My neighborhood in central virginia has 2 decent sized ponds with populations of crappie, bluegill and bass. I've fished them off and on for 20 years and always catch small fish. I primarily catch crappie (because I'm fishing for them) and they are always 6 to 8 inches, thin and bleached out color. They get very little fishing pressure. The few bluegill and bass I catch are also small compared to other ponds I fish.

One pond is about 2 acres and the other 1 acre. Max depth is 7 to 8 feet. They can get stained quick from rainwater runoff, but at other times somewhat clear during dry spells. They have a good spillway so water level stays pretty consistent.

I fish other area ponds that are real honey holes and produce quality fish, but not these ponds. A neighbor stocked them once or twice, not sure the quantities or species but he fishes them too and says he's never seen any signs his stocking a few years back did any good.

I rarely see any minnow type forage species. I assume these fish are eating the fry of each other species along with any insects and maybe some seasonal tadpoles. Should I be thinking about introducing any forage fish? I don't mind putting a little money into improving the fishery if i can create a little honey hole close to home.