I'm fortunate to live in a neighborhood that has about six big ponds (they range from 10-20 acres) that are well stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill. I have fishing/boating access to all of them. Each pond is a little different and has better fishing for certain species. The pond I live on has big bass and a lot of crappie. However, although I see some lunkers, mostly I see and catch small bass. I've read here, and been told several times that I need to catch and eat the small bass. I can handle that. I ain't keeping any big ones. What is a good rule to go by on size to release?

Crappie + Bass + Ponds <> trophy bass, usually. Get rid of the crappie, and you'll probably see better bass. Of course, any result might take years.

Crappie + Bass + Ponds <> trophy bass, usually. Get rid of the crappie, and you'll probably see better bass. Of course, any result might take years.

+1; all 3 of those species spawn at different times; crappie first, bass second and bluegill last. Crappie are the best eating fish, so start keeping and eating them. Unless these ponds have good weed cover, the panfish will keep the baby bass population in control and the bass should keep everything under control. Are you sure there isn't any catfish or carp in these ponds? Both are prolific egg and small fry eaters.

The ponds should be fairly balanced and have a few well fed big adult size bass.

To catch these larger bass you need to fish at prime feeding times; low light dawn or dusk and use 5" to 6" wake baits, buzz baits or 7" to 10" soft plastic worms that can be fished from shore effectively.

Good luck.

Tom