Hey guys,

I really want to get more into fishing beyond the normal once or twice a year excursion to a local lake to catch nothing. My family has about 3000 acres in the Hill Country, on which are several stock ponds of good size and were stocked with Bass several years ago. I have family who I know have pulled some giant one out of there in the past, and pressure is almost non existent.

The primary 3 tanks I plan to fish are in between 20-30 acres in size; I would guesstimate 20ft at the deepest point. They all have tree growth in them at certain points and a good amount of hydrilla for cover.

I've been fishing these tanks from shore as I don't have access to a boat. I've been relatively unsuccessful (3 fish after 5-6 hours of fishing). I've tossed everything in my arsenal but I tend to primarily focus on using a 10' and 7' power worms and an occasional spinner bait.

I was wondering if you guys could give me some tips of what to use, or how I could increase my chances of getting some strikes?

Any links or reading is quite welcome

Thanks,
Mike

Try a jig!

Is there any jig that is relatively weedless? Thats why I've been using texas rigged worms so much.

What is the water clarity? What type of forage is in there?

A GREAT tip would be to take me along! Just kidding, those ought to be great! I used to fish out of a 8' plastic boat w/trolling motor. They're not very expensive and you would be suprised how much better your fishing might become. Good Luck!!!

Throw a rattle trap when it gets in the grass rip it out that will trigger strikes watched kvd do it last year

I would describe the water as being "clear" but I don't know that I'm the best judge.

Forage is simply duckweed/hydrilla. There are several oak trees that are at the waters edge and unknown types of trees 5-10ft off shore.

Here is a pic if that helps at all.
http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/...pg&newest=1

Good thing private ponds are easier to fish than a large lake. I would suggest walking around the pond as you fish. Like on full size lakes the fish will generally be in different places day to day. You might want to try some crankbaits to try to locate them then when the crankbait bite stops work the area again with your soft plastics. Varying you presentations should also help you. Also try downsizing you baits if you are going for numbers. Top waters have their place as well. If you are not happy with tthe results you could always get a fishing tube, kayak or jon boat and work the pond more thoroughly. Remember just beacuse it is less pressured doesn't mean you will always wear 'em out.

I would try a small spinnerbait .. probably white skirt and I like gold blades....Also get a Rapala Original Floater that is about 3 inches long and floats and twitch it around the bank and hold on.

By forage I mean food bluegill,shad etc. How far down can you see?

not sure about any other species of fish in the tanks. I'm confident they are there since I know the bass are plentiful.

I was able to see my worm about 4-5 ft from the surface, but it's difficult to know if I could see further. I'm fishing from the bank so it's tough to find depth close up.

So you guys are saying try a topwater this time of year? How is top water fishing if you have say a 10mph wind?

They will hit a topwater as long as they are hitting on top.

pm sent

Its a little too cold for a topwater right now. Try a weightleass worm such as a senko. Also, shaky head worms work great when the fish are not as active. Good luck.