I live in north Florida, Dixie County. We have a small pond on the property that was dug by the previous owner and was stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. We want to renovate the pond to be used for more ornamental goals and eliminate, if possible, the current fish stocking. We want to be able to use it for more ornamental purposes, especially waterfowl, however the largemouth bass completely decimate any newly hatched ducklings, even wild species. Our extreme drought nearly dried the pond out but a good rainy season has mostly refilled it. I tried pumping the water out but the water table refills it too quickly to make that a viable option.

I’ve done research and found that Prenfish (rotenone) seemed like a great option based on the kind of toxicity it has and limited effect on groundwater, however I think it’s no longer available? I’m still waiting to get a call back from my local FWC office regarding licensed people who can assist me but that’s not been too productive as of yet.

It is a relatively small pond, maybe 50’ across at the moment, with a depth of about 5’ or so. I’d really like to act soon since fish stock levels seem to be fairly low at the moment but I’m at a loss of what my options are. I do understand pond ecology and biology, water chemistry. I’d appreciate any input of where to go next and what else I might try to eradicate, at the very least, the largemouth bass. Thanks