I bought property a year ago that had a one acre pond on it. Previous owner told me the pond had gone dry previously so I assume there were no fish. I then noticed some perch and small bass so I assumed they had come downstream when the spring started running again. Then a few months ago while cruising around in my john boat on a sunny day I could see some bass that were a little larger (1-2 lbs). So I thought that was good since my goal is to grow large bass.

This morning while throwing a clear top water at daybreak this guy comes out of nowhere and hammers the lure. Got him into the boat and he will go 5-6 lbs (pic was best I could do and does not show his real size) Talk about a pleasant surprise! I have added various bait fish plus got my feeder going - I was pumped

Beautiful fish, Tim. Congratulations!

Nice surprise. Looks like a healthy fish also. He has been eating well somehow.

figured out a lot more bait fish in the pond than I imagined which is a good thing - he was very healthy

Tim, what type of boat is that? Is that a 10 or 11" plastic 'bass boat?' Do you like it? Do you have more pictures? I'm looking for something like that for my much smaller pond.

tim k, congratulations on the catch.

Granted you only posted the one picture, but this bass doesn't look like it is really thriving.

The fish's gut line almost looks a bit concave. It's tough to gauge from the picture, but it almost seems a bit thin in the gut.

I'm with Sunil on body condition...It could be camera angle, but the gut does look inward, plus the head/eyes looks massive compare to the body. I'd say it's stunted based on this picture. Good news is things can be turned around.

Uh oh....

I have fished bass in ponds for 55 years and this is the third pond I have owned and managed so I have a pretty good idea of a thriving and healthy fish. The fish was in excellent condition - I was trying to shoot the picture with my phone while holding it out in front of me so that affected it - I wanted to get it back in the water asap so I did not spend a lot of time trying to get pictures - thanks for your input

A Sun Dolphin Pro - 10 foot - I have had it for years. Google them but I think Tractor Supply and Academy may carry them. I will get some pictures when I go back out today and send them. They are awesome - live well, lights, carpet, raised seats, etc. Perfect for ponds and very stable

Here you go

Hi Tim - you should get length and weight measurements next time so you can determine the fish WR [relative weight]. That data is very helpful to help determine management strategies moving forward. Congrats on the nice LMB.

I agree - however I had no idea there was a bass in this pond anywhere close to this so I was not carrying anything to measure with. I also wanted him back in the water asap - will have a tape from now on

You might get a scale also, you really need both as relative weight is proportional, weight to length. Very helpful tools for evaluation.

I have a scale - just was not in the boat with me