Proper fertilization and management of a pond will increase fish yields by 200 - 400% over unfertilized ponds, producing as much as 200 to 400 pounds of fish per acre per year. Fertilizing provides the nutrients to increase the growth of microscopic green plants called phytoplankton. Tiny animals feed on the phytoplankton, and those are eaten by aquatic insects and small fish. Bass then feed on the small fish. The more food that is constantly available, the bigger the bass will grow. A good pond bloom will also prevent most aquatic weeds, too. A healthy bloom will keep sunlight from penetrating more than 18-24 inches below the surface, cutting off the light that weedy plants need in order to thrive.
 

"If you do nothing else, fertilize.” - Texas A&M