Posted by Wayne from gateway58.platinum.com on August 17, 1998 at 10:53:20:
In Reply to: The ponds near Cantera Movie Theatre posted by Eric S. on August 17, 1998 at 08:51:51:
Tried the same pond Friday evening about 5-5:30. Using a small rooster tail I caught and released about 8 small (8-10 in) LM Bass and about 15 sunfish. Then I switched to some bigger spinners and caught a few more small (but a little bigger) bass. I agree with Eric, that this could be a good spot as long as the bass are given a chance to grow.
: I parked in the west end of the movie theater parking lot and tried the small pond just west of the lot. All I can say is "WOW!" The pond is clear with a pretty good weed structure. Some cabbage, cattails and floating weeds, but not choked like most ponds this time of year. You could actually fish a Rapala and catch a fish, and play it.
: Upon walking up I spooked a big bunch of nice sized bluegill from the shallows. It was sunny and hot at about mid-day, but what the hell, I tried a topwater frog. No shit, on the first cast it got nailed, but I missed it. A few casts later in front of the cattails, BOOM, a 17" largemouth (which was promptly released). I thought I had found a really honey hole. I worked the frog around the entire pond, but that was it. I spent the rest of my time catching 8" to 12" largemouth on a small bronze Rapala. They must have stocked this pond, because I saw a huge school of largemouth bass ranging from six inches to twelve inches. When a lure hit the surface, the whole school would rush the lure, looking like a four pounder coming in for the kill.
: This would be an excellent pond to take youngsters to teach them about bass fishing. Some small topwater stuff such as the Rebel Crickhopper, Wee Frog, or some small Rapalas would give kids a chance to catch their first bass.
: **I can't emphasize enough to put back the largemouth after you've caught them. Otherwise this pond will be overrun with puny bluegills and will suck just like most waters around here.
: Good Fishing.
: Eric S.