Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site How big n where should I seek a WE, SMB, HSB pond

Your big advantage with these fish is the 3 predators are either not spawning or have limited spawning (SMB). Actually I consider YP a predator. The amount of minnows or small fish that numerous LMB at 3"-8" long can and will eat is very high. If LMB are not present this takes a big pressure off minnow forage, esp adults. Note numerous SMB are also pretty hard on minnow forage. Limited number of these 3 predators and with some of them on pellets (HSB& some SMB & YP) will do a lot to help maintain minnow/shiner -crayfish forage esp if: A. SMB recruitment is well managed, and B. m/s forage is diverse, C. good cover exists. YP on pellets will grow big in this situation. If it were me I would try RES-YP first and if they are not 'filling the bill' then later add HBG assuming you don't do 2 ponds.

I suggest not to use goldn shiner. Large ones will be a BIG pest to kid's worm & bobber fishing.

Thank you Mr. Cody, and everyone else that has chimed in, it has been a great re-work of my original plan. I think I will keep with the three predators, but go with YP and RES for the forage base, with FHM as a kick off dish when I add the YP and RES. I'll add the predators after a year of the forage getting a hold of things and see how it goes from there, hopefully I get my pond in 8 or 9 months and I'll get to test my theory!

Much obliged,

KRS

JHAP

I love the lyrics, but we need to work on the beats per measure...some are not in cadence, but this is a wonderful start.

Stay tuned to the PBForum. Spotfin shiners and bluntnose minnows may have limited availability in a year or two.

That's great news!

Hey krsbigred....I am no expert on the fish part but I got to say I totally agree with Bill and Tj above, but one concern you have stated several times that has been overlooked is your kids....That is one areas I have alot of experience in. I have four fishing kids of my own not to include all of their friends...And I can tell you this..The bg will be fine for the first few times but after that they are going to want to catch what dad is catching. They will want to have their lines broke and their rods bent over. They will quickly become bored with the small panfish. Once your pond is established you will have plenty of yoy fish to keep them occupied while they wait for the big one. You do not have to go with bg just to keep the kids happy. Right now I am in the phase in my pond where my forage is building, the sunfish are in and we are waiting to stock predators. I have to beg my kids to go fishing to try and cull some bg that ended up in the pond. The action is fast with the hbg, le, res but they are not into it unless there is a chance for a big un..I guess what I am saying is not to base your pond goals so much on your kids cause as long as they have got fish to catch, plus a chance at a big un and dad to hang with they will be in...