I have been fortunate that of the 30 or so professional fisheries scientists and hatchery owners who have helped with the ponds none have ever hyped a trophy LMB pond. They explained the options and provided sources of info. One did suggest that a particular pond be used as a trophy BG pond. None tried to talk me into any course of action.

In the larger world of ponds by far most ponds that I know about are not managed at all. Just stocked and fished. If they get to bad then they just start over. I guess that could be called one form of management.

We are a very small part of the pond owner/manager world. More people should use the resources available to them and join in the fun. The outstanding PB forum members are in the small portion of those who actively manage their ponds.

In thinking about options pellet fed predators make a big difference. If used the need to stock very prolific forage species is no longer required. That gives us many more options.

I would not recommend that a small pond be used as a trophy LMB pond. It is to hard to do and most will be unhappy with the results. Most people do not want to spend the time managing or fishing for just a few large LMB bites a year.

Some of you northern PB members give us some help with northern cool water options like YP , SMB , Weyes , and even some cold water trout options.