scag, good plan of action I like your thoughts on the other ponds. My advice for big pond- shad stocking next spring only do not buy until right when ready to spawn. Save your money on fatheads in existing pond instant food and at conversion rates your spending about $100/lb of weight gain if paying $10/lb for fhm is less you can still do the math- not good use of funds. Fertilization (properly done) and fish feeding can also add, as can cover if your lacking enough to protect bluegill.
PF, you are correct on everything you stated but if doing that much harvst why not drian and startover and get some real growth. Forage base comes back quicker and acutally less $ b/c we can restock with tiny 1-2 inch bluegill rather than correcting with some existing bass at 4-5" bluegill. we can add fathead minnows, less shad, etc. Just easier and in many cases better to drain a pond and start over but most clients will not do it.
