Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose transporting fish

Hey guys....Need a little help. I am going after some of T.J.'s smallies next month. I am picking up 200 smallies( some for me and some for friends pond) , grass shrimp and possibly some yp if they are available.. I am taking my truck and am thinking a 100 gallon tank with cover (mesh shade cloth) and an oxygen tank with stone for aeration. Question is how many fish can I carry per 100 gal tank. I would have to check again with tj but I believe the smallies were around 6 inches or so. It will be about a six hour drive to first pond then another hour to my pond so fish could spend up to 8 hours in tank. I am thinking that I may need two tanks and if that is the case I will put them on my trailor and pull it out. What do ya'all think?

I am no expert but I think with the cooler temperatures of fall and the oxygen tank. They should be fine. Maybe some "expert" will chime in.

You may be fine as we have hauled as many as 500 BG & GSF for fishing in about the same size tank and have kept them for about a week without loosing any.

But if you have access to two tanks, I would play it safe and use 2 tanks.

You have already spent the time and fuel to get them, you may as well give them the best chance of living as you can.

I just wish I could make it up there to get some.

Ozark,

I am going to say no I don't think that will float. If these bass are 6 to 8 inches I would put 100 in each tank. Now if you were only going a couple hours down the road I would say yes, but 8 hours that's a lot of stress. I also think Smallies are more sensative then a lot of fish so I would be careful and say use 2 tanks. That's just me and I am no expert on fish holding tanks, but better safe than sorry right!

Tractor supply company sells nice 110 gallon abs plastic containers for $60 well worth it.

Here's my experience, and I had no problem.I had 600 plus YP 4-6" in approximately 180 gallons of water for 3 hours, with 2 dc agitators(totalof4)e sun was shining, and approx. 72 F. The water temp was 62F.In the other side of my transport tank, I had 350 plus 7-10" WE in the same amount of water. ( 2 agitators per side)
They were very lively upon removal, and showed absolutely no signs of stress. I would personally be more concerned with your water sloshing out, and direct sunlight possibly warming the water.Maybe a peice of plywood cut to cover the top?That might prevent water sloshing out, and holding the temp a bit? I'd run some bailing wire under the tank before you fill it. Drill some holes in the plywood, to run the bailing wire through to secure. You can also cut some square holes and fasten with some cheap hinges, to make access doors, so you can check your stock. Also run some 1x2's along the plywood, that would be inside the opening of the tank, to help prevent the plywood from sliding. Do not use treated plywood!You probly knew that, but just in case!

If you have well water available before your trip. you may save a bunch of milk jugs, fill with well water, and freeze. Pack these into a cooler, they should stay frozen in the cooler for 3 or 4 days, if you stow away enough in one cooler. Monitor your temps while traveling and add some of these ice bottles as needed tokeep water cool, and this should help stabilize water temp. and keep DO adequate.

Oh yes, I recommend well water in the ice jugs, just in case the lids come loose, you wont be accidentally putting poisonous municipal water in with your fish. That could definitley make them float.

One more thing there Ozark, when you plan your trip, shoot me a private message. I'll give you my cell number. I am approx. 120 southeast of Linoln, and you will be going right by here.I live on 71 hwy.a little north of St. Joseph. Just in case you get into some kind of trouble. I have well water, and a fully stocked workshop, and am willing to lend a helping hand. Dont want you to lose your fish!

Hey guys, Just got back from a wyoming hunt. Thanks for all your input and ideas. James I appreciate the offer but I think I will have to take another way up and back due to hwy2 and 29 still being closed do to this summers floods. We had to go through Kansas to get to wyoming. Took about two hours longer than going through Nebraska. Once again thanks for the input. I greatly appreciate it. Ill post some pics of the trip...

Cool, I'll be looking! Hey keep a check on I-29. They are working night and day to get it opened. It may open and save you some time. I know they are getting close.

If you use O2 tank and good ceramic diffusers I think you'll be fine.

Ozark, 200 4-6" smallies are far smaller than you realize and if hauled after dark, they will be fine. If using pure oxygen, you will need a Point Four brand ceramic diffuser DESIGNED for oxygen.

I got mine from Keep Alive - haven't lost a fish yet. Very fine micro bubbles. Good product.