Jeff's Question:

Hi Mark. I am just getting started in fishing and love it. My problem is I don't know how to choose lures. I fish farm ponds in western Oklahoma for bass and crappies. I did ok in the summer but not so good now that the water is colder. Could you please help me? Thanks.

Jeff McDonough

Mark's Answer:

Jeff,

Fishing farm ponds is a great way to learn how to fish. You don't mention the size of the ponds, but I'm guessing that they are 1 to 5 acres, probably no bigger than 10 acres at most.

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You ask for advice on lures at certain times. One thing you'll learn about fishing is that there is nothing set in stone. What the bass hit on one morning, they might refuse the next morning, even if the conditions are almost the same.

That said, there are some generalities you should be aware of when choosing lures. The most effective crappie lure (other than a live minnow) I have ever seen, is a 1/8 ounce jig (it can have marabou or rubber tails). If these are your farm ponds, you may want to sink a Christmas tree or some other type tree, and the crappie will hold up around it.

For bass, you have a little more diversity depending on the time of day. I assume the farm ponds are not clear water. If so, stick with brightly colored lure patterns like chartreuse or fluorescent colors. And since you are fishing in smaller water, downsize your lures from what you would use on a bigger lake.

In the early and late hours, you probably want to concentrate on the shallower areas near cover and use chuggers and buzzbaits. During the day, get down deeper with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic worms.

Good luck.