Pond fishing is a fun, cheap, and easy way to have a good time with your friends while enjoying the outdoors. The ponds around New Lenox and Manhattan are mostly stocked with fish like bass, bluegill, and catfish, making them perfect for lures or worms! The best part about fishing with your friends is the mood. You don’t need any fancy gear.  All you need is a rod, some worms, and a little tackle box will do just fine. Fishing is all about the basics: knowing how to cast, tying knots, unhooking fish, but most importantly, knowing when to fish. There are plenty of times during the summer that may seem like the “perfect day” but that’s just false. The perfect day needs to be 60–75-degree weather so the fish aren’t swimming too deep in the water. A breeze always feels great if you’re out for a while too. Overcast conditions can also be great because the fish are active and usually near the surface. 
But it isn’t all about catching the fish; it’s also a great way to learn about nature. You get to see first-hand how fish behave, notice the water quality, and appreciate the plants that make up the scenery around you. It’s a chance to learn about responsibility and learning from your mistakes. Fishing also teaches patience, as well as perseverance, and it’s a great way to unwind after a long school week and connect with your friends over something you all can sit back and enjoy.