I agree with the early deal if possible. Another trick I used to do everytime when fishing small ponds is to cast before you get all the way down to the water. Fish will get right up on the bank and they feel your foot steps, usually ending in a poof of mud where it swam off. Being stealthy really ups your odds. The fact that you could see the little fish close to bank makes me think a bass or two might have them looking for cover and there probably isn't much cover out deeper. Good luck !1