Revisiting the "old hole"

[airborne_angler]

Went out today to a spot way out ,probably a 3 mile walk to an old hole I was told about when I was younger,Probably back in the early 90's. Its a hole probably 300 feet  long and about 100-150 feet wide. Theres really only 1 open spot to fish at from the bank as everything else on the shore is populated with trees and vegetation. I have a float tube but im leary about whats in the water and thats one of my questions(the approach of this body of water,Would it be wise to venture into it being in a float tube?),I went there years ago and the top of the water was overgrown,its clear now but the water is stained brown.

     How do I know if theres even any fish still in there. Story is its an old quarry(you can see the enormous hills of rock nearby) Could this mean the bottom is rocky? The water thats in there is the natural water table and hasnt dried up in years and years,someone at some point mustve stocked it. Its not really on a map and of all the people I have talked to ,noone has ever heard of it(thats great for me IF theres fish still in there.)I have no idea how deep this thing is and dont think too many people fish it anymore ,I used to see a few people there at times.. I know theres bullfrogs,large turtles and lots of tadpoles that continously bubble the surface. Years ago( MORE THAN 10) I went there and saw  2 huge bass , 1 huge carp and I caught yellow cats out of it. How should I approach it to try to be successful as I dont even know if theres any fish still in there. Its a ways out and I doubt anyone ever goes there anymore except to watch the birds as it lies on land thats used as a birdwatchers paradise. Thanks for the suggestions,like I said im leary about the whole float tube thing ,what would you all do?

[Sweetwater]

1. Unless you live in gator country, there's nothing to fear by floating the pond.

2. Ducks, geeses, and other migratory birds can spread fish eggs to waters not stocked with fish by man. It's possible that the hole contains bass.

[lookin4lunkers]

Fishinaz you may have come into your silver lined cloud. As sweetwater said many birds will move fish from water to water, and if you know there was bass 10 years ago then short of it drying up or being poisoned it should still have bass in it. Possible some good ones. I would float the water because everyone else is fishing in the one spot you mentioned. The only way I would not float it is the chance of gators like sweetwater said. If its an old rock quarry, its probably deep with lots of rock bottom, I'm sure some of it has filled in with silt but not much. Good luck with the fishin and with the 3 mile hike.

[George Welcome]

I don't think there are any gators out there.

A bit of gator info: You are the number one and almost only predator of gators. They know this and will avoid you. We wade fish with them critters in the area, and swim with them in the area all the time. They are terrified of humans, unless someone is feeding them.

[lookin4lunkers]

Braver than I am. My luck a stick would brush my leg and I would drown myself trying to get to the bank.

[razyrsharpe]

i definately live in gator country (SC) and have eliminated any method of fishing that includes getting in the water with the gators.  not every pond or body of water has 'em, but why take the chance?  i RESPECT gators!

[Phishn_Phool]

I agree with you Razy.   I fish some almost everyday and see gators everyday.  I will stay in the boat thank you.  i  have had gators chase my baits and even caught a 3 footer on a Devilshorse a couple weeks ago.. Last winter there was a 14 yr old boy killed here on the Dead River.  NO SIR I RESPECT THE GATORS and everyone should.

                                    CPR ;D

[airborne_angler]

When I decide to gear up to try this hole,what would be a good overall bait to throw to probe with and see what may be in the water,The water is stained brown and im not exactly sure whats under the surface,as far as cover,structure and snags and such. My guess would a soft plastic rigged weedless or a weedless jig. If any of you just stumbled onto something like I have what would be the first order of business to be successful on this hole. Like I said its very desolate,about a 3 mile walk in temperatures of 95 degrees or better (Southern Arizona),yesterday it was 102 so Im thinking unless its a great hole and lots of people know about it,people will find other places to go. Like I said its here in Southern Arizona so I seriously doubt theres any gators at all. But Beavers have been reintroduced to the area,do they pose any kind of threat when fishing?

[TWP]

spinnerbait

[mtangtong]

fishinaz, I would try to use some kinda live bait.  Minnows are awsome because the bass love'em.