Bass Fishing Tips for Ponds in Mississippi

Mississippi Fishing License

All Mississippi bass anglers must purchase a fishing license issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. As of September 2009, this license costs $32. The license may be purchased online (see Resources), by calling toll-free (800) 5GO-HUNT, or by buying it from a licensed dealer at most hunting and sporting goods stores. You must have the license on your body at all times while fishing on any Mississippi pond or waterway.

Get a Mississippi Fishing Report

Don't waste your time fishing for bass in a random Mississippi pond. Instead, consult the weekly fishing report from Mississippi's fisheries department. Though the fishing report typically focuses on lakes, they can be helpful to determine the local weather and how it is affecting local bass populations. They are also helpful when trying to choose a bait, as the report gives a summary of what types of bait are currently attracting bass in the region.

Summer Pond Fishing

In the summer, many of Mississippi's ponds become overgrown with vegetation. The aquatic plants typically form a thick mat which create a shady, protected environment favored by various bass species who use the vegetation as a food source as well as shelter from the sun. When fishing such overgrown ponds, use jerk baits, fly lures and other surface baits. Also, while midday fishing is typically not a prime time to fish for bass, fishing within thick summer vegetation during the heat of the sun is typically the best time in such an area.

Bait

In general, live bait is best as it attracts most bass species. Shrimp and worms are good for smallmouth bass, while largemouth bass will respond favorably to bait fish such as golden shiners. If using an artificial bait, plastic worms or grubs are typically chosen by bass anglers.