Thanks guys. And a BIG THANK YOU for everyone that has chimed in on this!

I have heard that a fish can die after handling. The big fella was in there for years prior to my ownership and has been caught several times before. Hated to see him go but it's a natural process and if those big flatheads get to be too much to take care of I plan on doing something else in there.

I like the cattails to an extent but it does make fishing difficult at times for my bass. I am going to attempt the battle to leave stands in areas for cover but I'm sure it will be alot of labor to keep under control. Some of the cattails are out 8ft from the actual edge of the pond and growing in 4ft of water so I would like to get it reduced and add a better structure option and make some spawning beds for my BG. I will definitely document that process as it developes.