I too live in MS. Rip rap without a geotec beneath is a problem. I have rip rap in the spillway of my pond and fight tree growth and grass. Round up is your best friend. It will not hurt your fish but will control the growth of plants.

Your bass are competing with the catfish. If you want healthy bass with good size, thin your cats out of the pond. Bass are lazy and need more bream to eat with little effort to predate. Cats are shark like and if they are swimming, they are looking to eat.

Good luck with your pond!