Thanks for the great advice to this first timer. My pond is new and located Woodville,Tyler county, TX and I'm in the works of applying for the water turkey permit.................2 weeks ago there was one water turkey now last week I saw 4. I live in Houston so no way I can be out there except on weekends. Before the pond filled I left 2/3 of it with standing timber and numerous timber piles to give the fish a place to hide from those birds. Does anyone know if these birds will leave the area soon or stay year round? I might delay my stocking if there's a chance they are on their way north.Being a native of the area I agree these birds eat lots of fish. Do you think the underwater brush helps? Good advice on the FI size any idea where I might get large fish? What size would you recommend? 3-4 inches? I now plan to go with 250 red ear/acre now.