If you pay very close attention to Harrell Arms, you shouldn't have to poison and start over. He is one of the giants in the pond business. I've met him at a seminar, asked for his advice, and found him to be a real pro whose knowledge is exceeded only by his sense of humor. I doubt that he remembers me but I remember him. About 15 or 20 years ago,on the advice of a friend, I called him and spent an hour on the phone picking his brain. He recognized that I didn't know the questions to ask and gave me some real lessons.
In the front of Lusks book, "Raising Trophy Bass" Bob has some acknowledgements. On Harrell Arms he says:
Harrell Arms: Fish farmer, consultant, fish guru, for helping to mold and mentor an energetic and often misguided fisheries consultant through travels around client lakes and ponds.
Bob doesn't give acknowledgements lightly and I think you are fortunate to have found him. Tell him your full situation and ask for his advice. Take notes.
BTW, ask for a copy of his pamphlet called "Everything I know about how to catch fish". You'll understand his sense of humor.
