Scouting new fishing ponds

Scouting for a new place to fish is sometimes tough but can be very rewarding. Here in South East Texas we have old sand pits everywhere. Some of these are very old pits that have just been forgotten and some were dug with the thoughts of a subdivision being built around it. Whatever the case, these pits often hold a lot of big fish for the person willing to do some leg work.

First, find out who owns the property. If there are no neighbors or if you do not feel comfortable talking to them, go to City Hall for that area and ask them who the property belongs to. They may or may not give you a phone number but atleast you will have a place to start. Once you find out who the owner is, ask them for permission to fish the property and if possible, get a written letter from them stating that it is ok for you to be there. At the very least, you need to get a name and contact number for some one that can/will verify that you have permission to be there. It never fails, you start catching fish and an officer or Game Warden pulls up and tells you to leave.

Once you have acquired permission to be on the property, its time to find the fish. Most of these places are not going to have any kind of boat ramp or anything like that. You will either have to fish from the bank or if you have a canoe or Kayak or a small flat bottom boat, that would be great! Keep in mind that if this was a sand pit, it is going to be very deep so safety is a must. More than likely you will be out there alone also. Another thing to keep in mind is that the banks are going to be very steep. I am not trying to scare anyone from going to these places, just watch what you are doing!

When it comes to the actual fishing of the new pond, I have found that the fish can be very finicky. I have used my "go to" baits before with no luck. Then use an off the wall bait and kill them! Crazy Fish! Make sure you bring along a variety of baits. Dark and light colors. The water in these places is usaully pretty clear unless there has been a recent rain. The wash off from the rain could take longer to clear up because it has no where to go but to settle. I personally like to start with a top water, especially if no one has been fishing the place. These fish probably have never seen a top water bait and could be the key. If that doesn't work, look for structure in the water. Structure can be a ledge, a log or a limb sticking up out of the water. These structures will hold fish. You may have to throw several baits at them or the same bait several times. Don't give up, they are there.

This was my reward for throwing at the bush on the 7th cast! Sometimes it takes them a while to hit.

One thing I would also suggest is to get the local Game Warden's number and let him know what is going on. This is not so much to let him know you are fishing there, but if you notice something going on out there, you will have someone to call and report it to so that they know it was not you! Now as far as eating the fish that come from these places, it's up to you. If the fish looks healthy and clean, it should be fine.  Usually if the water is bad or something is wrong, you will smell it or see it.

Now maybe you can have your own little place to go relax and do some fishing!  Just be sure and take care of the place and respect the owner's wishes.