BWH, your story sounds very similar to mine. I moved here March 2012 to find a very old pond, 12-18" of stinky muck, riddled with FA, Coontail and a complete blanket of DW. Rowing was out of the question, let alone a trolling motor.
The pond is 2 acres averaging 4' deep except for a 9' channel the length of the dam.
Initial treatment of pond dye, Cutrine Plus (liquid and granular) in April for the FA, Vertex aeration system in May, and followed up in July with Alligare (Fluridone) for the Coontail and DW. By September 1st my pond was DW free, with the Coontail dead and dying (as well as most other vegetation). As told could happen, the Coontail reappeared this year so I treated again with Alligare in the Spring. BTW, I also stocked 8, 12" Grass Carp 10-1-12 and they are now HUGE, and hopefully keeping any new CT in check.
I was aware I could be trading the DW and Coontail kill-off for an explosion of FA but I got extremely lucky to have hardly any at all this year. My guess is due to pond dye (though none added since spring) and a great plankton bloom leaving water clarity at 12-18" pretty much all year.
This is a recent photo and if you look closely you can see the 4 bubblers (diffusers).
All year I've enjoyed weed-free trolling and fishing!
I'm not suggesting you take the same path, as the folks here certainly know more than I do, I just wanted to share a similar story. Fortunately I've had excellent results and now have a pond that I and many family and friends have enjoyed all year.
Keep gathering info and keep the faith!
PB Rocks!
