Jawbone-- Thanks for keeping us posted. Sorry to hear about your camera....was hoping to see some pictures of your progress. Are you planning to put any of the fish you transfer to the gravel pit back into your pond when it's finished? I saw Bills post about hook smart bass and it sure fits in with what happens in the real world.
As for buying a feeder, I did just that. But, I don't use it. I feed them every night by hand off my dock. I enjoy watching them and seeing how they have really grown in size and the Grandkids love to feed the fish when they come out on the weekends. (Both are under 2 and they go home and throw the cat food down the basement steps calling "Fishy, Fishy". Their Mom wasn't real happy with me...)
As for keeping the cost down, we added a little over an acre to my pond with 3 tractors and an old D6 cable dozer. Took about 3 days and only cost the price of fuel.
Good luck and belive me, it is worth the time and $$$ you are investing.
Dan

Mistakes are proof that you are trying.


Dan