Unveiling the Secrets: Best Bass Fishing Lures & Tips for Lee Baysden Pond

Bass fishing is not just a hobby; it’s a way to connect with nature and unwind. For anglers eager to cast their lines at the historic Lee Baysden Pond, knowing which lures and techniques to use can greatly boost their chances of landing that prized bass. This post is packed with practical tips on selecting the proper lures to turn your fishing adventure into a success.

Jeff

Understanding the Lee Baysden Pond

Lee Baysden Pond stands out for its stunning scenery and rich aquatic life. The pond is home to various species, from Largemouth Bass, crappie, catfish, various panfish, and plenty of bait fish. To fish effectively here, pay attention to factors like water temperature, the type of vegetation, and the time of day. For example, water temperatures between 65°F and 75°F are ideal for bass activity, particularly in late spring and summer. Identifying the small percentage of lures that work best in combination with your personal technique is the key.

Choosing the Right Lures

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are a must-have for any bass angler. They mimic the movement of baitfish, making them highly effective whether fished in shallow waters or deeper areas. When fishing in the Baysden Pond, consider using shad-patterned crankbaits from late winter to early spring, as these closely resemble the baitfish bass are currently feeding on.

Jigs

Jigs are incredibly versatile tools that can adapt to various fishing conditions, making them well-suited for the Baysden Pond. When targeting submerged vegetation, experiment with different jig colors and trailers. During the summer months, many anglers have found that using dark-colored jigs can increase their success rate, especially when fished near cover. Don't be afraid to throw big jigs! We have some monster bass who feed on gold shiners and large bait fish.

Topwater Lures

Topwater lures can offer an exciting experience for aggressive bass, particularly during dawn or dusk when bass are most active. Using poppers or frog lures can lead to thrilling strikes, as these lures create ripples on the water’s surface that attract attention. Look for signs of surface activity—like jumps or ripples—indicating that bass are feeding. Statistics have shown that fishing during early mornings work most efficiently for surface lures.

Wacky Worm

A Wacky worm is a tried-and-true lure that involves rigging a soft plastic worm (Like Senko or stick bait) on a hook, with the hook point inserted through the middle of the worm, allowing it to hang straight out as an inverted "U" shape. The goal is to create a slow, fluttering motion that triggers that bite. It is a great option in shallow water and around docks and structure. Dark colors are great when the water is darker, and watermelon and pumpkin are encouraged in clearer conditions and areas. Speaking of soft plastics check out our neighbors, 3BoysFishing, just a few houses up. Reach out to them on Facebook!

Techniques to Enhance Success

Season and Time

Bass fishing success at Lee Baysden Pond varies with the seasons. In spring, focus on spawning areas using lures that mimic nesting prey. For instance, during April, many anglers find success near shallow, weed-filled areas. In summer, shift your approach to deeper waters with heavier lures. In fall, as bass become more aggressive preparing for winter, use quicker retrieves to entice more bites.

Water Temperature

Pay attention to water temperature as a significant indicator of bass behavior. In cooler conditions, bass tend to stay deeper or occupy shaded areas. When temperatures rise, especially above 80°F, they move closer to the surface. This is the perfect time to utilize topwater lures, as studies show that surface lures can be 50% more effective during warm days.

Cover and Structure

Always fish structure! Bass love to hide around cover and structures such as logs, docks, and aquatic plants. Fishing around these spots often leads to effective catches. Techniques like flipping or pitching your lures into tight spaces where bass might be lurking can yield rewarding results. Anglers catch up to five times more bass when casting near cover. This is one of the reasons we have let some alligator grasses grow more along the edges. It is harboring minnows, bait fish, frogs, and crawfish bringing bass closer to the shores. We have also sunk Christmas trees in the middle for structure.

Dean

Key Strategies for a Successful Fishing Trip

Gear Selection

Choosing the right gear is vital for successful bass fishing. A medium-heavy rod matched with a baitcasting reel allows for accurate casting and helps control larger lures. Using braided line combines strength and sensitivity, making detecting those subtle bites much easier. Surveying your equipment regularly can increase your catch potential.

Patience and Persistence

Fishing often requires patience. If the bites are few, don't hesitate to switch up your technique. A change in lure color or size can make all the difference. Observing the behavior of the fish and adapting your strategy accordingly may take time, but this approach is key. Many seasoned anglers recommend sticking with a spot for at least an hour before moving on, increasing your likelihood of a catch. Our JCO Pro Staff Fishers will normally choose either morning or evening but avoiding that mid-day slump.

Local Insights

Understanding the unique bass habits in the Baysden Pond can reveal specific lures and techniques that work best for that body of water. The layout of the 22-acre lake is made up of swamp, creeks, and the main body of water. Most of the depths are 3-6 feet deep with the deepest being in the long run of the lake and it is 11-14 feet deep. There is a lot of structure along that middle section where the original creek flowed. The Little Pond (tent site) is a smaller and narrow pond hosting the same fishing species along with Pickerel and Gar.

In Summer 2023, we began to start bass tagging some of our population. We now have 35+ tagged, recorded and released. The tags have a specific Identification number and website. Look for a yellow tag just below the dorsal fin. We have a Google spreadsheet with all the stats and catches can be logged onto www.fishtagger.com The tagging system helps us watch patterns in growth, age, the number of times caught. We can learn a lot from this process and report our findings to the NC Biologist and State Biology programs.

JCO Pro Fishing Staff is made up of several dedicated volunteers who has helped us with pond management, tournaments, and tagging, most from our start in 2021.

Jeff Davis's Favorite Lure: "everyone knows that" - he says a 3/8 Black Blue jig & Craw trailer same & a Big Topwater lure: Zara Spook

Mark Horrell- Poppin Frog during the spring and early summer. Wacky rig and weightless Texas rig year-round. Bladed jig on windy days. All my big bass came off one of those 3 and work there year-round.

Austin Wallace currently holds biggest bass title with a recorded 9lbs 2oz. He and his wife Bre are also Crappie fishing champs who are working on their guided fishing license and permits.

Dean Montgomery- says "Ain't no Fish In Here" (Check out our shirts and hat slogans) but if there was, I would use my Texas Rig and June Bug colored yum dinger. Black and Blue flipping jig too!

Bre, Mark, Austin

Wrapping Up

Fishing at Lee Baysden Pond can be an exciting adventure. With a solid understanding of bass behavior and the right selection of lures, you can significantly improve your odds of success. By merging effective lure choices with knowledge of seasonal patterns and fishing techniques, your fishing trips can transform into memorable experiences. Our Pro Staff Fishers have been known to say that the Baysden Pond doesn't fish like other small ponds. It has quite the array for an ecosystem.

Continuously learn and adjust your tactics as you fish. This iterative process will not only enhance your skills but also deepen your appreciation for the beauty of Lee Baysden Pond at JCO Campground. Now make your reservations and happy fishing!

Tyler