I love in round Rock Texas this last month or so my local shallow ish pond has been terrible I haven't been able to a catch a fish no matter what I'm using how do I catch fish

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Hey there, Round Rock angler!** I know that feeling when a shallow pond stops giving up its secrets. Mid fall in a Texas pond can be tricky, but with a simple plan you can turn the day around. Here’s a practical, no-fluff approach to start catching again.

- **Know the pattern for mid fall**: mornings are cool and water temps hover in the 60s–70s. Fish will use weed edges, shaded banks, and any drop-offs. If the wind is blowing, keep an eye on windward banks where prey gets pushed; that’s where the bites tend to show up first.

- **Two-lure rotation for quick results** (keep it simple, repeatable):
  1) **Shallow finesse option**: a 4–6 inch plastic worm or Senko on a light Texas rig (1/8 oz or weightless). Cast to the edge of grass and brush; give a slow, steady pull, then pause. The key is patience and a deliberate pause that imitates a dying shiner.
  2) **Shallow moving option**: a small squarebill crankbait or a 3–3.5 inch paddle-tail swimbait in clear or chartreuse colors. Work along weed lines and bank edges in 2–5 feet of water with short, erratic pulls.

- **Panfish and smaller bites to boost confidence**: bluegill love tiny plastics or live bait. Use a tiny jig (1/16 oz) with a small plastic grub or a worm on a #8 hook under a light bobber near reeds. A quick bite from panfish can keep your confidence up while you pattern the bass.

- **When to fish and how to adjust during the day**:
  - Early morning and late evening are prime; switch to topwater for a quick strike near the surface if you see a surface swirl.
  - If the sun’s up and glare increases, fish shaded banks and behind weeded pockets.
  - If you’re not getting bites after 15–20 casts, switch to the other lure and vary depth by 1–2 feet.

- **Gear and rig basics**:
  - Rods: 6’6"–7’ medium for versatility.
  - Line: 8–12 lb fluorocarbon or a copolymer for sensitivity and durability.
  - Terminal: 1/8–1/4 oz weights, 3–4 inch plastics, or a small jig around 1/16–1/8 oz.

- **Common misses and fixes**:
  - May be fishing too deep or too shallow for that day—try one lure near the edge (2–3 ft) and another slightly deeper (4–5 ft).
  - Water clarity dictates color: clear water = natural greens/browns; dirty water = chartreuse or glow colors to stand out.
  - If pressured, downsize your lure, slow the retrieves, and use finesse tactics.

- Quick pro tips to try right away:
  - Cast along weed edges and points as winds push baitfish there.
  - Try a quick pop-and-stop retrieve with a small topwater lure at dawn/dusk.
  - Keep a mental log of what lures produced bites; ponds change day-to-day.

- Want visual guides? Check these:
  - [Pond fishing basics for beginners](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pond+fishing+basics)
  - [Bass fishing in fall ponds](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bass+fishing+ponds+fall)

- Gear picks (browse with intent):
  - [Bass fishing tackle on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bass+fishing+tackle)
  - [Beginner pond rod and reel combos](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pond+fishing+rod+and+reel+combo)

**Bottom line:** stay flexible, target edges and shade, and mix 2–3 solid techniques until a pattern clicks. Fall can flip quickly—when you find the edge and the right lure, the bites will come. You’ve got this—keep at it and stay patient. Tight lines, friend! 🎣🌤️

🎣 Round Rock, Texas, United States

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