Forums36
Topics40,899
Posts557,075
Members18,451
|
Most Online3,612 Jan 10th, 2023
|
|
16 members (DrLuke, JasonInOhio, H20fwler, Theo Gallus, Shorthose, Requa, Justin W, LeighAnn, Bob Lusk, catscratch, Freg, DenaTroyer, Blestfarmpond, Snipe, RAH, Rick O),
820
guests, and
205
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 27
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 27 |
Trying to keep this short as possible. I’ve been ask by the owners of the lake I fish to do some research, ask some questions. The lake 130 acres back in 2013 was drained and restocked. It had a drain pipe issue and was out of balance so the owners saw it was a good time to start over. At that time ,early in the year it was stocked with bream, two different kinds and shad minnows. Was told about 165,000 head. Don’t know the exact time or number but later n the year crappie were stocked, black crappie,and then later that year 6500 F1 Bass. The bass have done wonderful. 5 to 9 lbs bass are abundant and look like footballs. The crappie are only about 8/9 inches long maybe a few 9.5. Have yet to see a 10 incher. We’ve been told by someone that knows more than me, not hard to find that the lake needs minnows targeted for the crappie? He suggest Tuffy minnows. So is this a good recommendation , any better advise? Thanks
Htbboats
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 2,213 Likes: 513
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 2,213 Likes: 513 |
tuffies (Fathead minnows) would be a complete waste of money, they'd be eaten in a matter of days in an established fishery. 8-9" size in 6 years suggests extremely slow growth on Crappie. It's my Opinion but the crappie could/should have been left out of the stocking plan. If things were "right" for crappie there should have been some 8-10" fish the following yr after stocking. My opinion again, but I believe you should keep every crappie caught and see if this eventually shows some better growth.
Last edited by Snipe; 06/28/19 10:31 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,026 Likes: 274
Moderator Lunker
|
Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,026 Likes: 274 |
Fatheads are great when restocking but once other fish are established they don't last long. It doesn't hurt to stock them but neither does it help much.
The bass and bluegills will spawn but 95% of their offspring will never survive their first year. No sweat. That's just Mama nature at work.
An annual dose of tilapia might give you more bang for your bucks.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,474 Likes: 264
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
|
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,474 Likes: 264 |
Jackson TN is far enough north to make TFS an iffy proposition but your lake may be deep enough to sustain them over winter. Your best bet for additional stocking would be adult BG if the forage is low. GShad would work but could create its on problems.
Best to find out what the status of the current populations are before randomly buying forage fish.
|
|
|
Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
|
|