This rule protects the pond's ecosystem:

1. Disease prevention — Baitfish from other waters can carry diseases that wipe out fish populations
2. Invasive species risk — 'Minnows' sold at bait shops sometimes include juvenile invasive species that can devastate a private pond
3. Genetic purity — Our stocked fathead minnows are part of a balanced ecosystem
4. Investment protection — Our annual stocking program protects fish populations. One bucket of bad bait could undo years of work

For live bait, worms and crickets work great for bluegill and shellcracker. For bass, artificial lures are highly effective.

Allowed:

• Artificial lures (plastic worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, flies, jigs, etc.)
• Prepared baits (PowerBait, bread, corn)
• Live worms, nightcrawlers, crickets, grubs
• Cut bait from fish caught in this pond

Not allowed:

• Outside live baitfish — no minnows, shiners, or any live fish from other water sources
• Any live or dead fish brought from outside the pond
• Bow fishing, spears, or trotlines
• Treble hooks larger than #4 on artificial lures

Harvest rules vary by species:

• Largemouth Bass: 10-14 inch slot only. Maximum 5 bass per permit per year (tracked in your Catch Log). Larger bass must be released.
• Bluegill: Unlimited harvest. Please keep what you catch.
• Shellcracker: Unlimited harvest. Excellent eating.
• Minnows: Catch-and-release only — they're forage for bass.

Harvesting panfish and slot bass helps keep our pond healthy and growing trophy fish.

Our 4-acre pond was professionally stocked in February 2020 with:

• Largemouth Bass (200) — primary sport fish, now 150-250+ adults including 4-6 lb trophies
• Bluegill (1,400) — abundant panfish, perfect for kids and beginners
• Shellcracker / Redear Sunfish (600) — larger panfish, excellent eating
• Fathead Minnows (~80,000) — forage species feeding the food chain

The pond is actively managed with annual restocking of forage and panfish species to maintain a healthy, balanced fishery.

No. Our no-refund policy is clearly stated in your Terms & Conditions. Here's why:

Our maintenance costs don't change based on fish activity. Water testing, aeration, stocking—these happen whether fishing is hot or slow. Fish populations are affected by weather, seasons, and natural cycles we can't control, but our commitment to water quality never wavers.

That said, we actively manage the pond to prevent bad years. If you notice declining fish populations, let us know—that's exactly the kind of feedback that drives our stocking and management decisions.

We intentionally cap total permits at 20 Individual and 10 Family to:

• Protect pond quality — fewer anglers means less pressure on fish populations
• Maintain the experience — intimate, uncrowded fishing for permit holders
• Ensure access — even on peak days, you'll have space and quiet

This cap also means we're spreading operational costs across fewer permits, which actually increases the per-permit cost. We could sell more permits and lower prices, but we choose pond health and quality over volume.

Nope. Even casual anglers come out ahead.

Compared to our $20 day pass rate:

• At $300/year (Individual): You break even fishing just 15 days/year. Fish 30 days and your cost drops to $10/day — a 50% savings
• At $500/year (Family): Break-even at ~25 angler-days across all family members

Most permit holders fish 20–40 days annually, which makes the permit a clear win. But even if you fish 10 times, you're supporting something that matters—a healthy, well-managed pond.

Good skepticism. Here's how we stay accountable:

• Quarterly water testing by professionals
• Visible aeration — you'll see and hear our 6 aerators running 24/7
• Fish quality — healthy catch reports, consistent populations
• Catch logs — all catches tracked in our system; we monitor populations actively
• Seasonal stocking — documented species and dates
• Feedback loop — if you notice issues, report them; we take it seriously

You're not just buying access—you're buying into a system we actively manage.

Transparency matters. Here's our actual breakdown:

Water Treatment ($2,200/year) — PondClear and pond dye applied monthly April–November to maintain clarity, pH balance, and algae control.

Fish Stocking ($1,500/year) — We restock bluegill, shellcracker, and forage minnows to maintain healthy populations and a strong food chain for our bass.

Aeration & Oxygen ($1,850/year) — Dual compressor system runs 24/7 with 6 aerators. Includes electricity (~$1,445/year) and maintenance kits.

Water Testing & Facility Upkeep ($700/year) — Quarterly professional water testing, dock safety, access roads, and emergency prep.

Important: These costs don't include construction, labor, insurance, or the many other operational expenses required to give you a great fishing experience. We absorb those to keep your permit affordable.

Great question. Public fishing comes with trade-offs: crowding, inconsistent fish populations, and limited access. Our pond is a private, professionally managed resource. We don't rely on state funding—we invest our own money to maintain it.

That investment of $6,000+ annually includes professional water testing, fish stocking, 24/7 aeration, and facility upkeep. Your permit covers your share of those costs while keeping access exclusive and intimate.

Most private pond memberships cost $500–2,000/year, so we think $300–500 is fair value for unlimited Wed-Sun access.