Dude, you sound like me. Started fishing at 5, and fly-tying at 7. Been flyfishing the Sierras ever since. But bass are my fish in between Sierra trips. I still fish ponds and my local reservoir is small, so I know what you're talking about. For your ponds, Mattlures Gills and Baby Bass would kill. But you really don't need trout in a lake to fish the trout-type baits efficiently (though trout-eaters are usually heavier). They use the Triple Trout and the Huddleston down in Texas and the South all the time with success. Man, just be willing to try anything! If you need rods, start off the Okuma Guide Series swimbait models. For the price, they're unbeatable! :) For tackle go to:

http://tacklewarehouse.com/

You can usually find anyting you need there, sometimes they run out thoguh... that's where this board comes in play. Great site and tons of guys willing to help you find what you want. Just keep fishing man, Like alvo said, you're likely to pull the biggest bass ever seen in those ponds on a swimbait. But persistence is the key. Just keep fishing them till you get 'em, it will happen in time. And don't be surprised by big cats on bass stuff either. I had a 10 lb. + kittie come up and nail a crankbait while I was shore fishing a few years ago. I mean, this fish was huge and hit only in a foot of water 2 feet off the bank! Scared the living @#$* out of me!

Bass + Fisherman= BAASS ADDICTT!!!