Charles, Fish ID websites have been referenced several times but I don't know where they were. Either look at a lot of subjects here or maybe someone can give the URL. It sounds like silver shiner minnows. The question is where they came from. Maybe someone was using them for fishing and released some.
However, having a lot of minnows indicates a probable predator problem or shortage. How are your bluegill? Do you see predator activity?
There are a lot of questions here. You should be able to catch some fish but in a small pond, the fish get educated fairly quickly. In a muddy pond, bass usually bite out of instinct and at sound.
Start feeding and see what you have. Also, try using live bait.
