Welcome jimmyg!

I've found that if I do any catch and release with channel catfish (CC) in my pond, I never catch them again.

If the ponds have been around for 3+ years, you can google "acme planimeter", find that property and use that tool to accurately measure the area of each of the ponds.

www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).