"Joe McIntosh" wrote in message
...
new to bass fishing and getting ready to set up my rods for pond fishing
[ 21 acre golf course pond- shallow with not many hang up along edges
other than brush ].
Using Shimano stratic 2500 reels and 7 ft rods { long enought to clear
front of kayak when fish on ]
Now I need to decide what line to us--braided or mono- 4,5,or 6 lb.
And why that choice. Thanks
Joe the Elder
[fish are usually 0ne to two lb.]

Some may disagree, but for small ponds with few obstructions I would
probably go with a light line. As I lean more and more towards becoming a
bass angler I find that light line means a different thing to me than to a
trout fisherman. LOL.

8-10 mono should be fine if you use a good quality line, and continuously
check for nicks and abrasions. If the pond is ultra clear I might use
flouro carbon, but a good quality mono is probably still the best comprimise
until an angler really starts to specialize with their presentations.

In general I try to use the heaviest line I can effectively fish the lure I
am using with.

Unless you plan to throw some light lures like 1/16 oz t-rigged tiny worms,
or 1/16 oz in-line spinners I wouldn't consider those lighter lines you
suggested at all. I used to walk the banks of Oak Creek casting 1/16 oz
Rooster Tails quite adequately on 6lb test. With some of the quality modern
monos I use today I'm sure I could do it with 8lb.

Since you already indicated a prefference for light line I won't try to
convert you right now, but I strongly suggest you adjust the drag on your
reels to about 1/3 of the line test. My dad used to do it with a scale.
Also, if that pond serves up a pleasant surprise and puts a big one on the
hook be prepared to let him tow you around a bit.

Take a landing net so when you do get them along side you can quickly catch,
photo, and release. Remember that ponds can quickly be damaged by over
fishing if you take everything you catch home. I'm not the C&R religious
zealot of many, but it is the responsibility of everybody to understand the
dynamics of the resources they utilize. Also, if you do get into a pond
that is over populated ask the pond owner if they would like you to remove
some of the smaller fish so the over all size will increase. Ask though.
Different ponds are managed for different purposes. An overstocked pond may
not have many big fish, but it is a great pond for kids who just want to
catch something.

Anyway, have fun and post some pictures.

--
Bob La Londe
Fishing Arizona & The Colorado River
Fishing Forums & Contests
http://www.YumaBassMan.com