For getting back to basics, nothing can beat the simple pleasures of pond fishing. Small public and private ponds dot the New Jersey countryside and offer fishing fun for both beginning anglers and experts alike. In this age of competitive fishing and high-speed boats, ponds are often overlooked. But they have much to offer, regardless of what you're seeking in the way of a fishing venue. A place where you can teach your children the basic skills of fishing? A convenient spot close to home or work where you can fit a little fishing into your busy schedule? A hawg hole where you stand an excellent shot at catching a giant bass, bluegill, crappie or catfish? A quiet retreat where you can escape the pressures of a stressful job? A pond can be all these things, and more.

Evaluating Ponds: With many ponds to choose from in our area, how do you know which ones are worth fishing? Here are some basic pointers from Birmingham, Ala. fisheries biologist and pond specialist Chris Stephenson to keep in mind when picking ponds.

Location: "A pond's location can determine to a large degree how productive it will be as a fishery," Stephenson believes. "In general, ponds that are close to major population centers, or easily accessed by paved roads, tend to get the most fishing pressure. Remote ponds, and those on private land, tend to receive less pressure, and often have better fishing as a result."

Management: Has the pond been properly managed for fishing? "Some ponds were built primarily for watering livestock, others for crop irrigation, still others for aesthetic purposes - they're pretty to look at," Stephenson noted. "But the ponds serious anglers are after have been designed mainly for fishing. You'll catch better-quality fish from ponds where state fisheries personnel, or a private pond fisheries consultant, has supervised the stocking of desirable species, and has evaluated the forage base and water quality as well. Professionally-managed ponds are especially desirable when you're fishing for trophy-sized bass or jumbo bluegill - today's advanced management techniques, it's possible to produce these gamefish in lunker sizes."

Habitat: Does the pond offer gamefish an exceptional place to live? "The best fishing ponds usually have a grassy shoreline, cover in the form of trees or stumps, healthy (but not excessive) weed growth, sufficient dissolved oxygen (an aeration device helps) and sufficient depth (1/3 of the pond at least 25feet so fish can survive harsh winters," Stephenson said.

Fish Density: Some ponds produce an over-abundance of stunted fish, typically caused by crowding too many fish into the pond, or by releasing most of the fish that are caught. According Stephenson, "While catch-and release is a great idea on large bodies of water, it can ruin quality fishing in a small pond. Studies have shown that a healthy pond can support 1,000 bluegill, 250 catfish and 100 bass per acre. More than this and the food supply gets quickly depleted and stunted fish are the norm."

Good Forage Base: In ponds, as in larger bodies of water, a healthy food chain usually means good fishing. "Many ponds are literally starved for forage," Stephenson has found. "When I'm managing a pond for the production of trophy largemouth bass, I recommend stocking threadfin shad at the rate of 250 to 350 per acre, bluegills at the rate of 1,000 per acre and rosy red or fathead minnows at the rate of 1,000 per acre. A pond with ample grassy habitat will also provide a home for frogs, small snakes, crayfish and insects on which bass dine."

Fishing Tips: Pond fishing can be approached on many levels. Most bluegill, crappie and catfishermen can spend hours-just sitting on a lawn chair and waiting for their bobber to go down. The typical basser enjoys walking the banks and casting lures in hopes of drawing a strike from a keeper or two. But expert pond anglers know these small waters can produce the fish of a lifetime. Here are some tips Chris Stephenson suggests when probing ponds for trophy-class fish:

Keep a Low Profile: "Announcing your presence to a wary fish is never a good idea. Keeping a low profile can greatly increase your chances of catching a huge bass, bluegill or other gamefish, especially from a clear pond. Avoid bright white or yellow shirts when fishing from the bank or small boat; gamefish can see these miles away. Instead, wear muted clothing-cameo is ideal."

Target the Shoreline: "Much of the life in a small pond resides around its grassy shoreline. Here, small terrestrial or amphibious creatures move quickly from land to water, and here, gamefish find plenty of food. Approach the pond quietly, making a few casts while you're still good distance away from the water's edge. When bass fishing, use lures that can be fished close to shore without fouling with reeds, such as spinnerbaits, buzz baits and weedless 'rats'. Cast parallel to the bank for greater coverage of productive water".