FL Winter Pond Fishing

[JackKlassen]

Going to be taking my first trip to Florida over Christmas and am planning on bringing some rods as there are apparently ponds that hold bass by where I am staying. Living in Minneapolis I have little experience with pond fishing and all the videos I've seen about FL pond fishing have been in the summer or fall. What about the winter? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jack

[jr231]

If you can fish a lake.. you can fish a pond.. no problem 

[whitwolf]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/forum/16-southeast-bass-fishing/

You might get more Information here.

[JackKlassen]

Going to be taking my first trip to Florida over Christmas and am planning on bringing some rods as there are apparently ponds that hold bass by where I am staying. Living in Minneapolis I have little experience with pond fishing and all the videos I've seen about FL pond fishing have been in the summer or fall. What about the winter? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Jack

[jovannycosme]

In Florida, it doesn't really get that cold to slow down the bass much, especially in ponds. I suggest you located some structure, I like to target beaver Dams if any or fallen trees. If there isn't obvious structure, just work the edges and go further out little by little. Eventually you will see where the bass are holding. I been using the Missile D-Bomb in ponds lately, absolutely killing it up here in the north where it's already in the 30's and 40's, so you shouldn't have an issue.

Key is with ponds, fish about 5feet off the shore without spooking the fish, and work your way out. It'll get you more numbers for sure. Good luck!

[geo g]

The bite will be on as long as a severe cold front has not already came through.  You will need heavier line since most of our waters have heavy vegetation and some big fish.  Recommend 15 pound Floro or 15 pound Berkely Big Game.  Fish afternoons after water temps rise a little.  Should be great fishing!  If fishing the banks, wear boots and watch for the big lizards.  They may be up in the grass sunning themselves.  I love winter down here!.

[hawgenvy]

Best bass fishing in S Fl is November thru April. Except for the first two days after a cold front.

[soflabasser]

I have caught plenty of big bass in the winter, so it's definitely a good time to go bass fishing in Florida. 

[N Florida Mike]

I use flukes and senkos as search baits n ponds here in FL.I fish them with no weight.I use a 3/0 wide angle hook .I start with watermelon seed on cloudy days,and watermelon red on sunny days.There are THOUSANDS of ponds you can fish . Cold fronts slow the fish but just slow down the presentation n those conditions.

Ponds need to be " read " to eliminate unproductive waters This is not an exact science,but here are some tips that may help.

1.I usually don't fish ponds at industrial sights .They will normally not be stocked.Not saying they don't hold fish,but it is usually much slower .I will fish them if they have some attractive vegetation, have been there a long time,or on a tip.

2.Some of the best ponds are residential.Many of these will be stocked.I don't ever fish in people's yards,but look for common areas in the neighborhood.I follow whatever signs are posted, I.e no trespassing , no parking,etc.Like I said,there are PLENTY of other spots.

 

3.Look for area parks.Many of these have a pond or two on them.

4.In the ponds look for drains and outlets.They are often the best spots.

5.If you see kids feeding ducks, fish those areas.Bream and minnows come for the bread,and bass will be in the area!!.I fish nearby until they leave,then close in.Cuaght a 7 pounder doing that.

6.Use Google maps for the area you plan to fish.You can't imagine all the hidden ponds you'll find.

7.Colleges often have fishable ponds.Many of these hold good fish.

8. Golf course ponds often are great,but are usually the hardest to access.

Make sure to report on your results!

Mike