Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations HSB Pond Record

After reading recent forum reports regarding HSB mortality during hot summer months, I was reluctant to respond, having previously observed 5 pound class HSB that had survived the record breaking summer heat wave, with low water due to extreme drought conditions.

If I recall correctly, comments were made suggesting the lifespan possibility of HSB in small Texas ponds at being in the 3 pound class, dieing at or before 5 pounds, and survival to 8 pounds unlikely if not impossible.

I refrained from replying to these negative comments, even though I had observed 5 pounds class HSB on several occasions, but not being to document their existence.
Fish reports without documentation are just another fish story – sometimes fun but not reliable.

Below is photograph of a HSB I caught yesterday on a 5-wt fly rod, that bogad 5 pounds even (spring scale). I “unbuttoned” another same class fish this morning, and have been broken off more than once.

These HSB are believed to 2003 class, that had a high mortality rate due to LMB predation, perhaps a higher survival rate that I had estimated.

I am extremely pleased that these fish are in such excellent condition after two years of low hot water and historical drought periods.

I expect to see the “unlikely” 7 and 8 pound HSB about his time next year.

Never before in my lifetime have I received the excitement and appreciation of catching these “homegrown” Hybrid Stripers.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=003579;p=1

That fish is a chunk!!!

george, nice fish!

Have you violated your own picture posting rules??? I think I had to scroll left & right to see the entire photos.

If so, I prefer premium imported beer, preferably German in origin.

Nope, the pictures are "cropped" - I'll take Shiner Bock ...

Great fish George..... What was the secret lure/fly? Do they also hit crankbaits (rattletrap-like) as they do in bigger lakes? Got to get some of these!

BarO, I “match the hatch” - pellet flies around the feeders –all’s fair in love, war, and fishing...

My son catches them on spinner baits and rattletraps.

Nice fish, George! Great body depth.

That one's a real porker, George.

George,

Thanks for giving us newbies hope!

whahooo... On a fly pole! I know how they are at 4 and 5 pounds on a heavy duty bait caster, I cant even imagine what they do to your fly pole.

Very nice fish and photos. I couldn't agree with you more on catching "homegrown", doubles the thrill. I do envy you fly guys.

Based on my figures, that fish was 3.5 years old. Assuming the fish will live another 2 years, George will set the record if things continue to go his way.

Excellent job George. All that time and effort paying off in one moment that you will never forget.

That's what it's all about...I guess.

Again, I want to say GREAT FISH!! to George.

Maybe one day the rest of us will get off our butts long enough to get some fish pictures they could put on a shelf along with Georges. I'm included on the "Rest of Us" group.

I hereby declare a fish photo celebration to get us through the winter-time blues. If you don't have pics then you should be fishing.

george, what kind of camera did you use to take such an awesome photo? Even the background looks good!!!

n8ly, thanks for the kind words.

Just my old reliable digital camera - Olympus C-3020 Zoom.
I find that 3 MP are more than enough pixels for me...

Lots of bells and whistles, but I just point and shoot...

Another 5# class HSB caught and released from pond this week by son Jeff.
Two pounder transferred to main pond from “grow-out" pond.
He also caught and released 3 or 4 small HSB fall stockers - all on small Rattletraps.

I am becoming more comfortable in survivability of large HSB in record-breaking Texas hot, drought stricken conditions.

I am extremely pleased to experience 5# class HSB surviving under extreme conditions – if they grow larger, it’s a bonus.

HSB actively feeding this morning – air temp 38 degrees – near surface water 54.2.

Overton Fisheries HSB Stocker 11-18-06

OK George.....I was already sold. I've been in touch with Todd and will try to get some 8"+ stockers this spring. Can't wait!

George, impressive is an understatement, I believe you are first to document multiple 5 pounders...congrats ! Do you still have your feeders running, or are you hand tossing feed out ? Mine wouldn't eat when the water temps hit 51.

I find it interesting how the HSB shapes up. A recent sample from my pond was 2 lb @ 16.5 inches (Spring 2005 stock). Using your tape measure, that fish will only grow 4 1/2 inches in 2 years, but gain 3 pounds ! What a football shaped fish...next picture, point the fish straight at the camera

HAPPY NEW YEAR Eastland,

IMO, I believe that specific temperature numbers that are cited by the literature are mis-leading as to HSB feeding schedules based on near surface water temperatures, and the numbers are more relative than specific.

Your 51 degrees near surface water temp is a good number on falling temperatures, but not on rising temps. The direction of temperature change is more critical than specific.

I find that HSB will start feeding at 45+ degrees on rising temps, with increasing rate above 50 degrees. We are turning off our feeders at about 50 degrees when air temps are falling, and tuning back at about 45 degrees on the rise.

To answer your question, we feed year round for all practical matters, with the exception of extreme continuous hot or cold periods.

I am not overly concerned about water temp feeding schedules after surviving two drought stricken summers with healthy HSB.

Winter feeding HSB
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=003602
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000180

HSB in Hot Summer Weather
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000341