Flatlander, I appreciate, your input as I do all who reply. The first answer to why 100 Florida bass, thats what my consulant suggested at the time. My tank was still in process of filling and was up to around 2 1/2 acre's. If memory serves me right, he said I could go with 125 but I would have a better quality bass starting at 100. Maybe I misled him and not knowing anything at the time, I just wanted large bass as quick as possible, and I knew it was going to take a couple of years or so but my intetion was also to be able to fish couple hours and at least have some good hits and start the process of taking out the 14 inch and under. No I have not tried a gitterbug and I have not tried at night. If the native blacks would be the easier one's to catch, thats what I probably need.
Pond structure: I seen it before water filled. The dam is 220 yds long and width is between 30 to 50 yds and this is mainly the bowl. This is where dozers took out all dirt for the dam. The rest is shallow water around two ft, when full. Alot of this will become inches in time of drought which is not uncommon in last couple of years. The creek that feeds it, during rains, always holds water in 4-5 ft and loaded with pea gravel. Starting from the edge of the bowl towards the creek and all the shallows, I left all the timber. Trees, bushes etc but no ground varation, except for the creek, and it has turns, highs and lows, trees hanging in it, bushes, so much, the only way to fish it is flipping cause your not going to cast overhead. I also put in some trees in the bowl. I tried to put two or three trees along the bottom and made six brush piles in all. These trees was probably 12 to 20 inches in dia.
My thoughts as of now, agree with your closing statement, I have big bass and they are stuffed and just lounging. You mentioned the survey, I'm just about money broke. Six grand on one tank, $2500. on bait fish, $5000. on my new tank and wife still wants to know when I'm getting the new carpet. Luckly she likes to fish more than me!
Which is why I'm gathering as much info now as my new tank is gaining water now and I'm stocking the bluegill. This one will have the creek bed, points, drop-offs, large rocks, trees, the works. Hate to be long winded, but I do believe in getting or receiving as much info as possible, Thanks....Gary