Mance, you need 3 things. The first is the goal which you have identified. The next is knowledge of where you currently are. Next is the game plan.

To add to what EWest said re # 4 and 6 above, many fisheries Biologists recommended the culling of every bass caught below 12 to 14 inches in an ESTABLISHED body of water. You can't catch them all. Heck, you can't make a dent.

The base pond assessment he refers to usually includes an electrofishing survey (shock boat) and written analysis by a qualified professional biologist. However, the most important management tool is the creel survey and written log of fishing success by the pond owner. The success of the log is determined by adherence to its use. Poachers could easily skew the results.

I've heard Alan Rudd speak but don't know about his qualifications. Great personality and sense of humor.

Most Biologists will tell you that 20 to 25% vegetation is OK and helps fry escape initial predation.

You might think about the standing timber. It makes a good observation post for water turkeys aka crested cormorants. They are evil and can disrupt progress toward your goals.

I will echo EWests recommendation on the convention. An awful lot of advice and specific answers regarding your goals can be answered there and you will have the chance to talk to various Texas Fisheries Managers. You'll also get to rub elbows with a bunch of amateurs that the Pro's could get some good advice from. I'll add to Ewests advice regarding the book on Basic Pond Management. Order "Raising Trophy Bass" by Lusk.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa