Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Harvesting in old Pond

Hi, I am a complete novice to pond management and need some guidance. Purchased property in May of this year that has 1.3 acre pond on it, that is fairly shallow and is fed by run off. It has not been well kept from previous owners. went fishing first day I moved in late may. Caught 4 catfish at about 24 in long, switched over to see if any bass would bite and caught 2 probably 15in bass (did not measure or weigh, and then caught a few small blue gill. Thought not bad. June, July, August the drought hits and I figured pond was going to dry up. Water rceeded enough that I took tractor in and cleaned up shore line that was facing house (removed trees and deepened a couple feet. Hurricane Issac came and filled pond back up YEA! So went out to see if any fish survived, in one hour caught 4 bass 16 to 18 inched long, went out the next day and me and wife caught another 6 in same size range. Yesterday caught 2 more 17 1/2 and 19 inch. I have read here of culling 12 to 14 or 16 inchers should I be pulling any of these bigger guys out. I plan on trying to see what I can catch for blue gill.

What condition were the bass in? Fat? Same with all other fish? See any beds or little fish? All different sizes?

I think in good shape (but not huge), I can load some pics tonight. I have caught a few small LMB 3-5 inch when fishing for BG in past couple nights. I have not caught any LMB in the medium size range 8-14 inch. Before this pond all I ever caught was 8 - 14 inchers LOL. I am going to start keeping a log on weight and length. I have not noticed beds but hard to get over to back side of pond yet, still on todo list.

Go ahead and keep the length weight log and calculate relative weights on them. This will begin to tell the story... Look up sampling methods for ponds where you can learn more about what you got.

Here are few I caught the other day after pond filled back up. A litle wierd on depth as I have camera phone in one hand and fish in other. Not sure if Pics posted.

Nice looking bass... May not want to hold them by their gill openings as you can cause damage.

Thanks and OK Gotcha, So would you think I should be culling some of these out or just hold tight till spring and see what happens. Just do not want to be catching these guys to much and then decide to remove them and they are lure wise.

I would begin keeping a log and check relative weights, then you can begin harvest if needed. Much of whether you harvest or not depends on what your goals are...

Relative weight charts are in the archives.