If the DNR can't help you, I certainly won't be able to figure it out. I'll take a guess anyway...
"About 3 years ago I stocked 300 bream and shellcracker , all of a sudden I can't catch a catfish at all"
Disease. The new fish brought in something that the catfish couldn't handle.
No winner/loser, just a conversation. No offense meant from me either. Maybe I was a little confused about your first statement but it sounds like you're a solid fisherman/human. Good day to you too. :thumb:
Very cool, man. Sounds awesome. Definitely a well managed lake. And for that other guy, he wasn't following the limit set by the owner. Doesn't matter if the lake is public or private, follow the rules. That's definitely a huge problem.
My point was just that criticizing everyone that doesn't...
I'm a fan of catch and release but slot limits are a thing for a reason. If it's a managed lake then following the limits is what they want you to do. Some of the big ones have to go to make room for the next gen.
Anyway, awesome catch, OP. The mount looks really nice.
My favorite saying is "The more miserable you are now, the better the story will be later".
There were a few times out on a lake where one of us commented "Dang, this is going to make one heck of a story..."
...most of time in the middle of a near death experience, lol. Pelted by hail, almost...
I would not let my kids play in any creek in the greater Atlanta area. You can Google about Atlanta's water quality issues. Much of the surrounding area has the same issues.
I rebuilt a deck on a similar boat many years ago. There's not as much room as you might expect under there. If you open it up, remember that whatever opening you put on that deck has to be able to drain well also.
Grandpa made us kids use cane poles for years before we moved to reels. I think it's the best way to learn since they're quick, easy, and low maintenance.