Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Former Lurker in Southwest Indiana

Hello everyone.

I have been lurking around these waters reading and absorbing as much as possible for the past year or so. I subscribed to Pond Boss about a year ago, just renewed my subscription, and figured it was time to sign up on the forum as well.

I am a former biology major and active outdoorsman who now rides a desk in Information Technology. The outdoors - especially fishing and conservation - are deep in my blood though. My father pretty well raised me in a boat (seriously, I have pictures of me in a car seat in the boat) and I hope to pass it on to my son.

About four years ago my wife and I moved to a home on an 5-6 acre pond / lake and I have been active in the Lake Association and management since we have been there. I do a lot on my own (with the help of everything I have read here) to add structure and habitat to what is for the most part a big "empty bowl" of water.

So, I wanted to introduce myself, say hello, and give a huge thanks to everyone here on these forums for passing along their wisdom, ideas, and advice.

I'll see you around the forums.

Welcome from Deep East Texas!!!

Welcome to the forum Ryan. You can go to acme.com/planimeter/ and measure your pond via satellite images.What kind of fish does your pond contain and what are your goals?

Ryan, welcome to the forum. Ton's of helpful people here, so don't hesitate to seek advice if needed.

Welcome Ryan. Lots of guys from Indiana here.

Always glad to welcome another Hoosier. Welcome !!!!

Thanks everyone, and tubguy I will definitely try out that planimeter.

LMB and BG are the predominant fish in the lake for sure. BG are plentiful and fairly good size. LMB are what you typically find in a lake this size that hasn't had much management - around 10-12" and probably 60-80% of relative weight. There are a few black & white crappie, all very thin and we added 150 channel cats to the lake for the meat fishermen.

Unfortunately we had what some call a turnover a few years back. Had about 3-400 BG dead. I still don't think it was a turnover, but I did not actually witness it as I was traveling at the time. We decided to put in an aeration system anyway, and I do think that has helped in general water quality, though I am not sure how the population has recovered.

About two years ago I started adding cover and structure in select spots. Once there were smaller places to hide and breed, I started feeding FHM a few times a year. I also hand feed from time to time, but it's inconsistent and just for fun with the kid more than anything - though I am considering getting a feeder to see if the fish will take to it.

As far as goals... I want an all around panfish lake where people can harvest regularly and may have some "holy crap" moments from time to time. Right now, we are going to be harvesting for size more than anything. I think we can get there though.

Welcome from a fellow Hoosier (by choice).

Welcome to PB . Community lakes are a challenge. Glad to help if we can.

By the way, if anyone wants to see photos of the place, I am starting a photobucket album for use here.

Feel free to take a look.


Ryan's Pond Project