Most local "fishing holes" in cities or other developed areas tend to suck.  They are typically under heavy fishing pressure, lack the environment suitable for substantial fish population growth and development, and rely on infrequent or limited stocking programs.  For anyone hoping to land a reasonable gamefish the chances are slim.  That's when it's time to get creative and change things up a bit.

Local golf courses often have water hazards that take the form of ponds.  Often these ponds are stocked with a decent population of fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and other panfish.  Many of these ponds have a lot of structure like shoreline vegetation and overhangs, coves and outcroppings, and sometimes those wonderful lily pads.  What's more is the lack of fishing pressure ensures a pretty good population of relatively large and mature fish.  Sounds pretty good, huh?

There is a catch..or two.  The first catch is that while a pond might look really good, it may only have carp and coi as its main inhabitants.  This is not all bad because they are a blast to catch on light tackle.  The next catch, the main one providing there are fish and a reason for being there, is that fishing in these ponds is often illegal.  Most country clubs don't want a bunch of people walking around their beautiful golf courses trying to catch their fish.  Doing so is most likely an act of tresspass and carries the related penalties if caught. 

In order to enjoy the spoils of golf course fishing you have to employ covert guerrilla style tactics.  You have to be stealthy to avoid detection and capture.  You can't go stomping around either.  The fish can sense the vibrations coming off the shoreline and they get spooked very easily.  You're not on a boat so you can't take your entire quiver or rods and all your gear.  You have to narrow stuff down.  Take only what you need and travel light.  Typically, you're going to be operating at night so you need to be ready for that, too.

My deployment strategy starts with gearing up properly.  Here's what I usually roll with:

• Dark outerwear with nice innerwear.  You don't want to be seen so ninja-style is recommended, but you don't want to look like a damn burglar either.  I typically go with dark wool pants because they are warm and comfortable.  I usually wear nicer inner wear so I look like I belong to the club when I am posting up in the parking lot.  When I go out onto the course I will put on a dark windbreaker or jacket.  Now I'm in stealth mode.  A dark hat is a good idea, too.  I like a beanie because it works well with my headlamp.
• Shoes that have grip, dry easily, and are good for running.  I don't plan on sticking around if someone starts yelling at me.  If you have the legs for it, be prepared to run.  It's always good to have grippy shoes that dry well because the grass is often damp and slippery.
• A 6' medium action baitcaster with 6lb line.  You have to pick a set up that is good for a little of everything.  I don't really like spinning set-ups so I go with a casting reel, but you can choose what you like.  Light line is the way to go because the water is often still and clear.  Besides, it's not like you're in a tournament; you don't have to land every single one.  Be a sportsman and use light line.  Also, don't bring out your most Gucci equipment.  If it gets confiscated or you have to ditch it, you don't want to be super bummed.
• Extra line.  Because it's dark, the possibility of misjudging a cast is higher.  I sometimes try to rifle the bait across the whole pond only to find that I chucked it into a branch that I misjudged distance on.  Bird's nest!!!  Sometimes it's just easier to cut it out and respool.
• A creel and small tackle boxes.  I like to use a creel the best.  I like that it sits on my side and it's simple.  I don't want to mess around with latches, zippers, and especially not velcro in the dark.  You can also use it as a rod caddy when your rigging up or unhooking a fish.  I use little clear Plano boxes for terminal tackle and small spinners and plugs.  The clear ones are good because I can see what's in them.
• Berkeley Power Baits.  I have found that Berkeley Power Bait products like Power Worms work excellent.  I just keep them in their zip bags because it's easier to get to them that way.  I typically run 6" and 8" varieties rigged Texas style with no weights.  The approach is subtle, effective, and covers a lot of ground with spooking the fish.
• A headlamp.  A Petzl headlamp is just great.  You put it on your head and just twist it on when you need it.  A flashlight just uses up one of your hands.  It also works well with a beanie hat.  Bring extra batteries.
•  Swiss Champ knife.  I think the Victoronox Swiss Champion is a fantastic knife and the authorities won't think you're trying to shank anyone with it if you get caught.  Don't bring a hunting knife; you're not hunting, Zeke!
• Dikes and needle nose pliers.  Dikes are great for cutting through all kinds of crap.  The needle nose work out well for unhooking fish sometimes.  I like the mini ones because they are lighter and easier to pack.
• A little towel.  I like to keep my hands try and free of slime.  A little towel is just right.  Some wet naps are good to pack, too.

Now that you have your gear, you're ready to deploy.  I usually run with the ol' "act as if" approach.  Just roll up on the place like you belong there.  Park in the regular lot and just walk on in like you own the joint.  Sometimes that works great...but then sometimes it does not.  In the case where you really have to sneak, park your car close, but not conspicuously.  Don't cut fences or damage any property to get in.  Just jump the fence or find an opening.  It's a golf course not Fort Knox.  Once inside, be very quiet and quick.  Keep yours eyes open, but don't look at people if there are any around.  In fact, avoid them.  Do your thing, but leave no footprints.  Don't leave garbage around and don't damage any property.  You want it to appear as though you were never there.  The moment you leave a trace is the moment you set the place up as a bust.

So how about techniques?  I use one technique almost exclusively:  finesse fishing.  These ponds are small and quiet.  You have to use techniques that are suitable for that type of situation.  I typically throw a variety of plastics rigged weedless with little to no weight.  This approach is low impact, but covers a lot of water in a short period of time.  Plastics are also high percentage producers so you can get a good sense of how productive the trip is going to be very quickly.  Later, you can throw the lures like topwater baits and spinners to get things moving.  Just check out the results in the photo.

The proof is in the pudding. Golf courses have fish
and you can catch them!

I don't really like to promote illegal activities, but I do like to fish.  By fishing I don't mean standing at water's edge holding a fishing rod and hoping to catch fish.  That's for suckers.  I mean actively seeking fish and employing proper techniques to produce real catches.  You gotta have fish for that and sometimes that means going guerrilla.  Have fun and be safe.