Howdy Folks,

Thanks for having me! I'll be brief...

I live in Smyrna, GA ( right outside of Atlanta ) and am a member at one of our local neighborhood pools. Adjacent to the pool is a pond which is probably close to 10 acres. I love to fly fish and hit up the pond as much as possible. I'm literally one of two or three folks that fish the pond as access is gated. I've had a down year, fishing, and am trying to figure out the health of the pond. The bluegill population seems to be thriving, as well as the crappies. As for bass, they're in there, just not finding them as easily as I used to. Largest LMB i've caught from this pond is probably a 4 lb'r about a month ago ( very nice fish ). I'm fairly confident that there are some 5-7 lbr's in there.

The north end of the pond is eroding rapidly, it seems. No vegetation aside from the banks and no noticeable algae problems. Just here trying to figure out/ learn about pond management, in regards to sustaining a healthy LMB population for years to come.

Thx for listening and I appreciate all of the good info/ insight that I've read, so far, and any future advice I may receive.

Cheers-

Groundhawg

Welcome, Groundhawg. We have some real experts here who can help you big time. Me, I'm just another pond owner struggling to learn & adapt as best I can.

One question: Have you noticed any trends in the size of the BG or the LMB? Unmanaged ponds tend to overproduce bass, resulting in stunting. I'd think that a reasonably fertile pond in Georgia should be giving up bass bigger than 4 lb!

You've come to the right place Groundhawg!

Do you have any idea of the culling rates of the other fisher-people? What about your culling habits. Do they/you fish a lot? Do they/you keep a lot of bass? Are there any size limits, slot limits, or regulations? Is it a merely catch and release? Are there a lot of smaller bass?

I'm not real sure what to do with the answers to these questions, but someone will shortly. I just know what to ask, at times, and am learning the best I can as we go.