In my area over the course of the next few days, the temperature is going to be increasing a bit. I live on the east coast (northern Delaware), and it's been brutally cold over the past few days. Today it got up to 45 degrees, and the forecast says by Friday it'll be up to 60. So, I want to take advantage of this warm front and try to get some fishing in, and I need advice!

 

I typically fish small ponds, and only fish from the bank. Do you guys have any recommendations on what I should throw? I was thinking of sticking mostly to the banks where the sun is most direct and areas that are windblown, and throwing either slow moving baits (such as spinnerbaits/chatterbaits, cranks and jerkbaits), or jigs and worms. And pay extra close attention to any structure that might hold fish.

 

Am I on the right track? I'd appreciate any and all tips!

If your ponds are frozen over they may not give up their ice quite so quick. I am in Maryland and have been running down south to find open water. Down there I am seeing water temps in the high 30's. The only presentation that is getting me bites has been a Ned Rig on 4 pound test line (using the Z-Man TRD).

 

Hope you find open water, good luck!

My shallowest local pond still has an ice covering as of 230pm today, but it was thin and starting to melt back from the banks.  I am heading out tomorrow to hit a few others to see how they are progressing, but I expect to be disappointed.  High hopes for Friday though. 

 

Before the ice up I was having very little luck, with only a small dropshoted worm, very slowly dragged was producing any hits.  Even the Ned failed me.  Assuming I can find wet water, I am going for a three-pronged approach.  The aforementioned DS, a suspending jekbait, and ~6" soft swimnbaits, fished as slow as I can stand it.   

If it's still clear go with finesse or jerkbait. If it's muddy throw a crankbait and jig into the melting runoff flowing in (if possible) 

Today is the anniversary of my PB from a pond (4lbs, 2oz). I'm from AZ where the weather & water don't get nearly as cold as most places, but I think the method I used could produce fish anywhere this time of year if the conditions are right.

 

I threw a Strike King Bitsy Bug jig, 3/16oz in watermelon, with a 3" watermelon single tail grub, about 2 yards off the shoreline, as I would fish a Senko. Only caught that one fish in about two hours of fishing, but I'll never forget that AZ winter day. Downsize, slow down, and look for the fish where you expect them to be cruising along looking for an easy, slow meal. GL!