[ozarks transplant]

a co-worker has recently granted me access to fish a pond in his backyard. first time there, i caught seven or eight largemouth in the 3-5 pound range. lotsa fun, and i have an open invite to return (solo, because it's literally 20 feet from his back porch and very small bank space).

anyway, the point of this post is to ask what type of "thank you" gift y'all usually give in this type of situation. obviously, it's very generous of him, but this is the first time i've ever really had access like this to a private pond, so i don't know what's typical. give me typical.

any thoughts are appreciated ...

 

[NCStateFisher]

jealous jealous jealous. i haven't had much time to start creeping around neighborhoods looking for more ponds yet with work being crazy i'd buy him a bottle of his favorite liquor if he drinks

 

[SurfRider]

Personally I like to find a nice local restaurant in the area that looks like it has a good menu, has good reviews, and then buy a gift certificate. Takes a little homework but that's the point of a good gift... the thought process.

Back when we used to have chickens, there was a guy who let me access a lake from his dock whom I knew likes eggs for breakfast, and I took him a couple dozen fresh organic eggs.

Or a bottle of wine or liquor is always a good gift if he enjoys a lovely beverage from time to time.

 

[sundrop]

Gift cards to useful places are always a good gift. Or ask if there is any labor you can do for him around his house.

 

[satguy]

My experience having a pond in my backyard, the best thing you can do is to be respectful. Always let him know you are going fishing, don't just make yourself at home. Never ever through trash, not even a cigarette butt on the ground. I picked up lots of trash and have cleaned lots of fishing line from my mower blades. Those people don't come back any more. And if you see any trash pick it up. Don't go too much. I had one guy that was coming 4 to 5 times a week. Not any more. After fishing stay and chat a few minutes so he wont feel like he is being used. If you do all these things no gift is necessary.

 

[Crummy]

Chat with him. If you find a dish or meal they like, prepare(or someone else) it for them and drop it off.

I have a similar spot like that and they love ribs. My buddy cooks in bbq competitions and I usually have him prepare some for my pond owners.( I'm pretty dang good cooking on the old grill myself but my buddy tends to cook too much at one time so I help him some on his meat cost and I get the ribs cooked without the hassle)

 

[Rod Wielder]

Help with maintenance of, and around, the pond.

Plus Fishin'
RW

 

[kbullick]

Don't agree to take only 1 and then take 3 buckets full like some guys did at my landlords small pond across the street from us. I dont think there are any more bass over a pound left.

 

[meenyt]

Dang K, what is this post about? Is it in wrong place?

 

[kbullick]

Ah, perhaps my tone was a little inappropriate. Forgive me, I've just gotten off two very long shifts with little sleep in between.
Just frustrated at the loss of fish in my neighborhood pond.
One that I have tried to lovingly tend to over the last year. Keeping things neat and tidy was my way of saying thank you.