You believe you have caught a fish that could qualify as a state or lake record. TPW does not provide these services. You will have to purchase your fish from a private fish hatchery. We have a listing of private fish hatcheries, that we can mail to you if you e-mail us your mailing address. For other questions on pond management, including on-site population surveys, please contact a private pond biologist.
Aquatic vegetation is an important part of the ecology of a pond.
Vegetation provides protective cover for small fish where they can avoid predation and as well as habitat for many smaller organisms in the pond food chain such as insects. It also produces oxygen through photosynthesis during the day and stabilizes the pond bottom resulting in clearer water. Too much vegetation can cause problems and be bothersome when fishing. Over abundant cover can keep the predator fishes from feeding and result in slow growth in gamefish, such as largemouth bass. Excessive vegetation also can cause oxygen problem.