I am technically a newbie, I have been fishing with my dad for years, but whenever we go we hardly catch fish. I am starting to go to small ponds and lakes around my area but haven't seen much success, not to surprising considering who taught me how to fish. I know the basics like what's what and all, but I was wondering what are the best starting hard baits? easiest soft plastics to use? and what is the best type of jig? Also if any one has tips for fishing ponds they would be appreciated as well.

Small structure like ponds can be a lot of fun and there are several ways to fish them effectively. At dusk and dawn try some top water action like a buzzbsit or a hoola popper. Just because they're not hitting the buzz doesn't mean they won't bite top water sometimes they want a slower retrieve and the popper often times will do the trick. Don't fish the popper to fast let it sit there for a couple seconds. I see a lot of guys fishing a popper to quickly. You can never go wrong with a basic rubber worm Texas rigged and slow dragging it. Spinnerbaits are always a good small pond lure just remember to give it a tug from time to time you'll find its more effective than a straight retrieve. Jigs? Not a big jig fisherman someone else will have to chime in.

Here's a good post for anybody in your situation.  Tight lines!

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/13845-guaranteed-to-catch-bass/

"Just Getting Started"

I just cant catch bass
Learning to fish on your own
 

Thanks guys. I've heard, and seen a lot of post about flukes being the best beginner soft bait. I know this is a biased statement but was it true for any of you guys?

In ponds I've always had success on 6" worm or lizard, red shad or watermelon red my go to colors.  Also small cranks like a Mann's baby 1- have always caught fish.

One of my pond favorites would have to be a 2 in green pumpkin curlytail grub, and a beetlespin!

The Rapala Original Floater is hands down the best beginner hardbait. Size: F7 Color: Silver. Something about that foiled silver and balsa action that drives fish nuts! Cast it out and twitch it/reel it/stop it/twitch it again. Vary your retrieves, if there is bass near you, they will show themselves.

 

I fish alot of ponds seein as how thats all we have where I live. Strike king eliminator or shad jerk baits in white or blue fished slow and as they are called with a jerk or twitch works awesome for me give em a shot. The flukes work also just a strike king fan myself