You guys are great! I guess I have been talked out of the crappie again for now. I thought maybe it would be a viable option since the bass seemed to be most vulnerable during the winter.

The LMB spawning issue may have been the ratio of BG to LMB. As I said earlier I lost some to a cold rain the year they were stocked but hoped the first spawn would generate a revitalized predator base, however it may have been so far out of balance at that time it was destined to fail with the BG attacking the few nests I had. I do recall the bass frantically attempting to guard the nest when I would watch them but the high water timing had me thinking that was the only problem.

I do have elec lines run next to the pond now so that is the future plans, they need terminated in the panel but it is a small task compared to running the underground.

My long term goal remains, adding the aeration system is my best option and it will eventually happen. Short term I will buy some LMB to stock for a balance of predator to prey ratio so I can avoid stunting the BG.

Thanks again for all the input this is a great resource.