TN Swamp

Question
I have an acre pond in the middle of the woods that has backed up into 4acres of woods turning it into a huge swamp. The only clear water is the original acre pond. It is frustrating just to get a jon boat through the swampy woods to get to the pond.  This pond was stocked with bass and crappie in the fifties.  We have caught many 1 & 2lb bass. We have also caught several 3 & 4lb bass. Normally, I have had the most luck fishing with plastic watermelon seed lizzards and  baby brush hogs.  I was just wondering if u had any advise on techniques or lures, so i can increase my chances of catching a monster bass

Answer
Dwight,
    The common approach to this situation would be the same as any shallow cover situation.  Good lure choices include just about any large weedless lure.  You're on the right track with lizards and brush hogs.  My go-to-lures include jigs and TUBES.  When using a Texas Rigged bait, try pegging the sinker so that the lure is able to slip down and through thick cover without hanging up.  Other good choices include buzzbaits and spinnerbaits.  One thing that you need to remember is that with so much cover, bass are going to be spread out.  You'll need to find cover that offers something different than the surrounding cover.  For example, a large downed tree in the middle of standing timber or bushes; rocks in the middle of trees and brush; underwater ditches, holes, ledges, or channels; etc...  Pretty much anything that really stands out will hold more bass than surrounding cover.  Moreover, try using rattle inserts in your soft plastic lures.  The added noise will often draw in bass that are otherwise spread out.

I hope I have fully answered your question.  If not, Please feel free to ask again!

Sincerely,
Chris "Evin" Carter