Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Restoring a bluegill pond

In my long term experience doing stuff like this it will take years to accomplish your goal as you have it planned - probably 6-8yrs. Then you will still have a substandard fishery due to what the basis of the fish you are starting with. The current issue of PBoss mag has a very good article why not to use bucket stocked LMbass if bass are really important for your fish goal. PBoss Jan-Feb 2017 "Will Stunted Bass Grow", pg 30-32. A quote from the article: " Its not the fish that get you where you want to go. It's how you plan & implement your strategy that will hit the target". Also "If the goal is to grow huge BG, it's more appropriate to stock the pond properly in the beginning." In a hurry mix sizes of forage fish and feed them; both will quickly speed the process.

Quickest way to achieve your goal is to 'bite the bullet' drain it down, renovate and restock. It will cost some money, but what is your time and a successful fishery worth to you?? In three years you can have your goal of 9" BG, 16" bass, some 16"-18" HSB, and crappie (either BCP or hybrids at 9"-12"long). Pond management is all about choices and its now your choice to make.