April 19th: A Perfect Morning for Fishing (With a Dash of Luck!)
Okay, let’s set the scene: Thursday, April 19th, cloudy skies, temps between 16-24°C, and a light northeast breeze. Oh, and guess what? It’s Guyu—the last solar term of spring! For those who don’t know, Guyu means “rain nourishes the grains,” and it’s all about spring rains and crop growth. But honestly? I was more focused on one thing: fishing. The weather was too good to pass up, and I had a secret spot I’d been dying to hit again.
Now, this spot isn’t fancy. In fact, it’s a tiny, almost forgotten pond I stumbled on by chance. But here’s the thing: I’ve never “gone home empty-handed” there. That’s a big deal for any angler, right? So I dragged myself out of bed before 6 AM (yes, on a Thursday—worth it) and headed straight for the pond I’d fished just the Sunday before.
Scouting the Spot & Setting Up Shop
First, let’s talk about this pond. It’s surrounded by tall reeds, barely 500 square meters—tiny, right? But size doesn’t matter when the fish are biting. I decided to use something new: Big Fish King fruit-flavored crushed corn I picked up during the Fisherman’s Festival on a local fishing platform. Since the water’s shallow, I only put 1/3 cup per spot, and I set up three spots right by the reeds.
The Pond’s Vibe: Peaceful & Perfect
Let me tell you about the area—total hidden gem. The pond’s south side is a hill, north is a small factory 50 meters away, and a paved road runs north-south. But here’s the kicker: barely anyone’s there! Just the occasional runner, no cars, no noise. I sat in my car for a bit, listening to birds chirp, breathing in that fresh, green air. It’s like a natural oxygen bar—so calming, I almost forgot I was there to fish!
Waiting (Impatiently) for the Bite
As the sun came up, I knew the fish would start moving. I waited about 45 minutes—okay, maybe I checked my watch every 5—but I wanted the bait to “settle in.” Pro tip: always clean up any trash first, then take it with you when you leave. Littering at fishing spots is a big no-no, and I’m not about that life.
My Fishing Gear: Simple & Effective
Let’s break down what I used—nothing fancy, just tried-and-true stuff for this spot:
- Rod: 10-meter traditional long rod (perfect for reaching those reed spots)
- Line: 1.0 monofilament with a seven-star float (simple, no fancy reels here)
- Hook: No. 5 Haixi up-eye hook (great for small to medium fish)
- Bait: Big Fish King fruit-flavored crushed corn (for chumming)
- Lure: Earthworms (classic, always works for pond fish)
The Action Begins: First Catches & Small Wins
I rigged up, baited with a worm, and cast out. At first, nothing—just the float sitting still. I started “teasing” the bait (gently lifting and dropping the rod) a few times. Then… bam! A bite! First catch of the day: a tiny crucian carp. Not huge, but it’s the first one—always exciting!
After a few more teases, the second bite hit: an Asian bullhead (aka “yellow catfish”). Nice! Then another one, a bit bigger. Over the next 20 minutes, that spot gave up a handful more crucians and bullheads—all small, but hey, catching is catching, right?
Switching Spots: The Big Surprise
After a while, the bites slowed down, and the fish were tiny. So I moved to my second spot. At first, nothing—zero action. I almost gave up, but I kept teasing the bait. Finally, the float twitched! Another tiny crucian. Then… boom—the bites picked up! Every 2-3 minutes, I was reeling in a fish. Mostly bullheads, but some were bigger than the first spot.
Time to Wrap Up: The Final Catch
By 8 AM, I had to head to work (adulting, ugh). I wanted one last fish to end the day. I teased the bait a few times, and the float did that slow sink I love. Gotcha! A nice bullhead—perfect end to the morning. Total catch? Around 20 fish, mostly bullheads, a few tiny crucians. Not a “monster haul,” but for an hour of fishing? I’ll take it!
Release & Respect: The Real Win
Here’s the thing: I’m a “catch and release” guy. I fish for fun, not to fill a bucket. Most of the bullheads were small, but a couple were decent. I let them all go—they’re better off back in the pond for the next angler. And yes, I grabbed every piece of trash before I left. No litter, no mess—leave the spot better than you found it.
What I Learned (Again)
Every fishing trip teaches you something, right? Here’s what stuck with me this time:
- Weather matters: Temps were stable, barometric pressure was up—fish were hungry. No brainer, but easy to forget.
- Bait choice: The fruit-flavored corn worked way better than the alcohol-soaked rice I used last time. Spring/summer fish love lighter, fruitier scents—note to self!
- Spot selection: The two spots that bit were on the west side of the reeds (no direct sun). The one that didn’t? Full sun, shallow water. Fish hate bright, shallow spots—they feel exposed. Duh, but it’s good to confirm.
Wrapping Up: Fun Over Fish
Honestly, this trip wasn’t about catching a ton of fish. It was about waking up early, breathing fresh air, and forgetting about work for an hour. The tiny pond, the quiet, the surprise bites—those are the moments that make fishing worth it. If you’re in the area and love small-pond fishing, hit me up! I’m always down to share spots (and maybe a few tips). Until next time, tight lines!
