others. On small ponds of an acre or less, I find that big splashes are no-nos. I prefer weightless worms(spinning rig) or small jigs. I even toss onto a far bank and ease my worm into the water.

Another factor is conditioning. In a small pond, fish can become conditioned very quickly. On some, I can only fish 3 or 4 times a year. Spinner baits, buzz baits and top waters are just too obtrusive for me. Freelining or corkless with a 3 to 4 inch bluegill generally works well when I want to check out the bass growth.

Just feed them what they want. Just like lakes, each has it's own character as to what the fish want.

Dd22 probably won't work but on a serious note I think the drop shot and wacky rig And drop shot have the slowest natural presentation, is the pond over fished? Maybe wacky rig and d shot are techniques that they've never seen.

bubble gum floating worm with no weight

I use plastic worms and bringem in, in my pond. Watermelon red is a winner for me.

What time of day are you throwing the top water? I have caught bass in a pond with shallow water but I caught them at dusk. I like to throw a whacky rigged Senko.