I've read alot of posts here about natural vs. man-made structure. It seems most will agree that there is either no difference in fish attracting capability but some think natural works better.
Several people seem to think that tannins released from some wood types (oak, specificially) can affect the fishery others do not.
From my own experience, the reason I like the man-made structure is that it is nearly impossible to get your lures hung-up in them.
You nailed it with the tannins. Other trees will release different chemicals which will either attract fish, or repel them. Let us know what type of trees you plan on using as natural structures. Esshup is one of the many pond owners that utilize various type of materials for structures. Any structure that allows immediate shelter while providing visual window will be best for the fish (mortar blocks, tires, rock reef, pine trees/branches overlapping structures, etc.). Make sure to use manmade structures that don't release chemicals which will harm your fish, such as uncured concrete materials, asphalt materials, degrading tires, untreated containers that previous have harmful chemicals, and various others. Use common sense. If you have question, let us know.
It all works about the same. I've used both and the dumb fish don't seem to know the difference.
ROFL Indeed. They are..However, dump or smart, it's their natural instinct to seek shelters, and since there is an existing shelter that has no occupant, might as well use it.
