Methods

• The pedal boat allows you to utilize two primary methods for controlling aquatic weeds: physical removal and herbicide application. Either of these methods will work for both submersed or emersed weeds, since accessing the middle of the pond is no less feasible than addressing your shoreline. If you do opt for a chemical treatment, check with your state DEP or Fish and Wildlife Commission on chemical restrictions and licensing requirements.
  
  

Physical

• For submersed and emersed weeds alike, try using a V-style rake. This particular tool is basically shaped like a capital "Y" with the slants harboring very sharp edges that make short work of just about any weed. Cattails, being one of the thicker aquatic macrophytes, don't stand a chance against this cutter. You probably want to attach some kind of float to the end of the rake to counterbalance the heavy weight of the rake, this way it doesn't constantly try to dig into the pond bottom. Simply tie the handle end of the rake to the stern of your pedal boat and maneuver over the areas where the densest weeds are growing. Once the cut plant material floats to the surface, use the same towing method but use a parachute-type skimmer to corral the debris into one corner of the pond, allowing you to hand rake the rest onto shore.
  
  

Chemical

• A chemical or herbicidal treatment, although it will be more expensive, is much less labor-intensive. Ideally, and if you're looking for a more permanent tool to treat nuisance vegetation, try mounting a spray rig on your pedal boat. The rig would consist of a 10- to 25-gallon tank, a 12-volt pump, deep cycle battery and a spray wand with brass nozzle. Always adhere to herbicide label rates when mixing your spray solution--too little and your treatment may not be effective; too much and you could end up with a fishkill. Equally as important is the size of the area you treat. A good rule of thumb is to break the pond up into thirds, treating each section every seven days. The danger in treating your whole pond at once lies in the resulting oxygen depletion caused by the large amount of decomposing plant material. That being said, if it's submersed weeds you're treating, inject the spray wand below the surface of the water to ensure good coverage of the target plant. In order to avoid disturbing the applied herbicide, consider pedaling in reverse while spraying off the bow of your boat. When you're attacking emersed weeds, use a wide-fan tip and mist the exposed, leafy parts of the plant. Adding a very small amount of pond dye to your spray mix is very helpful in showing where you've sprayed.