I have the best luck in the deepest holes I can find. A simple ice fishing rod works just fine. I believe that the thinner rods work the best on the ponds (very whippy). I landed a 19 inch LMB out of my pond last year and had no problem with the rod. I use one pound test line, simple ice fishing jigs, and mousies for bait. I find that wax worms get pulled off too easily.
