Farm Pond Permission

[Got Bass?]

How would you go about asking permission to fish a farm pond? What kind of things should you say? I have several great looking farm ponds that I want to get permission to fish, but I just don't know how to go about it? Anything will help. Thanks.

[frogtog]

Just find out who owns them and pay them a visit. I use to try to go see them like on a Sunday evening after lunch. Just introduce yourself and let them know what your wishes are. Don't try to get life time rights to start off with and only

get permission for yourself. Always be polite and thank them either way it goes.

Remember the owner has a great liability risk owning a pond and some do get the jitters over this. If you do get permission asked the owners if they would like some fish if you catch any. And always remember to leave the pond in better shape than you found it. ( Like if you see trash lying around, pick it up )

Good Luck!

[jeremyt]

When I was about 16 yo there was a nice pond right through the woods from my parents house. While I didn't know anything other than bobbers and night crawlers, I offered to do some work for the man, I also told him that I was just wanting to fish for fun that I would release anything that I caught.  The man gave me permission and we actually became friends. With my parents permission he also took me deer hunting and taught me a lot about life and how to act. Try to be more personable.

[Sam]

Just be your sweet self and do the following:

Dress nice.  Some "older" people do not like nasty tee-shirts or tatoos, etc.

Ask by being humble and polite and smile.

Let them know where you live.

Tell them you will not leave trash behind.

Tell them you will release all fish.

After they say "yes" and you fish a few times bring them a "thank you" gift of candy or a gift certificate to a local resturant.

A little sweetness goes a long way.

There are six families that have homes on the local pond near my house.  Four have said I could fish off their docks.  The fifth fishes the pond and I walked over and met her and if I want I could fish with her.

The sixth are two guys living together and they are apprehensive about me fishing off their dock so I don't do it. Although I have been known to throw in a line as I stand next to their dock.

Good luck.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Growing up my cousins and I fished a farm pond near my grandparents house. We always offered to help with chores and cleaned the area whether it was our mess or not. We also promised to catch and release only.

Falcon

[senile1]

frogtog stated:

Just find out who owns them and pay them a visit.

This is the most difficult part of getting permission . . . finding out who owns a pond.  In some rural areas the houses located near many ponds are rented.  So you have to ask them who the owner is, how to contact him or her, etc.  There can be a lot of leg work.  Once you do find them.  The advice already given is golden.  

[Avalonjohn44]

Another thing to remember, in the event that they no, still be gracious, and thank them for their time.  This will be beneficial in case you decide to ask again later.