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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,319
Lunker
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OP
Lunker
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,319 |
I have way too many small LMB. Catching them on a hook and removing them is a slow process. Can anyone recommend a good predator to take out the small LMB? I have a couple of big LMB but I don't think they can keep up. What about a yellow cat? Help I'm drowning in small LMB!
In Dog Beers, I've had one.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,972 Likes: 276
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,972 Likes: 276 |
IIRC Yellow Cat = Flathead. One problem with that is they would get big enough to eat your large LMB.
"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling ![[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ed/b5/e7/edb5e7f935843b996cf52be593c9ebd2--smoothie-smooth-collie.jpg)
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014  Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,497 Likes: 266 |
FlH cats can get big enough to eat a small dog as well. I know of an instance where some FlH loving neighbors slipped a few (to grow out) in a Fisheries Science BG only evaluation pond. The FS students could not figure out why their seine and creel samples got less and less productive. Finally drained the pond and found a dozen large FlHs 5 to 50+ lbs. They eat med/big BG more than LMB.  Take a bunch of Boy Scouts out to the place with poles and crickets and worms. Keep all the LMB. Add those adult BG and tilapia. Don't get frustrated yet I think you are making progress.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,055 Likes: 277 |
HeyBud, the number one predator of small bass is bigger bass. Keep helping the bigger bass do their job and don't get discouraged.
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
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 293
Member
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The cull takes a couple of years (about 3) to have much effect. I had the same problem 5 years ago in my 8 acres. I culled 20+ lbs per acre at Greg's suggestion for three years. My lmb have since gone from 75%RW to most now being over 100%. The small bass eat up the spinner baits and also hit the small plastics well. I set a 16 in. slot that I still maintain today. Now I take out 10-12 lbs per acre and last year caught 2 over 7 lbs and numerous in the 3-5 lb range. My tagging shows good growth, where before I had little to no bass over 12 inches. I'm looking forward to another shocking from Greg sometime later this year to re-confirm the success of the fun but time consuming work of the very necessary cull.
Take great care of it, or let someone else have it.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365 |
Originally posted by heybud:
Can anyone recommend a good predator to take out the small LMB? I bet 1 medium sized spotted gar could serve that purpose. When the gar has done his job, you could reward him by shooting him. If he eats your big bass, don't shoot me! 
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,319
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Mar 2006
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What about some Stripers? Will they take out small LMB?
In Dog Beers, I've had one.
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