spooky pond bass

As luck would have it we have the mildest winter I can remember and I can't find a weekend to get away and chase them. So Saturday afternoon between chores I walked down the hill and checked out the small pond and found quite a few bass up shallow but spooky as all get out. The water was murky so I don't think they were seeing me but every time I casted at them they would spook. I kind of understand if the lure lands close but I was casting 10' to 20' past them in most cases using an ultralight and small curly tail which doesn't make much splash. Got bit once and lost it but I can't believe with all of the fish I spooked shallow I couldn't get a few more bites and seal the deal (first fish of 2012). I have seen this kind spookiness before -- any ideas what to throw at ultra spooky shallow fish like that?

Looks like an early spring on the way sure hope I can get away in the next couple of weeks before they go on the beds in March... ;)

kc

Don't know what kind of cover surrounds your pond, but if it's not thick, try actually casting your bait a foot onshore then dragging it into the water. That is a killer technique with a jig when bass are shallow.

I like the drag-in technique too. Small finesse or floating worm nose hooked can be deadly also. Doesnt make much sound hitting in the water, and sometimes they will start to spook, but stop when they see the slow fall of the weightless worm. I used to use this technique in march all the time when I was a boy doing a lot of pond fishing.

tried some pond fishing yesterday too with no luck. noticed the wind was out of the east. Ive always heard they don't bite good when the wind is out of the east. anyone noticed any truth to this?

The cover around the pond is pretty thick in most places. The dam is the only bank area that is clear but it is still lined with cattails. I may have to give casting up on the bank a try though. With a weedless worm I may be able to make that work in spots. Another thought I had was the lack of wind Saturday. I would imagine on a day with a little chop on the water they would spook less...

kc

There is general truth to that thought. An east wind is indicative of a frontal passage which is what we had yesterday. Especially in the winter / early spring pre-front and warming conditions tend to be better than post front and cooler temps...

kc

Wind from the North
Need not go forth
Wind from the South
Blows hookin their mouth
Wind from the East
Fishing is least
Wind from the West
Fishing is best.

I fish a small, clear lake early every spring and the bass are super spooky when they first come shallow.

I try to keep a low profile. Use long casts as much as I can. I've had good luck with weightless worms and lizards. I try to stop the bait just as it's about to hit the water to keep it from splashing too much. Watch your line, lots of times I don't feel the bite but see my line move.