Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Anyone use a Fishing Log or Diary they'll share?

Just wondering if anyone uses a time-proven fishing log or diary to track not only their harvesting and population control success, but their overall fishing results? I'd like to learn about some easy to use fact-gathering/tracking techniques that others have found useful.
For example - a 3x5 note card system (tacklebox size) where you track weather conditions, lures, presentations, water temp, etc. and the resulting fish caught, size, released/harvested, etc.
Anyone have anything to share with the rest of us?
Thanks,
Dave Keyes

I have used a system of keeping track of length and weight of bass similar to yours. It is very helpful in determining selective harvest and what needs your forage base has.

I just started maintaining a log, so do not have enough info to share. However, go the this website and look at their free fishing log form. It is a nice form and asks all the pertinent questions.

http://www.bassresource.com/html/contents.html

Thanks a bunch, Nick. That's exactly the type of thing I was hoping to find. I'll use it next outing ! Tight Lines,
Dave

Dave,
I don't know how computer savvy you are, but I have found computer databases (such as Microsoft Access)a great way to record, and more importantly, track my fishing success. For example, you can search all of your data for specific lure types, structure, or weather patterns across each of the locations that you fish. I am currently writing a computer program to make this process very simplistic and user friendly. In the meantime, if you have Microsoft Access, I can send you a template file from which you can start your own records.

Jason Roehrig

Jason,

Could I get that Access template also?

Thanks if Possible. - Sean

Jason,

I would love to get a copy of that Access database as well, if you don't mind. Thanks!
jedred18@hotmail.com

Fishing logs/diaries are a GREAT idea for pondowners. You can use this information to track changes in the fish community over time.

Fishery biologists rely quite a bit on two pieces of information that you can get from you log. First, you will be able to track changes in size structure over time. For example, many ponds tend toward higher density, smaller largemouth bass over time. Over a several year period, you'll be able to see if such changes are occurring in your pond.

Second, biologists also like to calculate some measure of "relative abundance." For example, the number of 8-inch and longer largemouth bass caught per hour of night electrofishing is usually a pretty good indicator of bass abundance (density). With a log/diary, you can track number of bass caught per hour of fishing time, and it should provide a reasonable index of fish abundance.

Even if you work with a trained pond consultant, this information would be great. I know that if I wanted to sample a pond and assess the fish community, I would be tickled pink to see a multiple-year log of fishing results.

Dave

Jason,

Could I please have a copy of the Access database? Thanks

frankp0@cox.net

Jason,

Could I please get a copy of your Access program?
I know it will be quite helpful for me.

Noles58@msn.com