Many of us started out fishing on small lakes, farmers tanks and ponds loaded with bass, bluegill and catfish. These little bodies of water provide some very fun days and often produce some nice catches.  I find myself driving down the highway looking through the trees to find new places to fish and it amazes me how many ponds there are everywhere I travel.

It's a fact that most of these ponds are located on private land, farms or behind barbed wire.  This said, many are available to fish if you simply ask.  Most people find it hard to approach a stranger and ask to fish their land but with a polite approach you'd be surprised on how many green lights you get.  Be sure to mention you intend to release all fish and are simply out to have fun.  If I am invited in and see someone working in their yard, I always thank them again for letting me fish and ask if there is anything I can help with.  This approach often gets you the golden ticket to fish anytime all for a little sweat.  Another trick is to take a child with you (only one at a time).  People have a hard time saying no to a father/son/daughter outing.

As for strategies I like to start out with a small spinner, my favorite - a medium sized Beetle Spin.  This little bait has caught me many fish and some monsters as well.  The benefit of the smaller bait is you can catch both bass and bluegills (i've even had catfish hit it).  I will try plastic worms rigged in a variety of ways if the spinner is not working.  My newest approach is rigging a wacky worm and fishing slow.  But for the most fun go topwater.  Crickets, mice and other critters are constantly falling in the water.  Throw a cast parallel to the shoreline, as close to a weed covered bank as possible - twitch, twitch, pause - Splash!

Fishing large lakes is awesome but look around as opportunities are everywhere.  Where else can you catch a 5lb bass after work on a Tuesday with little planning or effort.  Have fun and happy fishing.