Most of my life I have wanted a place to fish, well, any time I liked. As a kid on a bicycle, I fished creeks fairly close to home, but I felt more like a visitor than a guest; and there was always a chance that I might get run off by the owner, usually a farmer. Getting my own car later allowed me to visit places that were not marked “no trespassing,” but I was always looking over my shoulder, hoping that I wouldn’t get chased off. Even with my buddy Dick Blair, who had permission to fish at several places, we were clearly told not to come back when we were leaving with a nice stringer of fish or had borrowed a rowboat without first asking. 

I was finally able to purchase a home with a pond right outside the back door, and it was wonderful… until the pond suddenly drained dry. We managed to save the fish. My son bought the property from us, and the pond still exists, with a plastic membrane holding some water and a few fish.

While we still owned the property, there was (and still is) a woods behind the pond. One afternoon, our two pre-teen boys decided to go camping. As it got close to dark, we got concerned about them, so I went looking for their camp—with no luck. I got back to the house, trying to put my wife at ease while trying to decide what to do next, when a van pulled up the drive, and out popped both boys and our two dogs! The fine folks had seen them walking on a country road a mile away and felt (correctly) that it was not a safe situation. So, they picked them up and brought them to us, safe and sound! The kindly folks waved as they left, and that was that… for a time. 

A few years later, I had three students in my high school biology classes whom I discovered lived close to us. I related the rescue story, and as it turned out, the rescuers were the kids’ parents. As we talked, one of the boys told me that the farm they lived on had a really nice pond. I decided to get reacquainted and went to their home for a visit. The parents were most cordial and invited me in for coffee. As we sat and talked, I mentioned that their son had told me that they had a pond.

“Oh, do you fish?” They asked. I tried not to be too eager.

“Yes, my family and I love to!” I held my breath.

Then the words came that, in all fairness, changed my and my family’s angling lives!

“Well, you’re welcome to come out any time.”

I was breathless! 

Well, I would call before I come and I won’t keep any fish….”

They stopped my bubbling with…

“Ken, you can come out any time and keep whatever you want.”

“Can I bring my boys?”

I suddenly felt I was pushing too hard.

“I would be glad to drop some fish off for you and even clean….

“Oh, my, you don’t need to do that!” they said.

“Oh, thank you so much” I bubbled. We all hugged and said our goodbyes.

When I got home, I gathered my boys and wife and shared the good news.

In a few days, my youngest son Darren and I went to see and try out this new (to us) spot. It was probably a mile away over a country lane, and when we finally saw it, we both caught our breath! The lane opened up into a small campground/picnic area including a pit toilet, campfire ring and a wooden bench right next to a beautiful 2-acre pond. 

As I sat in awe of this beautiful place, Darren was already casting and put the first fish on the bank—a beautiful 15-inch bass! We quickly learned that the pond was full of slab crappies, big bluegills and red ears, and enough bass to keep those populations healthy. We felt like we were in heaven! 

In addition to giving us permission to fish, we later held a Sunday evening tournament for a group of dads whose sons my wife had taught at church. All caught fish, and some dads and boys learned the joys of fishing. I doubt that the owners would be offended if I referred to their place as mine, although I would not be as presumptuous as to do that. Suddenly, we’d had our first instance of what I call, “My Guest Pond.”

I have a second guest pond that is a little smaller than the other one, but just as well stocked. I have taken friends and family there, too. Every time I’m there, the owner says, before we leave, “Remember Ken. My pond is your pond.” And I do.

My only advice for someone wanting permission to fish a pond is to be courteous, never leave trash, pick up trash others might have left, and do it before it gets dark so you can see it. Offer fillets or even fried fish, and always be honestly, verbally appreciative. 

Over the years, I have been invited to fish several other ponds. I’ve never gone without permission, and I’ve always been welcome.

On one occasion, an elderly gentleman wanted me to actually buy his home and pond, and the fact that I had just caught a 6-pound bass there certainly made it tempting! 

On yet another of my guest ponds where my family and I have permission to fish, Darren caught a 7-pound bass, and he took it up to show the owner. Darren intended to release the fish back into the pond, but the owner laid it on an outside table and pulled out his fillet knife! “This one is going to be Sunday dinner! I can always buy more fish for the pond!” So much for catch-and-release for that old sow of a fish!

The owner’s son Tom, and my brother-in-law Tim, were fishing that same pond on another evening when Tom, out of sight around a corner yelled, “Tim! I’ve got a big one on and I’m losing my pants! I need help!” Tim got within sight and realized that he would have to grab the rod or Tom’s drooping pants! He picked the rod!

The bottom line to this story is: Be courteous when you get permission to fish a private pond! Never assume that you have carte blanche permission. Always be polite and respect the owner, the pond, and the fish. I have occasionally brought my wife’s famous homemade rolls to the owners of the pond that is closest to our place. We love sharing, and so do they!

So, if you are somehow able to fish ponds that become open to you as a guest, be courteous. Remember that you represent the brotherhood of fishermen, and if you are invited, be courteous and kind no matter what. It doesn’t take many occasions of rudeness by jerks to give anglers a bad name. Whether we are on public or private waters, let’s always be our best selves. It doesn’t take many bad actors to give us all a rotten reputation!