Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations POND CENSUS BY FISHING ?

For the past 10 weeks I have been trying to remove as many of the trash fish from our 3 acre retention pond in north FL as I can. During the week ends I leave 2 to 4 lines out baited with 2-3" BG. Generally I can remove one or two target fish on a weekend. This weekend a 4lb Bowfin, 2lb FHC, a 2lb eel & a 8" turtle.

During this time I have not accidently caught a LMB. I have seen LMB ranging from 8" to 22", not a large number though. I have seen a couple of LMB caught by a neighbor.

From the obsevations & lack of LMB catches I suspect that I have very few LMB in the pond. I am concerned about the lack of small LMB.

Comments?? Corrective action suggestions??

Now that I have removed 90 lbs of trash fish. I caught my first LMB on one of the trot lines baited with a 7" BG. I was after another FHCF or bowfin. I think I have turned the corner in management of the pond. I see more LMB & see them more often. Some are 3&4 year olds that I did not know I had. They are now schooling in wolf packs of 6 or more (14-22") to hunt BG. Intermediate BG numbers have declined. I believe LMB are now the top predator in the pond. I have not caught a bowfin in 9 months. FHCF have become more difficult to catch. I now hope to use LMB abundance & size (Bass Heavy Pond) to eliminate any trash fish attemps at reproduction for the next 5 years, as I continue to try to fish out the adult trash fish. Then revert to a more balanced pond when I am sure that the trash fish can no longer upset the balance.

Very interesting situation. I like your referral to schooling in "wolf packs".

Are you comfortable in assessing body condition of LMB to determine when you are actually bass heavy?

sounds like you are doing what I tell me clients in your situation. With a higher bas spopulation the trash fish willl be more under control. Good luck!

Agree with Bruce my website 9under articles)has method to conduct Wr on adult bass if not familiar already. thanks

Classic historical behavior, Bruce. The more advanced packs utilize aerial recon by condors, which circle above forage fish they have located and radio the position to the wolf pack.

I have watched the relative weights of the fish I have caught. LMB have averaged 75%. I am not a good fisherman. I have not been able to catch a LMB less than 14". I see very few in the Range below 12". I added 300 LMB fingerling this Spring. They have all disappeared. I hope to have a good spawn next Spring.

I am the condor. They follow me around the pond as I throw feed to the BG. They take advantage of the lack of attention of the feeding BG.