I'm kind of waiting for a similar situation to occur with my pond. It's going to be the first spring it is full and stocked. I have had a couple of friends mention wanting to fish, etc... I've been pretty much upfront about it with them that I am spending some decent money to stock and maintain it, and that it is pretty much a family destination at this point.

I think I am going to pretty much hold to that point with just about most folks so it isn't abused and overfished. I've got some large farmers around me and some have young kids. I am willing to work with them for some hunting privileges if they want to "Swap".

For the most part, I think folks understand if you explain it to them. I've got about 13k invested in mine at the moment with construction, windmill, fish, and letting just anyone fish defeats the purpose. There are plenty of public waters if they are that hard up.

I'm with the others that honesty is the best policy on it.

I subscribe!

1/3 Acre pond - Central, OH
Deepest point 11 ft.
Stocked with:
Hybrid Bluegill, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, White Amur.