What size a net would I need too raise 3 to 4 inch wipers to 6 inches? What about 1 to 3 inch bluegill to 5 inches? Would like as large as possible so water could flow threw it easier when crap starts to grow on cage. Would plastic work better than netting? I had wire and it tears the fish up bad. I could rubber coat the wire but a net is only a $100. Would I be better off if I would pay $1.50 more for the size of fish I need?
Wipers at 3"-4" will be contained with 1/2" mesh. BG at 1"-2" will need 1/4" mesh until they get to 3"-4" then 1/2". Plastic mesh netting is best and most durable. IMO have a cage available at 3/4" mesh as fish grow and be contained in this size mesh. Often when the cage gets clogged with algae, I just move fish into a clean mesh cage rather than stress them by trying to scrub clean the cage. Also be aware as teh fish get larger there should be fewer per cubic ft to reduce stress problems for the fish which leads to sickness / health problems.
Bill C, can I add one more quick question? I was considering setting up blocking nets in my main pond to raise FHM in a sheltered area. What size mesh would allow the fry and young ones through but would allow me to keep my spawning size FHM in one area of the 'pen'?
I'm no Cody, but Quarter inch mesh...
Canyon for your blocking net Rainman has it correct - 1/4". Most pond water quality conditions will cause the net to quickly become clogged with algae growth. IMO the big disadvantage to a blocking net is the fish are trapped in shallow water and very vulnerable to heron predation. Depending on how many FHM you want to raise, I would use a net pen (cage). Spawning devices could be created using layers of some type of sheeting that is layered to allow the adults to get in between the layer to lay and guard their eggs. Then remove the sheets and hatch them in an aerated tub or similar container. When eggs have hatched and fry are swimming, dump it into a grow out pond.
check this video out, they are raising HSB "whipers" in cages. Some good info. hope it helps! click on the link or copy and paste it.
https://youtu.be/iXqK7CeypJk
I like the idea of doing some cage raised HSB. It could be fun and something different to do at the pond. When hand feeding, how fast you can get an hsb to two pounds by pen raising them from 4 to 6"? Any ideas on how they would do after releasing them back into the pond after raising them in the cages?
A 2 pound HSB is around 15". to get them to that size it may take a larger cage and one would likely have to reduce their density per cuft in the cage due to crowding effects. Growth rate will highly depend on growing degree days for the fish. My best guess starting at 5"-6" to 15" is 9-11 months at above 60F.
When HSB were cage raised to 11"-13" and set free into a pond no problems were observed. They resumed regularly eating pellets and biting anglers baits.