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How far away do you live from the closest bass pond? If you’re like most people in North America (about 80%!) you probably live within just 10 miles of the closest honey hole.
That’s good news because bass fishing in ponds is a great way to get some fresh air and truly unwind.
However, it calls for some unique fishing techniques – and of course, some special gear.
When you’re headed out to your favorite bass pond, you need to be armed with the right gear.
I’m not just talking about your trusty rod and reel – you need some of the best bass lures for ponds, too.
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Why You Need Special Bass Lures for Ponds
Pond fishing offers an allure like no other. Not only are there usually fewer anglers on the water to compete with, but ponds are much smaller than lakes and therefore offer a more confined area in which you can fish.
That means more access to low-key fishing experiences – and of course, more fish, too.
Not all ponds offer good bass fishing, but those that do require the best techniques and equipment. You need to make sure your lures are getting in front of the fish.
Special bass lures for ponds are important because pond bass tend to be more skittish. Therefore, you’ll want to use lures that will offer you a stealthier approach.
Don’t forget, you’ll also need different types of bass lures that can reach all levels of the water column.
Bass that are confined to the small, isolated world of a pond are more accustomed to feeding on natural foods like tadpoles, minnows, insects, worms, and crayfish.
Therefore, you need to choose baits that not only behave naturally but look natural, too.
Best Bass Lures for Ponds
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are crucial for bass fishing. Whether you invest in lipless crankbaits or square bills, you’ll find that having several different shapes, colors, and sizes on hand will make a huge difference in your success out on the water.
The color you choose will depend on the water color and clearness where you are fishing.
Regardless, these crankbaits below are awesome – they closely resemble baitfish, which will encourage bass to strike without fear.
Trick Worms
A trick worm is a long worm, usually about eight to twelve inches long, that comes in a variety of colors.
You can rig them in multiple ways, making them perfect for nervous bass in a small pond.
These can be thrown weightless or rigged up, but most will dance in shallow water, even without any weight.
You’ll find that bass can’t resist them, and often, they’re a great way to find a large school of bass.
Investing in a large variety of colors is a good idea, as what the bass feed on will vary depending upon their feeding habits, location, and the time of day.
I love the trick worms by Zoom. They come in dozens of different colors and styles, so you’ll never be left undergunned.
Senkos/Wacky Worms
Senkos, or even similar bass lures like Wacky Worms or Dingers, are perfect for bass anglers working in ponds.
These are usually about four to six inches long and made out of soft plastic. They work great because they come in a variety of colors and are easy to attach to your rig.
If you’re not sure which color you want, consider buying a variety pack – you’ll be able to catch bass any day of the week.
Jigs
Jigs are baits that will let you catch aggressive fish and those that are more passive.
This is because they come in a variety of colors, designs, weights, and heads. You can buy swim jigs, casting jigs, finesse jigs, football head jigs, and even flipping jigs.
They work best in ponds that have rocky bottoms, as well as those with heavy amounts of grasses, weeds, and lily pads.
However, you can also throw them into open or muddy waters, too.
These football jigs below are especially effective in rocky, muddy waters but they can be used in other areas too.
Murky waters call for dark colors like blue and black, but they also come in other shades, too.
Spinnerbaits
One of the most popular types of bait when it comes to bass fishing, spinnerbaits can help you locate individual fish or schools of fish.
They’re just like other baits in that they come in a large array of sizes, colors, and weights – but they also offer various blade types, too.
Spinnerbaits are effective when you are pond fishing because they make a sound in the water that draws fish in.
Like the other bass lures I mentioned, these spinnerbaits also come in a variety of colors and weights.
What to Look For In a Good Bass Lure
When you buy bass lures for pond fishing, choose those that are rated for shallow waters.
Invest in a variety of colors, too, as the effectiveness of your lure will vary depending on the time of day and the clarity of the water.
Consider where you plan to fish when you’re shopping for the best bass lures for ponds.
While some ponds might be small enough for you to fish the entire body, with others, you’ll have to devote your attention to a particular area of the pond – and this requires different techniques and different equipment.
For instance, if you’re fishing on the edge of the shoreline (arguably the best spot to fish for bass if it’s not too shallow), you’re going to need a weedless lure that can make its way through the heavy cover.
On the other hand, if you’re fishing an inlet, you’re going to want a quick-moving lure that mimics the natural appearance and behavior of insects and minnows.
These are the foods that your bass will be going after there.
The best way to prepare yourself for a great day out on the pond is to make sure you have a variety of bass lures at your disposal.
You can almost never predict how the bass is going to respond on any given day – so make sure your tackle box is fully loaded with a wide assortment of the best bass lures for ponds.
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