Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations HSB

So about this time last year, the Mid-Atlantic chapter of Pond Boss held a gathering at Sunil's place and was joined by road warrior Rainman with a truckload of fish.

Among those was a nice supply of HSB. Just for fun, I got 5 of them and, if I recall correctly, they were about 6 - 8 inches long. Well, two died within a couple of weeks and I never saw the others so I wasn't sure if they made it or not. Then, this past spring, I saw at least one of them coming in to feed when I fed the BG. I was psyched to see that at least one had made it, though it didn't look like there had been any growth.

Fast forward to yesterday when we spent the evening at the farm. While feeding, we saw at least two and possibly all three of the HSB, so they have made it. But what was most awesome was the fact that they are all pushing what I would guess to be 10+ inches now and look to be very healthy. They were nailing the food in classic HSB style and it was just awesome to see. I am hoping to add more very soon - thinking I may throw in 20 - 25.

In any event, I was just so excited to see their growth that I wanted to post. Perhaps next year we'll manage to land one or two of them and get some real measurements.

Congrats Todd!

That's great Todd! Wait until you hook one.

I've removed enough CC biomass from my pond that I think I can safely add 50 of them this Fall. It will be interesting to compare growth rates.

Good news Todd, with all the problems a pond can throw at you it's nice to get a good surprise.
Like he said in the movie, " If it was easy everyone would be doing it, the hard is what makes it great".

No doubt, guys - very exciting indeed and I most definitely can't wait to actually hook up to one. After landing that nice 3 or so pounder at Sunil's last October, I am a devotee of the HSB!

That's great to hear!

It was really cool watching them work the pellets amongst all the BG. They are almost like sharks, darting in and out nailing the food. They are really fast, too, and hit the surface like they have an agenda which, of course, I guess they do at feeding time!

Todd this is the end result. 8 lbs - keep feeding

Great to hear, Todd. There is a supplier I will be hitting up in Harrisburg, PA this Spring. They got completely washed out in the flood this year and are starting over with stock. I am looking forward to trying some in the pond.

Victor,

When you find out that they have HSB again, let me know. We have not been able to get any this year. I bought some catfish and redeared sunfish last week, and the supplier said that they just get them in small quantities anymore. Mabye I could even drag Todd with me.

Ken

P.S. Todd -- mine have grown real well also. I think only about five of mine survived, but the last time I caught one, it was over ten inches, and real fat.

Wow! Very nice fish and a great motivator! When I rework my larger pond one day, it is going to be getting a good dose of HSB!

Great to hear from you, Vic! Yeah, it was pretty exciting to see those guys thriving. If you get a line on some, please let me know as I really want to add some more.

That sounds very much like what I've seen, though I have caught any yet. They are just really cool fish. As far as going to a hatchery to pick up more, trust me, there would be absolutely no need to drag me - I'd be there to pick you up!

Great news Todd. Keep feeding and they will grow. I stocked 6" HSB from Condello in Oct 09 and Oct 10 and they are 17-22" confirmed. I see a couple females that have to be pushing 25", but I have not been able to catch them yet, but have been broken off at least 10 times this year fishing for BG and RES. I now only use light wire tru-turns so they will rust out ASAP - there's no sure shot unless I want to fish with 20 lb braid. Even my 3/10# firewire is no match as even a undetectable nick in the braid will result in busted line. It's the sheer force and speed at which they strike that tests the tackle.

FYI a HOA stocked 1000 HSB and they are all around 14-16" and pellet trained. He wants to sell some of them - is there any interest on the forum? It's a drive to Lincoln, but thought it was worth mentioning.

Todd, Ken, etc. there is a supplier in Indiana that has them. He raises them for the food market, but he also supplies them to stock in ponds.

Does he ship them?

TJ, that is awesome growth! That one you posted on Facebook was an incredible looking fish! The one I caught at Sunil's place was a beast and put my ultralight rig to the test - fought way harder than the big LMB we were catching and even the 3 pound SMB I caught. I knew at that point why these guys are so popular! Thanks for the tips.

Where you been hiding Todd?

There is a Snake posted with it's head "clean blown off", only two rounds! I need to practice more

It's been a crazy summer with work, particularly as I am back to being a sole practitioner as a result of a frustrating situation that required action. Carrying two caseloads has been a bear, but it's coming under control. Plus, we bought a building and moved the office, so it has been a wonderfully nonstop several months. Actually mowed grass (hay?) at the farm for the first time in over two months. It's great to find a few minutes here and there to jump back onto the forum.

And in case you hadn't noticed, I did offer some thoughts on that ugly looking dead s.o.b. of a snake that Highflyer posted about!

Glad your'e OK!

Had not looked at that (snake) post recently for an update.

Busy here also, plus, Start moving this weekend, OH Fun!

Todd, are we doing another gathering at Sunil's again this year? (Sunil doesnt need to know )

I've got Smallie's for Sunil...Shiners, Trout and YP for Ted Lea....more HSB or people wanting to jump in would be a breeze.

The golden and rainbow trout are even more brightly colored than last years...I stocked several 8 and 9 pound lunkers at a destination ranch Last week....This week I am busy with my father's funeral.

Sorry to hear about your dad Rex...

My condolances, Rex.

Prayers are with your family Rex

My condolences to you and your Family, Rex.