Critterhunter: Good idea, but generally here in Georgia the ponds don't freeze over!
Bill: Thanks, that was my real question, how much the thermocline might move in depth from season to season. I've got no problem with the big reef being useful only portions of the year, it's far better in my mind than knowing where the fish will/should be during times, then having no clue during other times.
Also, another slightly different "shape" of PVC tree than the ones described here, that can be used in conjunction: Take 8-12 pieces, 4-6 feet in length, small diameter (I actually used several different diameters) and position them inside a cinder block lashed together at the bottom and allow/force them to spread out at the top. It makes for a denser piece of cover, and also has the added benefit of being very difficult to snag a lure on due to no horizontal pieces. One easy way to force them to spread a bit is to drill a 1/4" hole clean through about 3" from the bottom, but don't go STRAIGHT through, go on a bit of an up/down angle and use bailing wire etc to lash the various pieces.
As soon as my digital camera arrives in the next few days, I'll get pictures of all the various constructions I have hidden in my garage prior to sinking them. Thanks for the help gang!
