I think I would up the number of bluegills ASAP. Bass will clobber them in a hurry and they will be the food base for the bass. Only bluegills can spawn enough to feed bass and only bass can control the spawn of bluegills. I like to start with 10 times as many bluegills as bass.

Minnows don’t last long since everything eats them. But, they jump start the feeding process until spawning starts. BTW, what kind of minnows? If Fatheads, they spawn on the underside of structure and are used to jump start the other fish. So, you will need to provide structure.

I agree that some fish will die but most sink, not float.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP