Community Ponds

[Big Mike]

Took advantage of the beautiful weather to fish my community pond. It generally fishes 2-3 weeks ahead of St Mary’s Lake because it’s relatively shallow and heats up quicker. I used a 5” pumpkin green Senko and found bass willing to bite but the rusty fisherman was having difficulty setting the hook. I finally managed one that was in 1’ of water in the shallowest, sunniest portion of the lake.


There was a lot of activity going on. Sunfish were on sunny banks, crayfish mounds have sprung up overnight, turtles were sunning themselves, and a bald eagle was taking a bath yesterday and cruising the skies today. Normally mid April to mid May is when we have a shot at the big bass in the pond, this year I’m betting it will be at least 2 weeks earlier.

Always feels good to wet a line


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[J.A. Veil]

Thanks for the report. We are fortunate to have multiple options to wet a line throughout the year.

[Mark]

Nice catch Mike.

I catch pond bass occasionally in shallow water when targeting pickerel in winter. Not often, though. But I've never caught a bluegill in winter. I imagine they hunker down in deep water out of my sight and beneath my lures and flies. Seeing them near banks is a sure sign that spring is close.

I've also seen turtles swimming in Eastern Shore ponds on sunny winter days. Their reactions are slow in the cold water. They take a big risk to catch a few rays of sun. In January I actually paddled close enough to one to pick it up.