Pond Boss Magazine
https://www.pondboss.com/images/userfiles/image/20130301193901_6_150by50orangewhyshouldsubscribejpeg.jpg
Advertisment
Newest Members
Shotgun01, Dan H, Stipker, LunkerHunt23, Jeanjules
18,451 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums36
Topics40,902
Posts557,119
Members18,452
Most Online3,612
Jan 10th, 2023
Top Posters
esshup 28,420
ewest 21,475
Cecil Baird1 20,043
Bill Cody 15,112
Who's Online Now
5 members (Fishingadventure, RogersTailgate, jpsdad, anthropic, Brev), 714 guests, and 197 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
OP Offline
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
Hey y'all,

I've searched the archives and somewhat found some answers but thought I'd just post all my questions at once.

September 1st I stocked 100 LMB and 100 HSB (all 6-8") as well at 8 GC, feeding the HSB AM500. At the time, my pond probably had 150 adult BG (I know, I know) and also added about 175 YOY (1-3") CSBG at the end of October. All this after a fish-kill in June of last year so I know my pond was pretty much void of any fish.

As I put the cart before the horse by not establishing my forage base first I just put in an order of 1500 3-5" BG, expecting them around mid April.

I've attached a picture of my cage which I will build another but I'm wondering how many BG of that size I can safely put in each cage to pellet feed until they've grown beyond LMB snacks. And unfortunately I have 2, approx 4lb LMB in there that are doing a great job of avoiding me, and I'm also hoping they haven't feasted on my September stocking.

At 1/2" mesh, will the BG escape or possibly get stuck trying to escape?

As they will be fed daily I'm also wondering at what size to release them and possibly still pull off an early spawn?

My pond is 2 acres and aerated with a lot of natural structure but I still plan on adding some pallets, etc.

So my questions being:
How many BG in each cage?
Is 1/2" mesh safe for that size of stockers?
What can I expect for timely growth?
At what size should I release them to the wild?
How soon after release can I expect a spawn?

Thanks in advance!

BTW the cage is 4' tall, 3' diameter with 1/4" mesh at the water/feed line

(one of these days I'll figure out how to post the photo)

Attached Images
Fish Cage.jpg
Last edited by Lovnlivin; 03/22/13 04:21 PM.

Keith - Still Lovin Livin

https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0
(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure)

Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
OP Offline
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
Well, I'll atttempt to answer my own questions and maybe someone will chime in if I'm way off base.

400-500 BG in each cage and will have to release the rest
Be prepared to modify the cages upon delivery to avoid escapees
Assume 8 weeks growth after 2-a-day feeding to release to avoid predation (hoping for 6-8" by then?)
Unlikely to assume a June spawn but hopefully one shortly thereafter

If no replies within a few days that I'm way off on those assumptions, I'll delete the post.

Thanks!

PB rocks


Keith - Still Lovin Livin

https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0
(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure)

Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043
Likes: 1
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Offline
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043
Likes: 1
Lovinlivin,

Sorry you didn't get a response yet but I didn't see your post until it was brought to my attention. I'm sure others didn't either. We're usually pretty good at responding here.

I've got a lot of experience with cage culture and Bill Cody is even more of an expert. I look for him to come along shortly. Anyway most of the literature says you can go up to 15 lbs. per cubic foot for bluegill that size but I never go above 3 lbs. per cubic foot myself. Perhaps the higher end is with the addition of aeration?

Also you should be fine with 1/2 inch mesh for 3 to 5 inch bluegills. Others species that are not as wide would be a problem though.

A link to a Powerpoint I recently did on cage culture for an aquaculture conference:

http://www.slideshare.net/cecilbaird1/2-cage-culture





Last edited by Cecil Baird1; 03/23/13 01:05 PM.

If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.






Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
OP Offline
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
Thank you Cecil!

That link worked fine, as well as the one emailed.

Once again, valuable information that I sure wished I had prior to and during stocking last September. That certainly opens some doors and I see a few more cages being built!

On a side note, it's almost comical doing things you think are right, or make sense, (or maybe taking one person's advice) to find out there is so much more to pond & fishery management, that once you learn them you think, "what was I thinking!"

Thank you again!

PB Rocks!

Keith


Keith - Still Lovin Livin

https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0
(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure)

Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 85
J
Offline
J
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 85
Amen to that! I've learned more on here in 3 days than I knew all together(which isn't saying much)

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043
Likes: 1
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Offline
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043
Likes: 1
Originally Posted By: Lovnlivin


On a side note, it's almost comical doing things you think are right, or make sense, (or maybe taking one person's advice) to find out there is so much more to pond & fishery management, that once you learn them you think, "what was I thinking!"


Keith



Been there done that. Still doing it!


If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.






Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
OP Offline
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
"Been there done that. Still doing it!"

Cecil, I don't want to say that's good to know but it is reassuring smile

For me I'm sure there's much more to come but I'm learning, thanks to you all!

BTW, any idea what to expect for growth rate on the pellet-fed BG, or too many unknown variables to say?


Keith - Still Lovin Livin

https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0
(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure)

Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043
Likes: 1
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Offline
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043
Likes: 1
Originally Posted By: Lovnlivin


BTW, any idea what to expect for growth rate on the pellet-fed BG, or too many unknown variables to say?


Depends on your water temps, i.e. you get below average temps you end up with less growth. Small bluegills love warm water so if we you get a hot summer than you'll get good growth.

I'd say by the end of summer you'd have 3 to 5 getting to 6 to 8 inches. Anyone else want to chime in on their opinion?


If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.






Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
B
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
B
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
So where did you get the CSBG?

My understanding is that they are very hard to get ahold of?

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
OP Offline
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
From TJ


Keith - Still Lovin Livin

https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0
(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure)

Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,255
Y
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
Y
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,255
Originally Posted By: Barnes1
So where did you get the CSBG?

My understanding is that they are very hard to get ahold of?

There's this dental office in Lincoln. I can't tell you which one, but I think it's the only practice with a Korean hygienist. You have to go in on the bosses day off. If you ask her for "the special" and wink with your LEFT EYE you may be able to score a few.

DO NOT wink at the blond hygienist and ask for "the special" or her husband the exMarine will chase you to the Kansas border.

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
E
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
E
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
What did TJ charge you ?
















Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
O
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
O
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
CSBG don't come cheap.

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,854
Likes: 1
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,854
Likes: 1
Typically you would have to pay quite a bit for them.


Holding a redear sunfish is like running with scissors.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
B
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
B
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
I'm pretty jealous. I've been wanting CSBG for years. I'll bet you had to pay a pretty penny. I know of at least four people who've wanted them for some time, and they are rarely available.

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
O
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
O
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
I've had people inquire about them with me for years and have had to let them down. They're either not available or too expensive. I'm also curious how many TJ was able to sell you and how much he charged for them. I might have quite a few people interested. Let us know Luvn!

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
OP Offline
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
He offered them to me after my fish-kill, but if you read above when & what I stocked, it's unfortunate with my forage issue (or lack thereof) that I didn't cage them for growth/survival when I got them.

Time will tell if there are any survivors.

Anyone else have any opinions on the growth rate Cecil suggested earlier at two-a-day feedings? No free (or costly) snacks for the predators so they'll need to be at least 6-8" minimum (and still hope for a spawn upon release).


Keith - Still Lovin Livin

https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0
(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure)

Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
B
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
B
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
Originally Posted By: Lovnlivin
He offered them to me....


Would you please clarify that? That doesn't make any sense. You didn't have to give him anything in return? Seems like you would have been expected to give something back.

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 910
K
Offline
K
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 910
Maybe not, remember this is T.J.,he spent 6 hrs.,50$ worth of firewood to make 5$ worth of charcoal.


Two ponds, 13 and 15 acres on the Mattaponi River.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
B
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
B
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 42
Well, you'd think that he'd at least OFFER TJ something. I think I'll send TJ a PM to see what the deal is here.

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
O
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
O
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
Originally Posted By: kenc
Maybe not, remember this is T.J.,he spent 6 hrs.,50$ worth of firewood to make 5$ worth of charcoal.


I LOLed.

Luvn, what did you end up paying for the CSBG and how many did you get?

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
OP Offline
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,511
Somtimes the fish just won't take the bait regardless of who's fishing.


Keith - Still Lovin Livin

https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0
(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure)

Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,255
Y
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
Y
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,255
Don't worry, Lovn. Barnes1 should just be happy someone answered his post this time before another 5 years had passed.

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
O
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
O
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
Originally Posted By: Lovnlivin
He offered them to me after my fish-kill, but if you read above when & what I stocked, it's unfortunate with my forage issue (or lack thereof) that I didn't cage them for growth/survival when I got them.


Sorry if I missed any previous discussion here. Did you or didn't you cage them? Was this something I missed? Was this suggested to you before you released them? Again, I apologize if this has already been covered.

Originally Posted By: Lovnlivin
He offered them to me after my fish-kill,


I know TJ is a generous dude, but does this post mean he just gave you Condello Strain Bluegill for free? If that's the case, man, you are one lucky man!

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
O
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
O
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
Originally Posted By: Lovnlivin
Somtimes the fish just won't take the bait regardless of who's fishing.


What?

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Today's Birthdays
cro, HC1968
Recent Posts
Dewatering bags seeded to form berms?
by RogersTailgate - 03/29/24 05:45 AM
Relative weight charts in Excel ? Calculations?
by jpsdad - 03/29/24 05:43 AM
pond experience needed
by esshup - 03/29/24 12:45 AM
New pond middle TN: establishing food chain?
by Bill Cody - 03/28/24 07:57 PM
Happy Birthday Bob Lusk!!
by FireIsHot - 03/28/24 07:33 PM
Working on a .5acre disaster, I mean pond.
by PRCS - 03/28/24 06:39 PM
Fungus infection on fish
by nvcdl - 03/28/24 06:07 PM
Can anyone ID these minnows?
by Dylanfrely - 03/28/24 05:43 PM
1 year after stocking question
by esshup - 03/28/24 04:48 PM
Yellow Perch Spawn 2024
by H20fwler - 03/28/24 04:29 PM
New 2 acre pond stocking plan
by LANGSTER - 03/28/24 03:49 PM
Newly Uploaded Images
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
by Tbar, December 10
Deer at Theo's 2023
Deer at Theo's 2023
by Theo Gallus, November 13
Minnow identification
Minnow identification
by Mike Troyer, October 6
Sharing the Food
Sharing the Food
by FishinRod, September 9
Nice BGxRES
Nice BGxRES
by Theo Gallus, July 28
Snake Identification
Snake Identification
by Rangersedge, July 12

� 2014 POND BOSS INC. all rights reserved USA and Worldwide

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5