If catching trophy-class bluegills is your goal, focus your bank-fishing efforts on ponds. Many anglers shy away from ponds, believing these diminutive waters aren't big enough to support numbers of jumbo sunfish. But if you examine state-record listings, you'll learn that idea doesn't hold water. Nearly half of all state-record bluegills were caught in ponds, including many weighing 2 and 3 pounds. Some poorly managed ponds are inhabited by tiny, stunted bluegills, but those with balanced populations of predator and prey fish provide some of the best fishing available for heavyweight sunfish.

CATFISH
When bank-fishing comes to mind, we often picture the humble catfish angler sitting at night by his campfire with several poles propped on forked sticks. This is bank-fishing unadulterated -- just the right fish, just the right place and just the right time for relaxing good-times angling.

Certainly, many of our finny favorites are more challenging, prettier, even "fancier." But because the catfish loves the shallows of ponds, small lakes and little streams, because it takes a variety of baits without a hint of caution, and because it is as good in the frying pan as any fish that swims, it will always be a favorite of those angling from shore.

Despite the idea of the catfisherman working his shoreline honeyholes at night, you can fish whenever you like, from high noon to midnight, and expect to catch a mess in prime waters. Fish with a cane pole or an ultralight outfit or your favorite bass tackle; catfish don't care. Carry plenty of hooks and sinkers, though, because chances are good that you'll lose quite a few. The bottom-feeding cats lurk around weedbeds and other tackle-grabbing cover.

A stop at the grocery store or bait shop will turn up plenty of good cat baits. Fresh chicken liver is first rate, as are worms, hickory-smoked bacon and commercial stink baits. For the ultimate in simplicity, though, buy cheap chicken hot dogs and slice them into one-inch pieces. Place in a quart container and add two packages of strawberry Kool-Aid (unsweetened) and two tablespoons minced garlic. Fill the container with water, and allow the franks to marinate overnight. These make great cat baits (or midnight snacks).

Fish on the bottom, using a split shot or a small slip-sinker to carry your bait down. Or use a bobber to float the bait slightly above the bottom. You need not fish deep or far from shore.