wow thanks for the extra info on the pond! This is very encouraging for me because I used more than a 30:1 stocking (and have seen good results so far). Also you mention its only a 2.5 acre pond but produced around 10 10+ pound fish at 9 years gives me hope that one day I could have the same in mine. I know I am not in the "deep south" but still an area that can produce big fish. I also find it impressive that so many big fish were in a smaller pond.

Did the owner do any hard management? or just catch a few bass to eat every now and then?

Get out and fish.