Aerated Retention Ponds

[Bklyn Basser]

Hello Fellas  so we retired and moved to Surfside Beach,just South of Myrtle Beach . Between the Pandemic and I took a bad fall when we got here I had spent 11 weeks bedridden,still on a cane So I havent learned my new surroundings fishing mostly Ponds and Small Lakes in Upstate and Pennsylvania most my life
When I fished those always looked for streams and other water sources that carried oxygenated water into the pond
  Here around Myrtle Beach these are lots of Retention Ponds with  nice bass in them
This Aeration  seems to change the seasonal location of the fish Can someone give me a clue how to understand this please?
I have also found that the large concrete pipes connecting these ponds have aligators in them YIKES!!!!!

[Capt. BassinLou]

We have similar aerated retention ponds here in South FL as well. Many of these ponds can be loaded with quality bass. As you mentioned, you unfortunately had a bad fall and are still recuperating from it. But my advice  when you can, pick the sunniest day, put on your polarized sunglasses and walk around the pond. You might be surprised with what you see.

Take the time to identify the different types of cover and structure. Hint: that pipe you mentioned will play a huge roll through out the year. 

- Note the different types of vegetation the pond may have. Concentrations of vegetation are always key hangouts to target.

- Depth changes, ledges and flats. These transitional zones are important factors as well.

- Lastly, forage. What types of bait fish does the pond hold? If it holds sunfish, and bluegills, there's a good possibility bass are around as well.

I could keep going, but you will have to familiarize yourself a bit more with your area ponds. Just like other bodies of water, bass will still go through their pre, post, and spawning behaviors. Only time on the water will help you dial that in.

Good luck!! If you have more questions we're here to help. 

[Bklyn Basser]

Thank you sir !  I have been walking with said glasses already!

[Capt. BassinLou]

Thank you sir !  I have been walking with said glasses already!

[FlatsNBay]

Welcome to UB!

I think the ponds that you mentioned will have a variety of aeration (if any). Some ponds will have limited cover but may still hold fish. I like to keep it simple when exploring and use a Zoom finesse worm because it will catch all sizes of bass. It's a good way to see what is in a pond. Good luck with your recouperation and let us know some more details as you explore some more.