Keven,

I also think you are doing great. However, that seems like a lot of bass to stock initially in that size pond. You may have to remove some to get larger bass. For example, I stocked only 50 F1's this spring in a new 2 acre pond. Just depends on what you want...larger bass or lots of relatively small bass.

The fact that you are recatching those fish is a good thing, also. My Floridas were caught only once or twice...and then disappear. I'm hopeful my F1's do as you have experienced. Fishing pressure has to be limited, however.

Snakes...I'm not so sure I agree with Ric on that one....I've caught snakes in my fish traps stuffed with baby BG. They actually drown in the trap eating BG. I don't tolerate them, zero tolerance.