My 23 year old son, Sean, called at 10:30 on a hot July Saturday morning to announce we had a mission for the day. A fishin' mission!! Seems one of his friends had a pond on his land that was due to be drained and dredged. Sean's buddy merely wanted us up to "clean out" as many bass as possible, so the resource wouldn't be wasted! My kind of work-always glad to lend a hand!

    The pond was on beautiful land, tucked far in the woods, away from most civilization.But the water itself was rather unprotected-little shade directly around shore and no weeds, lily pads, reeds, or other aquatic cover. Plus it was already noon on a very bright, still summer day. And we knew we weren't by any means the first in recent weeks to be invited to try our angling prowess in reducing the bass and panfish population. In fact, we were told the bluegills were already gone!

    A few bass did succumb to plastic worms, but it was rather slow going. So, as usual when things are tough, out came the light spinning rod with a 1/32 oz chartreuse tube and little nickel willow overhead spinner. After the initial few casts to watch its action and get my rhythm, the rod bowed over and I landed the biggest largemouth taken up till that time! Walking around the pond, and stopping at spots I'd previously pounded somewhat unsuccessfully with my best worms and colors, I picked up one bass after another! It was as easy as picking grapes!The jaded ole bass just couldn't pass up this flashy little morsel and surprised me at times with the viciousness of their strike-sometimes tracking and attacking virtually at my feet. Later the "fished out" panfish joined the party as well! Though a 25 pound snapping turtle which Sean took at day's end didn't hit the little spin (otherwise Fish-N-Supply would've had a new record mark on the lure!!), we did end up with 44 largemouth bass (by actual count) and a number of bluegills.

    My technique was easy- I'd just cast out and retreive slowly to start the willow blade spinning, then pause and let it swim to bottom on a semi taut line.I was using 8# test Power Pro braided line, which has a diameter similar to one pound test mono, so the often delicate takes in deeper water were instantly telegraphed back. After the little lure had touched bottom I'd slowly retreive a few feet then let it drop down again. Most of my strikes were during the dropping phase, with the little willow blade twirling and shaking the tube into its subtle action. The bass may have "seen everything" ,but they weren't ready for this tiny ,realistic bait that doesn't "overplay nature"!

    Many of us have these farm ponds around and they are a wonderful outlet for bass and panfishing adventures. But, even though these special spots may have a healthy population or were once well stocked, fish can still get picky once established.  Some small waters can become downright tough! And since walking & hiking in is often involved, make sure,if anything, you pack the light spinning outfits and a pocketful of Fish-N- Spins!!