Thanks Shawn. It sounds like you have plan! I like those brackets. I think something like that would be a great addition to my posts.

I know how you feel. A pond was essential item on my checklist too. I want the water to clear for looks, fishing and general health of the pond. I've eaten mudcats but to my thinking, they are only decent before it gets hot. But any pond pretty much beats no pond. One thing that I'm going to do is put aeration this Spring. I'm no expert but I think it will help my fish when the water gets hot this Summer. You might reach out to the experts on here for their thoughts.