Many anglers dream of the great outdoors, where they imagine they'll find fish in greater quantity and size than in communal ponds or in the smallest of environments. And yet, in the tiny waterholes and streams that dot the countryside and forests, you'll find fishing that's fun and full of surprises.
Numerous locations
In this topic, we're talking about ponds, sometimes only 10 or 15 meters long, which are very common in the countryside. Some are abandoned, while others are privately owned and require the owner's permission. These spots are not our favorite destinations, but they do have the advantage of being very numerous and often present within a 5 km radius of your vacation spot...
Rich in white fish
These small waterholes are interesting for fishing, as they are often little fished and therefore rich in fish. Their population is mainly made up of white fish, often very hardy, as these small environments are fragile and sensitive to weather factors. Although carnivorous fish are very rare, carp, tench and rotengles, for example, thrive in abundance.
Little fishing pressure
In addition to the proximity and the often interesting fish population, fishing pressure is almost non-existent and you'll be able to catch some easy, fruitful fish. In fact, it's the ideal place to introduce your children to fishing, as the bites will be plentiful.
Some nice surprises
As we've said, the main population is made up of white fish, often of small size given the environment in which they live, but you'll be able to have some great encounters and take great pleasure in carp weighing from 1 to 5 kg, depending on the environment, and all this on light tackle...
The right approach
To fish these small ponds, keep things simple with a small 16-18/100 rod and a box of number 6 hooks.
Throw a few pieces of bread on the surface and you'll soon see a flurry of activity. These small fish, notably rotengles, but also slightly larger carp, will regularly gobble up the whole piece of bread.
Pick up your hook and throw it among the others. It won't be long before you're making such magnificent, combative catches on such light tackle.
Using earthworms will also allow you to fish on the bottom (if it reaches before being gobbled up...) and to target other species of fish, notably tench.
Spearfishing
As we age, we change the way we fish and accumulate equipment, but these small environments are also an opportunity to get back to basics and our first thrills at the water's edge. A simple 3 to 4-metre rod and line fitted with a float will allow you to return to childhood for a few hours. You'll be amazed at how many fish you'll catch and how much fun you'll have. Seeing your float wobble and sink is undoubtedly what gave birth to our passion.
