Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Best Pond Practice for Trophy Bass

I own a 2 acre pond (surface area) with about 8 acres total volume. I'm trying to manage it for trophy bass. I have carp, channel cats, bluegill and bass. I put the cats in myself for food and for fun and will begin harvesting them next year. I put them in last year and they are just starting to approach eating size.

I'm catching about 20% small bass (less than 12 inches) and the rest are decent 2-4 lb bass.

The pond is ultimately for fun and to me and my family/friends a 2-4 lb bass or bigger is a good bass.

I'm currently harvesting 15 inch and under bass or bass that are larger but really skinny with big heads. Would it be good practice to continue what I've been doing which is to harvest 15 inch and under bass and the larger female bluegills? I've been leaving the larger male bluegills. Would it also be good to start increasing my slot limit to 18 inches to raise some bigger fish (bass)?

I have been adding good cover each year in the winter and will continue to do so. I also have a Texas Hunter feeder that I feed during the Spring, Summer and Fall months 2x/day for about 10 seconds each time which is feeding the bluegill and cats.

I also have 3 other small ponds on my property which are small: 1/4, 1/2 and 1/8 acre. I've wondered if I should start growing some forage fish in one of those ponds but not sure how or if I should.

Thanks,
Eric