It’s middle of NFL playoffs, and what has grabbed interest of many sports fans has been off-season maneuvering and acquisitions of Mets and Yankees. In past, sports media has hyped baseball trades, big money contracts, and long time rivalries which make off-season so interesting, but never as intensely as this year in NY. First, Pedro Martinez, then, Carlos Beltran going to Mets has splashed team front and center in our sports world consciousness. For first time, in a long time, Mets have captured imagination of their fans with possibilities of a dynamic exciting season.

Anyone who knows me knows I love Yankees. And yes, I admit scoffing at Mets in recent seasons. Some may wonder how a Yankee fan feels about increasing powerful competition across town.

Anywhere there is a pond; it could be a hidden hotspot for fish. The bottom line is, no matter how small pond may be, it is only a matter of time until fish find it. If you live near farmland, a great way to scout around for these hidden hotspots is to schedule a flight over area and map out any bodies of water you may have missed.

The Evening Secret will double your catches, and swarm fish into your waters. (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/Finding_Fish.php

Using Hay

If it is legal in your area, buy some spoiled hay from garden supply stores under label “mulch hay”. Dump a few bales in water. Grubs and insects will fall out, and will provide fish food to keep fish in your spot.

New Body Of Water

If you are going to start fishing a newly created body of water (like a reservoir), here are some things to keep in mind.

For first 2 years, it will be very easy to catch fish, though they will be smaller (t though about 50% larger in second year). The 3rd year will prove more of a challenge, as fish are larger and savvier. It is important to move around lake and watch where experienced anglers are getting action. Also keep tabs on where and when each species is feeding. Also, make a note of moon phase when you record this information, so that you can refer to it during same phase in following years.

You will probably discover that bass feed best at dawn and dusk, bluegills during midmorning and midafternoon, crappies under lantern light at night, and white bass at high noon.

After this third year, these proven tactics will really start to pay off. For bass, remember to give a variety of offerings. Lay out one of each; plastic worm, overhead spinner, surface noisemaker, crankbait, and weedless spoon.

Old Lake, Never Fished Before