Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Raising Forage and Bait New Large Perch Tank

With a few catfishing tournaments around the corner, we needed to setup to hold some larger baits for longer periods of time. The 2.5 acre hybrid bluegill bow is really starting to produce monsters. Our new setup holds 150-180 pound gills. Consist of 280gal tub, above and below water lights, because they blend into the black tub and 15mins netting for one fish got old quick. Also has 2 air stones, and a high flow pump aeration pump. The bottom is hooked up to a vacuum system. Cage top weighted with old style window weights so the lid will stay in place wherever you may put it. Right now holding 85 3/4-1.1/4lb HBG.

Snakebite,

I love your set up but I have a few questions:

Is the water being pumped in from the pond and back? Maybe I missed something?

If not, are you using some kind of biological filtration to oxidize the ammonia produced by the fish to nitrites and then nitrates? If you have 180 1 lb. hybrid bluegills (perch) in a 280 gallon tank you are going to have some serious problems really fast without biological filtration. Aeration and cleaning solids out isn't the whole picture.

Contrary to popular belief more toxic ammonia is given off by a fish's gills than fecal material and uneaten feed.

Also what is your Ph? If it's under 7.0 you will have leaching of the galvanized metal into the water. Not a good thing for fish.

Just trying to help. Please don't think I'm dissing your system. If I missed something my apologies.

No problem Cecil, can always use feedback. It's not pumping from pond just a port coming off a irrigation housing for crops. There is some form of 20gal fish tank to the side with bio filters, will get better pictures of tank next visit. Just using Petco Ph testers with PH- or PH+ buffers. Most of the fish will only be housed 1-2weeks at most. Large catfish love lively baits.

How big is a catfish that can eat a 3/4# BG?

Blue catfish 25+ pounds, and I would say a 14+ Flathead would most likely get it to fit. Larger bluegill detour channel catfish from fin nipping or getting on the hook all together.

I gotta ask since you're more versed in catfish catching than I am. (I suck)

How large of a BG can a 20# to 25# CC eat?
Cody note: If you can provide size of BG a 10 lb CC or other sizes will eat from your experiences. We need a lot more information on this topic.

Esshup you don't suck at catfishing, your just dealing with wise whiskers. The best CC bait I've ever use is adult Leopard frogs. Hook them between the "cheeks." They can't resist them. Now on the BG size for monster CC, I wouldn't go larger than 4-5.5" they are much less likely to pursue larger baits than BC & FHC.

Well caught 24" CC. 4.9lb Mouth width 4" height 3" inhaled a 5.4" bluegill. Just passing some info along

Good info to know. Had no idea a CC that size would eat that big BG.

Super nice job on the woodwork on the fish tank. Wish I had the skill to make cabinets look that good.