There is a decent (5 acre) sized pond that i am absoloutley dying to get on. I have permision to hunt on some property and they told us about their lake back in the woods. They dont really own it, they own up to it's shoreline pretty much. The guy that owns the lake lives down the road, and has a dirt road/ trail that you use to put a boat in it. I cant fish it from the shoreline that i have permission from, since it is very marshy. I know that this is a good lake, one of the bass clubs caught the biggest fish of the year (in their club) out of it a while ago, i think it was 6 lbs. How should i ask to get on it? I dont even know the guys name.

Introduce yourself and ask all he can do is say yes or no  

It also never hurts to tell the owners, "you'll pack out all trash you see".   Most people ruin it for others because they leave trash laying around and don't respect a persons property.

Even if you don't like to kill bass, offer to fillet some for the owners. I did this once on a farm pond and the owner was so thrilled that he told me where another pond is on the other side of his property that was surrounded by trees. This pond was so small that I could almost cast across it. It hadn't been fished in 10 yrs and on my first day fishing there I caught my second biggest bass ever.

Also make sure you inform him of your intentions which I am guessing are catch and release. If he does let you on the pond be sure to thank him at the end of the year with a gift. That can be a lure, rod, cookies, or dinner.

Maybe the people that gave you permission to hunt know the owner... and if so, may be able to introduce you.  (the introduction may help since they know you are hunting nearby and have a good relationship with other local landowners.)  If nothing else, they may know his/her name, so you can address them as Mr. or Ms. so and so.

Good luck.  

Even if they say no, thank them for their time.  If you leave them with a good impression, you may end up with permission later.

ive had decent success with just knocking on the door and saying "is it all right for my son and i to go fishing in your pond".  it may sound shady but i find i have better luck if i bring my son with me lol.  he almost always is with me anyways so dont think im running the poor kid around trying to sneak onto ponds lol.  often times though we will only get permission for the day or whatever since these ponds are usually very close to the peoples house and i think that they are nervous about giving permission for anything more than that.  and although i always catch and release bass i always make that clear and then do ask if they would like me to keep any for them.  a ten pound catfish we caught in one (with a senko) made a very good impression with one pond owner.

matt

First of all introduce yourself and the neighbor that you know.  Farmers all know their neighbors.  Second of all tell him what you want to catch and if you keep fish or just CPR.  THen like said before offer to clean some fish for him and ask what kind how many, etc.  Also dont litter and pick up any garbage you see. I got kicked off a pond for other people littering, I know have permission to fish it again and take anything out that I see. I picked up tons of shot off fireworks and papers this summer, but the farmer pulled up when I was doing it and Im pretty sure I have permission locked up.  And dont get greedy is the big thing, as far as keeping fish or how often you fish this place.  Most farmers in this area will give permission if you are cordial and polite.  

Corey

Mmmm agreed.  I've had luck this way.