For those that haven't read some of my previous posts, I have a 7 acre pond stocked with LMB, BG, RES, BCP, CC and recently HSB. There were also a few YP but I bet they all became expensive fish food.

I keep track of all fish removed from the pond - no one fishes it without my knowing, and it's right next to my house so there's little chance of any poaching.

So here's what it looks like as of now:

Total BCP removed 2014 to date: 286
Total BG and RES removed 2014 to date: 78
Total LMB removed 2014 to date: 14

No HSB or CC removed. Obviously my focus is keeping the BCP in check.

Overall health of the fish removed has been outstanding. The BCP are above average in size compared to anywhere else I've fished, healthy and aggressive.

Sample:



Occasionally I do catch a less than desirable LMB - such as:



That guy was removed to the frying pan, as are any fish caught that look less than optimum. Honestly it's rare to catch 'skinny' fish of any species.

My goal for the fishery is balance...essentially I want to keep it like it is now - with plenty of all species fairly easy to catch.

So am I removing appropriate amounts of the different species of fish? I know everyone is worried about BCP overpopulating so I'm fishing heavy towards them. I'm not seeing any issues yet as far as stunted, well, anything, so it appears it's working.

dl- it appears you are doing a good job of managing the fishes. Keep up the good work. The youngster is getting some really good memories and learning about managing fish at the same time. Keeping track of fish removed is very beneficial for long term management. Great!

DL your doing it right for the BCP! I think 7 acres is fine for BCP if you keep to a good management plan like you are! Those BCP look good and I bet they are good eating too!! Looks great man good job!!

Between what your taking out and what will get ate by the CC and the LMB it looks like your right on track. The cool thing about you keeping track is once you find that happy medium for the BCP all you will have to do is try and stay in the harvest range and you should be good to go!!

RC