OK, recently found you guys and have been reading for 2 weeks. Have 2 yrs of reading left to do!!! Wonderful accumulation of knowledge here!!

Working toward my dream retirement property. Probably 15 yrs down the road. Currently have 100 acres, with 70 of pasture land with approx 5 acre pond in the middle. Pasture is leased out for hay and not fertilized. No large animals on the property. Has been there for 50 yrs probably.

From my reading here, it is typical of most unmanaged ponds. I have caught many pound to pound-and-a-half LMB, small BG, and few BCP. No catfish caught yet but will try some more on that. I am sure they have to be in there, at least mud cats.

I am in the process right now (after reading a good bit here) of identifying just what my goals are. Aside from generally improving the fishing potential (which I know is not really a quantifiable goal) I have to decide just what I want. I am sure many questions will arise, but I will try to use the archives as much as possible.

One question I have now is about a rather large tree which has been struck by lightning and is dead. Wood is still solid but the tree is going to come down. It is an old pine tree approx 36" diameter and right a point with the deepest water (25'). I had planned on dropping Christmas trees here and there as cover, and one of my cousin's suggested just dropping that big pine tree off in the pond. SO, good idea? Bad idea? I have not found a huge amount of cover for the fish while fishing, but really have no idea what is on the bottom of the pond. What am I not thinking of long term if I drop an 75' tall pine tree into the pond?

Edit to add; Live in SE Texas near Beaumont. Small town vet. Family farm is in NE Texas, near Texarkana. Grew up around lake Wright Patman (Or Lake Texarkana, whichever name you prefer).

Thanks
Doc

DocGP,
Welcome to Pond Boss...lots of good info and helpful folks here. Where about is your place in East Texas? Mine is in Polk County...north and East of Livingston.

Doc,
Welcome.

I would not add the tree until I nailed down my plan for the pond. ( you may be starting over if your "wants" is not what you have to start with)

Cover will be part of your plan, but until you figure out the plan, the placement of cover can't be known. Besides, one tree does not make a cover plan, Think in terms of cover runs or "highways."

Others will chime in so stand by for a lot of ideas.

Welcome to the forum. The smart folks on here gonna ask what are your goals for your pond as far as type of fish, depth of pond etc.. Post pix if you can and ask lots of questions



Pat

Welcome to PBF!

Just one thought on pine. Needles tend to make the water more acidic (lowers the PH). I do not know if pine wood has the same impact but I would find out before I dropped that big old tree in my puddle.

Bill D.

Welcome DocGP from a fellow East Texan.

You can use this tool to calculate the area/acreage on your property:
http://www.acme.com/planimeter/

DocGP,
I'm skeptical about what I put in my pond...even near it as I have an aggressive watershed. I've discovered that there are repercussions for everything I do and don't do with regards to my li'l body of water. Have you checked your water quality at this point? pH levels and water hardness? Your pond may need other nutrients a lot more than it needs cover right now. I know that oak trees and other decaying matter in a pond cause tannins that will stain your water the color of ice tea. I'm not sure about pine trees. I've gathered up old Christmas trees and small cedar trees for cover and have sunk them in my pond. I've learned here on the forum that ~ 20% of cover is suggested for a thriving ecological system. Do you have any idea how much other structure you already have in your bow?

Thanks!!! 5.6-5.8 acres depending on fill!



stickem; no, I really don't, and after just the first few posts, I am reminded of an old veterinary proverb. "Above all else, do no harm". I think I am going to just let the old bull pine come apart and clean up the limbs as they hit the ground. It "might" be good cover, but I have no idea of the ramifications. I have so much studying to do. Will post some pictures soon. Sure is a beautiful little body of water! Especially to me!

Doc

Doc,
I look forward to viewing your pics...
stickem'

Here are a couple more planimeter's I have found useful besides Acme's:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vistechprojects.planimeter&hl=en

http://www.gravoplex.com/Planimeter/GMapPlanimeter.html

http://www.freemaptools.com/area-calculator.htm

Using the iPhone application can give you multiple measurements of surface acres when your pond is at different levels. Would be good knowledge when developing your plans once you narrow down on your goals.

You have many options for your habitat, be patient and align your habitat with your goals. Artificial habitat has its merits and benefits, but don't rule out natural vegetation for different zones in your pond.

I am sure there will be more from some of the moderators and others. Check the artificial habitat thread for ideas.
http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.phpubb=showflat&Number=408873#Post408873

Here is my 2 cents. The pine will not most likely hurt a five acre pond but I am more in the camp of Highflyer, it will not serve as quality cover, not to put words in anyone else's mouth.

I have fished for decades and can say at least in our East Tx. lakes we pull few fish off pine drops., more off oaks and popular's etc.

Anyway, I feel, but cannot scientifically confirm that the sap in pines are a problem with attracting fish. I agree with the other posts too that putting cover in a pond,that one could remove is much better than a huge tree, you may not even be able to pull out with a Dozier and may be of little benefit for cover. If the pine will be the only cover then fish will stage off it but will present of problems not yet discussed.IMHO

I agree too, that you could run some water quality tests to get your water in good shape for the future. Aeration and feed, are they in your ponds future?

Welcome DocGP and as you have already found there is a lot of good info on PB and plenty of quality free advice,and opinions like mine you can take with a grain of salt.

If you want to spend a little money you can subscribe to PB magazine or by the book A perfect pond want one. They will help find the right priorities before you do a whole lot. It will save you time, money,and in my opinion, maybe keep you from having to start all over again. Starting over is not always a bad thing either because a lot of money can be spent TRYING to fix what is needed when starting over is easier and cheaper sometimes.

Good luck and keep us informed when you can.

Few pictures;







Doc

Beautiful Doc. Love the tree placement.

That is a beautiful pond. Hope to have one like it someday.

Very nice, Doc...

Doc, welcome to PB. Did you recently acquire it or?

I'm neutral on the dead tree.

What are your goals for the property? Since Beaumont and Texarkana are a pretty good ways apart, I'm assuming retirement. If so, when would that be?

My first step would to be a water test. East Texas, pine tree country, is known for low fertility of both dirt and water. Have a water test done by TAMU and check on the alkilinity. You may need to doctor the pond.

My next step would be to do nothing until I learned a lot about the property and the neighborhood. Then, establish your specific goals and an action plan.

BTW, pay a lot of attention to what Josh Flowers says. He's a Pro and a good one. He also has a beautiful little girl that is spoiled rotten.