No weeds to speak of. Vegetation consists primarily of the cypress trees in the water and thick brush around the edges. The lake is located in a valley, and water source is rainfall / runoff and probably some springs. No creek or river influence.
The native species were LMB, crappie, native bluegill, chinquapin and mudcats. The chinquapin seem to have disappeared over the last few years (eaten, I am sure). He has periodically stocked Florida strain LMB, CNBG and FHM.
The water is not very fertile. He used to fertilize religiously, quit doing it during the last population crash, but started again this year. Haven't seen a bloom take place yet, although the water does seem to be a little murkier than normally (normally very clear).
Fishing pressure is basically my Dad, myself and my family, and my sister's family, and whatever guests we bring (seldom). Since the last crash, we have basically removed all LMB that we catch under about 3 lbs. (wanted trophy bass). This year, with the increase in numbers and decrease in size we have seen, we have kept everything we have caught.
I think removing 400 fish is doable if we are agressive about it. The derby idea is a good thought, but the lake is a long (3 hrs) drive from home, so its hard to put something like that together. I have pulled out about 60 in the last two trips. I usually make it up there about once a month during the spring and summer to spend a weekend with the family.
