Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Transport, Hot vs Cool

I got a first hand lesson on the differance in transporting fish when its in the 90's and at the end of the summer vs when its in the 70's and in the spring.

I have always collected wild GSH in early spring to try and catch the spring spawn to bucket stock the pond. I had very few DOA's.

I was out last evening helping someone source some fish for his pond and ended up with litterally a net full of GSH. I couldnt resist and put them in the live well. I had about 50% loss.

I think it was becuse the water in the live well was at or near air temp.

I was a little harder on them as I was not totally ready for them and they got dumped on the concrete before they went into the bucket.

I feel majority of the issue was the temps though....

Bobby, I often freeze a partial milk jug and toss it in.

Cool water can hold more dissolved O2 than warm water.

Handling does make a huge difference too, I assure you of that. Now that the weather and water temps are cooling, I will be doing some collecting here in the next few days. Been wanting to add a few more SMB to my pond. No SMB for sale at any hatchery within a reasonable distance and to have them shipped would cost me an arm, leg and a mortgage on my house. Lots of 3"-4" YOY cruising the shallows of my local river. Easy pickings and the price is right!

Now The tilapia my friend was sourcing did just fine in the heat and being toss on the ground. Tuff buggers they are!

Yes they are!