So, I've been lurking around PB for a few months. What a great site!
Thanks to all of you for the tips and great information.
But, now the shovel is about to split the dirt and I have a few questions. I've read a number of threads and as much as I could find in the archives on cover and structure. I've read Bob's book on pond management three times. So, I have the basic idea but it's all academic so far. Here's a little background...
The 0.5 acre cattle tank (photo below) was built by my grandfather in Northeast Texas around the 1940's and, with Otto's help, I plan to enlarge it to about 2 to 2.5 acres. I plan to stock FHM, GS, CNBG, BG, CC and LMB so my wife and I can enjoy fishing in retirement when we're not cruising the country on our Gold Wing.
I'm attaching a "concept" drawing of the pond as we haven't shot grade yet. Obviously, mother nature and a crafty dozer will dictate the actual shape. But, we walked it several times and I don't think I'm too far off the topography.
To the point... I'd like to use all natural cover in the pond. In the drawing, I have placed the cover trying to create a "fish highway" as someone described in a previous post. But, again, I am a complete novice and this is all an academic exercise at this point. If anyone has suggestions, I would appreciate your thoughts on the concept drawing and the best types of natural cover. Is this too much or too little cover (I remember a 20% rule-of-thumb from one of the threads)? Does the layout create a suitable "fish highway"? Anything you'd add to the habitat? Any comments or insights would be greatly appreciated.
PS: This is my first attempt to add images so, hopefully, they are attached. If not, I'll keep trying.
