Bank Fishing Basics: Monetti's top pond baits for Spring

Pond fishing in the spring can be a ton of fun when the lakes get overcrowded. Check out the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Bracket Champion Louis Monetti’s top five baits for springtime pond fishing.

1. 3/8-ounce Strike King Bitsy Flip Jig paired with a Strike King Rage Menace.

“I normally like to start with the jig and pick apart the available cover in the pond first,” said Monetti. “Whether it be laydowns or a dock in the pond, this is the bait I typically start with.”

2. 1/4-ounce Strike King Redeye Shad

“While there is a pile of colors to choose from in the Redeye shad, I like to throw a red color when the bass are starting to move up to spawn,” he said.

3. Strike King Ned Ocho

“If the bite gets tough you really can’t go against the Ned Ocho,” Monetti explained.

4. Strike King KVD 100 Jerkbait

“If I am not starting with the jig, this is normally what I am starting with,” Monetti said. “The KVD 100 is the perfect size to just try to trigger a bite, and it doesn’t dive that deep so you can keep it from hitting the bottom.”

5. 3/8-ounce Strike King Thunder Cricket paired with a Strike King Rage Menace

“Most of the time I will pair the bladed jig with the Strike King Blade Minnow, but if I want some more thump I use the Rage Menace,” he said.

A another look at the assortment of baits he chooses to pick off pond bass in the spring.

Time to go hit the bank! Monetti stopped by Birmingham on his way back from Oklahoma, and of course we had to spend a little bit of time fishing. We chose a small pond just right outside the B.A.S.S. office.