Hi Folks:
Just discovered this forum by blundering onto it through some other site links. I've spent a couple of days here doing a "crash course" on pond health. What a great resource for me as I'm a new Rainbow Trout "Daddy" with a pond which used to be a gravel pit.
The 4 acre pit has been flooded for over 50 years as a result of the business striking a spring and filling it up. It is well populated by freshwater shrimp, caddis and stone flies, cat-tails, etc. There are large sections which are 25 ft deep and most of the pond is about 12 to 15 ft deep. It is approximately 650' x 230' in size.
There are also two other pits which are considerably smaller and somewhat shallower.
The land owned by a another person and I've stocked the trout based on a handshake. I want to formalize the control of this spot and the owner is open to my leasing it for a 5 yr period with a second 5 yr option.
At this time, the venture is for private angling among 6 friends only. Long-term plans are to install a windmill for aeration.
I'm looking to get some feedback on what yearly rate to offer the owner and be fair to both sides. Since this will be "found money" as far as the owner is concerned, I was thinking of $500 per year.
Please give me your thoughts on a reasonable opening offer. Thanks for taking the time to assist.
Can't tell you what peace of mind I get from sitting by the water for 20 minutes watching the 'Bows taking flies and nymphs in the evenings ... just like taking a tranquilizer.
Regards to all,
Lee Smith
