Need some help figuring out this pond.

[Wulf N7]

So this year some relatives of mine bought some land that has a pond on it, we went down to fish it in late February and absolutely slayed giants on this place. If I had to guess we caught 10 fish that weighed between 6-8lbs in just two trips and a lot more 3-5lb range. I even caught my PB (9.5lbs) on this place. But ever since those first two trips we just haven't caught them like that. I've fished it multiple times since and haven't caught a fish over 5lbs and i'll usually catch 2-3 fish in 4 hours and maybe one will be 3-5lbs if i'm lucky. I figured going finesse would be the answer, I tried wacky rigs and shaky heads but still wasn't catching much, at this point i'm just stumped on what to do. As far as how the pond is layed out it has very little cover,  a couple laydowns but not much, no grass and some duckweed on the shallow end. As far as depth I would guess it's max is between 8-10ft. Water visibility varies from moderately stained to muddy. 

[everythingthatswims]

Go back in February! 

 

And welcome to bassresource. This time of year it tends to be tough no matter where you are. I would suggest fishing early and late with some topwaters, this time of year they aren't always deep due to oxygen levels. Definitely go back once "early fall" sets in and bring your moving baits!

[Wulf N7]

2 hours ago, everythingthatswims said:

Go back in February! 

 

And welcome to bassresource. This time of year it tends to be tough no matter where you are. I would suggest fishing early and late with some topwaters, this time of year they aren't always deep due to oxygen levels. Definitely go back once "early fall" sets in and bring your moving baits!

Thanks. Yeah I hope once it starts cooling down it turns the bite back on, i haven't really tried topwater much. Might have to try the spook this weekend. 

[Jar11591]

I would try it at night.

[Molay1292]

I would find out if someone else is fishing it and hauling the fish out.

[Wulf N7]

8 hours ago, Molay1292 said:

I would find out if someone else is fishing it and hauling the fish out.

We thought that was a possibility but the only other person who has permission to fish it releases everything. He hasn't seen anything nor have the people who rent from my relatives. 

[blckshirt98]

Depending on how big the pond is, maybe introduce a couple of pieces of structure, conveniently within casting distance from shore, into the pond to give the bass some cover.

[jr231]

Restrictions aren't always followed ! I'd set up a trail cam to be sure. Someone at my past grandfathers pond snuck in at night and left their cigarette butts and about 15 bluegill on the bank. 

I don't know who it was but they are about as trashy as you can get. I'm assuming they kept whatever they were after .. 

My bass

[Acheron1377]

It might be a good idea to try live bait... shiners etc. This is the easiest way to find out if they are still there or not.  Once you know they are there it just trial and error for whatever works.

[Robert Riley]

On 8/24/2016 at 5:41 PM, Jar11591 said:

I would try it at night.

When the fishing really slows down, I go at night. My buddy and I fished about 3 hours and probably caught 50lb of bass. The noisier the bait the better.