Fixing a stocking problem: Catching Catfish Tips? - 04/09/23 01:39 PM
Prior to me finding this forum and realizing the error of my ways, I stocked my 1 acre Bass Pond with about 150 Channel Catfish of 8-12in along with my BG, RES and Minnows in fall of 2022.
Obviously, I now know that was a bad idea as large CC compete with LMB for the same food sources. As such, I am working on a plan to harvest out the vast majority of the CC that I have stocked in the pond. The water levels are still below 60 degrees and as such, I assume that the CC have not begun spawning yet. However, temperatures are starting to rise and I think the water will be above 60 degrees in the next couple of weeks.
Short of electroshocking the pond, does anyone have a great suggestion on the best way to catch and pull out 100+ CC?
I searched the forum and did come across a post about catching catfish in a bucket and you essentially catch 2 per bucket. However, that is designed to be used during spawning season and I am trying to get ahead of the spawn.
Obviously there is the rod and reel method, however I was wondering if there might be a better solution to catch multiple fish quickly.
I thought about using a milk jug, putting liver, milk, and some other meats into it. Leaving it in the sun to get a bit rancid and then drilling some holes into the jug to allow for the liquids and smells to get out and then setting it in a shallow spot of my pond. Hopefully, catfish come in (they appear to generally eat in small packs of 3-6 fish) and I can use a net and a pair of waders to grab a bunch of fish at once. However, I did not know if that was actually a good plan or not.
I would appreciate any insight that someone would be willing to provide. Thanks!
Obviously, I now know that was a bad idea as large CC compete with LMB for the same food sources. As such, I am working on a plan to harvest out the vast majority of the CC that I have stocked in the pond. The water levels are still below 60 degrees and as such, I assume that the CC have not begun spawning yet. However, temperatures are starting to rise and I think the water will be above 60 degrees in the next couple of weeks.
Short of electroshocking the pond, does anyone have a great suggestion on the best way to catch and pull out 100+ CC?
I searched the forum and did come across a post about catching catfish in a bucket and you essentially catch 2 per bucket. However, that is designed to be used during spawning season and I am trying to get ahead of the spawn.
Obviously there is the rod and reel method, however I was wondering if there might be a better solution to catch multiple fish quickly.
I thought about using a milk jug, putting liver, milk, and some other meats into it. Leaving it in the sun to get a bit rancid and then drilling some holes into the jug to allow for the liquids and smells to get out and then setting it in a shallow spot of my pond. Hopefully, catfish come in (they appear to generally eat in small packs of 3-6 fish) and I can use a net and a pair of waders to grab a bunch of fish at once. However, I did not know if that was actually a good plan or not.
I would appreciate any insight that someone would be willing to provide. Thanks!