I called a local (southern VA) pond management co. to get a quote on electro-shocking my newly purchased 8 acre lake to give me a population analysis. I have to say that I was "shocked" at the cost. (couldn't help the pun) Can anyone out there give me an idea of what a fair price might be?

We have had a lake survey including electroshocking performed each fall on a 75 acre lake in North La. Over the last 5 years two reputable lake management companies have been involved and the average cost has been just under $2000. Has been money well spent.

I was quoted $2,000-$2500 for my 8 acre lake. I thought I was being taken advantage of! Has anyone had a lake of about my size done? Anyone out there do this for a business that can give me an idea of what a fair price would be?

I have had my 8 acre lake in Mississippi electro shocked by management experts for about $500. I have also had it shocked by the state Wildlife and Fisheries people twice over the last few years for free. Every time we have learned a little more about our lake and what we could do to improve our situation.

Jbrockey - I really can't answer your question. We don't have any private pond consultants in my area, perhaps because people aren't willing to spend that much money on private water management. I'm not sure.

However, I always have students that are interested in the potential for such a business. Thus, if we could get a few more of you guys to provide us with a general cost for a pond survey for a water this size, I would appreciate hearing what you have to say.

I assume that part of the cost is for the survey, but that it would get more expensive the further one has to travel to reach the pond?

Thanks!!

Dave Willis

Sometimes you get what you pay for. 2K sounds a little high to me, but what do you get for it?

In my opinion, every electrofishing survey should include a management plan that details what was done, the results, and what it means. It should also include a plan of action for at least a year.

In addition to all of the standard management indices (e.g. PSD, Wr) I think it should also include growth rates.

A few management professionals come and electrofish the pond, tell the owner what the results are, and get their check. Total elapsed time = 2 hours. For this kind of survey I would pay no more than $400 for your 8 acre lake.

Most management professionals provide some sort of management plan, and they vary a lot in quality. I would expect to pay a minimum of $800 for your 8 acre lake, and probably more.

There are a few management professionals that have a proven track record of providing quality fishing and have the references to prove it. They may also have a staff of one or more assistant biologists. I would expect to pay at least $1500 to have your lake surveyed by an individual or company like that.

Then there are those management professionals that have a reputation that crosses state boundaries and are almost universally respected by their peers. They usually have a company with biologists on staff that handle most of the daily field work. If your quote was from someone like this, than it is probably not out of line. I've heard of electrofishing surveys that cost a lot more than that.

Most of the work is drafting the management plan. Also, don't forget that the equipment is also very specialized. This all enters into the cost, but from my observations, reputation is the most important determinant.

Thanks, Fishman. Appreciate the info.

Can anyone else toss some numbers out here?

Thanks,
Dave Willis

Guys:

A good, spirited discussion here on electro-shocking costs. As Fishman pointed out, the key is not so much collecting fish but having someone with the knowledge to accurately interpret the data.

Consultants have plenty of hard costs associated with their field work -- fuel, the boat, the generator, crew, tow vehicle and, of course, time.

A 1-3 acre lake can be surveyed in a couple hours, true, but what about time reviewing the data and compiling the report?

For 8 acres, I'd say $2,000-$2,500 is rather high unless the lake is a long, long way from Anywhere, USA. Something in the $1,000-$1,500 range might be more in line with the Texas market.

Small projects -- 1-3 acres -- that are close to home go for $750-$900 or so.

Mark McDonald
Editor, Pond Boss

jbrockey,
The company I work for does do some electro shocking and we charge in the range of 2000-2500 dollars. We have to pay alot of money for the insurance and equipment at a cost of about $1000 everytime the boat is dropped in the water. BUT with that we do more than just a fish survey. Once we have done the shocking we can better help the customer determine what he/she needs to do to create a better enviroment for their fish. We can determine if there is a good mix of fish in their waters or if we need to remove a species. We do have a crew of 3 or 4 biologists with fisheries background that help in these shockings so they really have a good understanding on the nature of the fish and their needed habitat. I guess I do not really feel that this is over priced when you look at the service that is provided and you can see what the cost is for the equipment (as well as the liability). Hope that this helps you in your decision.

Jerry

If all we do for that customer is an electrofishing survey, they can expect to spend $800 plus mileage (diesel fuel is $1.70 right now). If we travel overnight, expenses and rates go up proportionately.
If we examine the entire site, dam, watershed, map the lake bottom, analyze water and/or soils, measure the lake, calculate water volume, run profiles on all fish...the cost can certainly rise to $2,000.
A complete analysis of a lake uses more tools and experience than just an electrofishing boat.

I have a half acre pond...Is there a way to electro-shock it myself, And how would I do it?

jbrockey,
I just got home from electrofishing this morning. I drove 65 miles, and performed analysis on a 11 acre lake. I charged them $600. Like mentioned I spent most of my time interpreting data, and writing the management plan. This service includes water quality analysis, weed/algae id, calculation of retetion time, dam assessment. The management report will detail harvest (species and size), supplemental feeding plan, fertilization/lime plan, fish stocking recommendations, fish habitat improvements, etc. This plan is based on the goals of the pondowner. Too many folks provide generic answers. You should be able to take the plan you receive and do it yourself or hire someone, and if followed acheive your fishing goals. BTW I just sold a feeder to a guy in Lowry, VA and told him I could do the survey desrcibed above for $1,000.

Man what a great discussion; this is something that I think most pond owners forget in there budgeting of yearly costs to maintain a trophy fishery. I know I had not been considering it because I didn't realize the significance of yearly surveys until about a year ago.

greg, i very much appreciate the new info and the offer. when i get permission from the war department (the wife) to spend the $$ to get the shocking done you will be the only one i call. i understand that this site is not designed as a forum to advertise services; but at the same time you have volunteered much of your time to answer many of the questions my son and i have asked here. i feel as though i can trust you to give me a fair and accurate, as well as reasonably priced survey. i'd love to get it done now, but as a pilot for a major airline, my paycheck is in serious jepardy. i hoping for now to just be able to keep the property. in the mean time, my son and i are doing what we can to improve our fishery: we are keeping records of the fish we catch, our water temperatures and our water chemestry. we spread 21 tons of lime by hand. we will begin fertilizing this week. we added grass carp to begin to control our naiad problem. we put in an areation system and have been hand feeding our bluegill daily. as (if) my industry and company gets healthy again, i should be well prepared to take full advantage of your services. thanks again to you and all the pro's out there who give so much of your time and talents to all us novice pondmeisters. jb

SOunds like your doing a great job. I look forward to helping you more "specifically" in the future. I wish you and all others in the airline industry a quick economic recovery.

Greg, I read an article that you published about electroshocking. Well done. You brought it down to the basic stupid level so I could understand it. I had read another one that I felt the writer was writing to impress rather than express.