Ponds has been fishing B.A.S.S. tournaments since 1996, and has learned a thing or two about competing with the best bass anglers from around the country. What he learned on Ross Barnett Reservoir many years ago, however, was how to find and catch lunker bass on frogs, years before it became a well-known technique on the Bassmaster trail.

"When you’re fishing in May, the bass will be post spawn and on different patterns," Ponds said. "During early May, there will be a ‘small fry’ pattern, where bass will be guarding their fry, and that’s what we’re targeting out in the open water and flats."

Ponds searches for any movement on the water or signs of bass or...