how to ask to fish a golf course

The only way to get permission to fish on a specific golf course is to ask the greenskeeper if it is permitted. If the greenskeeper is not able to provide you with an answer, then the next best bet is to go ask the management of the golf course and the owner.

Full Answer

Can you fish on a golf course?

Then you can sneak onto the course to fish the ponds, or even get in a round of golf. Some of the more high-brow country clubs allow their members to fish the hazards. I used to work at one that sat right alongside a river teeming with smallmouth.

How to fish a pond on a golf course?

The most expensive way to get onto a golf course pond: just sneak a pole in your bag! Play golf until you get to a hole with some water on it, slice your ball into all of the golf course ponds, and “fish” it out. This can only buy you enough time for a few casts, but it is guaranteed to work.

Can you fish the hazards at a Country Club?

Some country clubs allow their members to fish the hazards. I know of several that are built right onto rivers that have excellent fishing. If you can get onto one of these courses, more often than not the staff will leave you alone and assume you’re just another member legally fishing the hazards.

Can you fish at golf clubs?

Fishing on a golf course is allowed and legal only if you first get permission from the course management or greenskeeper. Golf courses are private property and subject to trespassing laws. Fishing without verbal or written permission is definitely not recommended.

How do you fish a golf pond?

Pack A Rod Play golf until you get to a hole with some water on it, slice your ball into all of the golf course ponds, and “fish” it out. This can only buy you enough time for a few casts, but it is guaranteed to work. Also, if you ever slice into the water by accident, you always have fishing as an excuse!

Why do golf courses have ponds?

Many golf courses use their ponds as water retention devices that the irrigation system pulls from nightly. If it weren't for the ponds, the water bill of a single golf course could easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of 12 short months.

How deep are ponds on golf courses?

Golf balls are retrieved from water hazards on courses all over the world, and while the water depth is rarely more than 40 feet -- and usually less than half that -- divers can easily become disoriented or overly weighted down by the reclaimed balls and equipment.

Are golf course ponds toxic?

Farms and golf courses use a variety of chemicals and pesticides that can kill fish and other aquatic animals if sprayed near or in water. Sometimes the chemicals -- even those properly applied -- can be flushed into a canal or pond as run-off during a torrential rainstorm.

What is the water on a golf course called?

In other words, "casual water" is water on the golf course that isn't meant to be there by design. Casual water can be anywhere on a golf course outside the water hazard, which is now called the "penalty area." If there's water somewhere in the "general area," then it's casual water or temporary water.

How do golf courses keep their ponds clean?

A dredge for golf course ponds is the basis for dredging. The machine works by pumping the water and sludge out through a submersible pump and into a series of bladder bags or dewatering tubes. These bags have minuscule holes, which let the water escape but keep the muck inside.

Can you eat fish from golf course ponds?

Re: Is it safe to eat golf course pond fish? DO NOT EAT THOSE FISH! I work in the field of water science/conservation. If you eat those fish, you are taking a huge risk of doing harm to your body.

How many golf balls are in a pond?

Weynand, 28, averages about 200 to 300 balls per pond but said many variables can affect the amount of balls in a lake, from the season to the location to whether they came from a left-handed or right-handed shot.

How do golf courses get balls out of water?

Crewmembers stand on the ground at opposite ends of the pond and guide the roller by pulling on a wire connected to it. If the roller gets stuck in mud or rocks, one of the crewmembers goes underwater to free it. After they have combed the pond, crewmembers pull the roller to the ground and pop out the golf balls.

How to get permission to fish on a golf course?

How Do I Get Permission To Fish on A Golf Course? The only way to get permission to fish on a specific golf course is to ask the greenskeeper if it is permitted. If the greenskeeper is not able to provide you with an answer, then the next best bet is to go ask the management of the golf course and the owner.

What to keep in mind when fishing in a golf course pond?

What you need to keep in mind about golf course ponds is that they are generally fairly shallow and full of plants, rocks, and other obstacles. This means that you need to cater your fishing gear to these circumstances. Let’s talk about some of the best baits and lures you can use for fishing in a golf course pond. 1.

What bait should I use for a golf course?

Grubs. Another good type of bait to use on a golf course is a grub. There tend to be plenty of insects around golf course ponds, mainly because golf courses have plenty of grass and nature for insects to thrive in. Those golf course pond fish are accustomed to eating all sorts of insects, and therefore, a good bobber and hook combo ...

What is the best bait to use for a fish?

1. Worms . Yes, worms made for great bait everywhere, not just out on the river or lake. When it comes down to it, worms are some of their best bait that you can use because fish absolutely love them. They are alive, they are wriggling, they have a good smell to them and they just absolutely can’t get enough of him.

Why do golf courses have ponds?

One reason why golf courses have ponds is simply that there was probably water there before and it was too expensive or difficult to move it out of the way. Another reason why golf courses had ponds is simply that they look nice and add to the aesthetic appeal of the golf course.

Do golf courses spray grass?

Moreover, golf courses spray that grass with tons of pesticides and other chemicals that leach into the water. All those fish might look tasty, but chances are that those pond fish are not healthy, and if they look healthy, their flesh may still contain chemicals that can harm you.

Do all golf courses have fish?

Do All Golf Course Ponds Have Fish? No, not all ponds on golf courses have fish, and in fact, this is generally only something that occurs in the southern states of the United States of America. Although there are many golf courses and ponds throughout the world that have fish in them, this is not a rule of thumb.

Why do golf courses have fish?

However, most golf course ponds are often stocked with fish to keep aquatic growth down and maintain a natural balance in the water. While some courses may outright prohibit fishing on the course, others stock fish to entice anglers to play a round.

What is the most common species of fish in a golf pond?

First, you need to know what species are in the pond. Most commonly it is bass and golf ponds can grow some giant largemouths. Keep in mind that ponds on a golf course experience less pressure than other public fishing spots and bass may not be as picky.

Can you fish in a golf course without permission?

Golf courses are private property and subject to trespassing laws. Fishing without verbal or written permission is definitely not recommended. Most golf course ponds are open year-round but check your local regulations for specific seasons in your area. Getting permission to fish a golf course pond is a challenging feat.

Do all golfers have fish?

Not all golfers are fishermen but a die-hard angler is more likely to play golf at a course that also has monster bass lurking in the water hazard. The first step to determining if your local golf pond has fish is to ask the management at the course. They will have first hand knowledge of the water and the type of fish.

Can you eat fish in a golf course?

It is generally not recommended to eat fish caught from golf course ponds. Chemical sprays, fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides are all used to keep golf course grass in tip-top shape. The runoff from rain washes these chemicals into surrounding ponds where the fish live.

How to get into a golf course pond?

The most expensive way to get onto a golf course pond: just sneak a pole in your bag! Play golf until you get to a hole with some water on it, slice your ball into all of the golf course ponds, and “fish” it out. This can only buy you enough time for a few casts, but it is guaranteed to work.

How to be friends with a golf course kid?

Then you can sneak on to fish the ponds or play 9 holes, and you don’t have to actually live where golf balls are constantly flying into your yard. 3. Find A Private Course. Some country clubs allow their members to fish the hazards.

Can you fish in a golf course pond?

How To (Legally) Fish On A Golf Course Pond. It’s no secret to hardcore anglers that golf course ponds are home to some of the best fishing holes you can find. Golf course bass grow to be absolute lunkers, they put up a fight, and they are easy to find. Getting access to a golf course pond, however, can be tricky.

Can You Go Fishing on a Golf Course?

So you want to go fishing on a golf course. You’re far from the only angler that has had this idea, but whether it’s allowed depends on the status of the golf course near you.

How to Get Permission to Fish on a Golf Course

Now you know that no matter which type of golf course we’re talking about, you can’t just traipse onto it with your fishing gear and expect to fish without consequences. You need permission. Here’s how you might go about getting it.

What Happens If You Fish on a Golf Course Without Permission?

Some resources out there recommend that you wait until after dark and sneak onto the golf course grounds with your fishing equipment. We will never suggest that because it’s illegal!

Final Thoughts

You are not allowed to go fishing on a golf course without talking to the landowner, the groundskeeper, or even a nearby homeowner first. Blatantly disregarding the rules and breaking the law could lead to fines, probation, and even jail time, so please, get the correct permissions first.

1. Consider Looking For a Private Course

Becoming a golf course member is the most straightforward way to get the right to fish a golf course. The golfers that become members of these courses can fish without disturbance or questioning from the staff working in the area.

2. Fishing in a Public Golf Course

Unlike private courses, these are open to anyone who plays golf provided they pay a greens fee to use the space.

3. Get Fishing Consent from a Greenskeeper or the Management

Approach a greenskeeper and ask them whether it’s okay to fish on the golf ponds that they look after. They know when, where, and how anglers should fish and might give you a free pass to fish.

How can I find golf courses that allow fishing near me?

You can find golf courses that allow fishing near you by making calls to find out if there are a number of courses in your region that allows golfers to fish the ponds.

Do golf course ponds have fish?

Just because there are ponds in golf courses doesn’t automatically mean that they have fish.

Do golf courses have fishing seasons?

Golf courses don’t have fishing seasons in place. They are open to members and anglers with fishing permits year round and often don’t have restrictions set in place by the fishing and wildlife department.

Is a license necessary to fish a golf course pond?

You need a license to fish in a public or private golf course. But keep in mind that the terms and conditions vary from state to state. It’s important to check the rules in your state so you’re in compliance with the set laws.

Drake Hartman

I’ve read threads on this topic before, but they are out dated and I’ve come to terms with the fact that golf courses may or may not have gotten more strict Since said threads were posted; either that or I’m doing something wrong.

Big Hands

I fished a local golf course pond as a teenager in the 70's. We had to sneak in over a fence that wasn't more than three feet tall right next to the road. The pond was pretty close to the fence there, and about a third on the bank was obscured by reeds, so they had to actively come to see if anyone was fishing and most of the time wouldn't bother.

Drake Hartman

I fished a local golf course pond as a teenager in the 70's. We had to sneak in over a fence that wasn't more than three feet tall right next to the road. The pond was pretty close to the fence there, and about a third on the bank was obscured by reeds, so they had to actively come to see if anyone was fishing and most of the time wouldn't bother.

CrankFate

I’m planning on trying it. I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m thinking go in the evening, look friendly and look like your not looking to cause any trouble.

huZZah

I imagine they say no cause once someone sees one person doing it…and catching something…well, then it’s outta control. Or members don’t wanna see someone fishing the hazard.

Rich12

Most wont let you because of liability reasons. They dont want you on the course while people are playing golf. Public courses are generally open daylight till dark, so really no time for you. Golf balls hurt. A golf ball can kill you.

Drake Hartman

I imagine they say no cause once someone sees one person doing it…and catching something…well, then it’s outta control. Or members don’t wanna see someone fishing the hazard.

Floridabassking352

Hey guys, I heard that people enjoy great bass fishing in Florida on golf course ponds and being a Florida native myself, I've often wondered how people are able to fish on them. Do you have to ask someone who works on the course if it's allowed? I've never seen anyone do it but I've heard talk that they do.

dux n bux

I, while not being a florida dweller, visit my g-parents sometimes. While down there i beg my pa to take me fishing because i take my rod every where.

jomatty

at the golf course near where i live i just walked in and asked. they were already familiar with me because i would golf there sometimes, but i dont think that mattered much. they said it was fine, but i had to be off before the course opens and after it closes.

logger

My buddy was a superintendent at a course as well. We fished his course all the time before the golfers got out there and there were some pigs. Just ask, the worst that could happen is they say "No". Then what are you out? Nothing.

RdNkHunter

Ive been to a few courses to fish. Ive heard of a few monsters being pulled out but Ive only landed a couple small bass. Im not sure of the laws for florida, but my bro-n-law just moved back from california and he said that out there the golf courses are mandated by the law to stock their water with bass to eat the misiquitos larva.

Jerkbate

If the course is public & is on public land (Corp of Engineers owns it), do you guys think you would still need to ask permission?

jomatty

i would say you definitely still need to ask permission. it may be a public course but it is still managed and run, and is not a come as you like type of place. i would still try to be gone by the time the golfers get there and ask permisiion.

How Do I Get Permission to Fish on A Golf Course?

See more on fishtackly.com

Best Baits & Lures For Golf Course Fishing

FAQ

Conclusion