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#42087 07/13/02 10:49 AM
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In my previous topic "Goldfish and water clarity, I mentioned that I had put in 11 largemouth of about 10" each.
I have just discovered that they are "smallmouth"
Does this make any difference to the replies that I received?

#42088 07/13/02 11:06 AM
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Bob,

I live in Central Maine, Lewiston/Auburn Area. I fish for smallmouths all the time, and I can tell you they are very aggressive predators. They do have smaller mouths than largemouths relative to their body size. Also, they may not reproduce in your pond as they require rocky areas to do so.

Did you look at the link I provided on your previous topic. Try to identify the fish you are catching. Worms and a bobber with ultra light spinning gear should make the job fun. Let us know types of fish you have besides 11 smallies and the goldfish.

#42089 07/14/02 05:57 AM
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there is a place in the pond where there used to be a ridge and it is quite rocky and sandy. It is about 18" to 2' deep. Is it possible that they could spawn there. If not is there anything else that I could do to make sure that they do breed. At what depth to they usually spawn. I sure would like for them to reproduce.
The previous fish that I caught were minnows and sunfish. At least that was what I was told. There is no creek coming in to the pond. Only a kind of a ditch coming down to the pond from the roadside ditch and runs only after a good rain.
Also do these bass jump like the trout used to do?

#42090 07/14/02 06:32 AM
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bob,
I fish for Smallmouth bass all the time and yes they jump. I have seen them jump 4 or 5 times during a fight and what looks like 3' out of the water. They are a fine game fish. Much better than Largemouths in my opinion.

Larry

#42091 07/14/02 09:16 AM
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What I really meant do they jump for flies. (when you are not fishing.
I used to sit and watch the trout jump in the early morning and evenings.
I have found other places where they may spawn. A large rock about 4 feet by 3 feet, the top of which is submerged about 2 feet at least during May and June. Could they spawn on that?

#42092 07/14/02 09:21 AM
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I forgot to mention. This is and OLD pond and there are lots of submerged tree stumps and also trees which have fallen and laid there in the shallow water (about 2') I guess that I am looking for encouragement so that they will spawn

#42093 07/15/02 10:51 AM
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Bob,

Since you've got that rocky ridge, sounds like your going to be OK. Your smallies may have already spawned for this year. So it may be next year before you know for sure.

One thing about jumping bass – they do it very well when caught. But, if they are jumping out of the water after dragonflies or whatever, it may indicate that you don't have enough forage in your pond for them to eat.

Bob Lusk is page expert and I think he is fond of saying something to the effect “you have to manage your food chain if you want a successful bass population.”

So, do supplemental feeding with floating fish food at a minimum. If you want the full scoop, The Pond Boss offers: Basic Pond Management & Raising Trophy Bass.

You should get both and read.

#42094 07/15/02 02:56 PM
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I am not really worried about forage food at the moment as there are lots of goldfish, large tadpoles and small frogs and what looks like a zillion leeches. They have NOT been jumping, I was just wondering if they do. I doubt that they have spawned so far as I only got them about 3 weeks ago. The more I check the pond (if they can spawn in about 2' of water), I think that I have several places where it is rocky and sandy. The rest is decaying leaves and black muck.

#42095 07/15/02 04:29 PM
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Bob,

Sounds like you've got prime habitat for a large mouth. I'm making the point about forage because you need to think about sustainable forage. I think the goldfish's days are numbered and once they're gone that's it.

So think about figuring out what kind of shape your sunfish population is in, because long term that will be the base forage for your bass.

I think your smallies did thier spawning for this year before you got them. They spawn a certain tempature and that is late May and Early June around here. I don't you'll be much cooler that Auburn Maine. So no baby bass for you this year most likely.

I am helping a friend who has a 1/3 acre pond. It was refurbished during the dry spell last summer and had no fish. Lots of tadpoles and leaches. I put in 17 4-6in yellow perch, 120 4in golden shiners, 8 adult pumpkinseeds and redbreasted sunfish. The sunnies promptly spawned and there lots of 1/2in fry. I hope that the shiners have also spawned as there are two very different looking fry in the pond. Additionally, my friend is trying feed with floating fish food. The shiners have shown an interest but not much. If all goes well, I intend to add 4-6 largemouth bass. But I want to see a lot of sunfish/perch fingerlings first

#42096 07/16/02 03:49 PM
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will these bass each the larger goldfish. They have been in the pond for seven years now and they were about 4 inches then. I will try and catch some sunfish to see the size of them and let you know. My main concern is to keep the bass that I have and have them reproduce next year. We have visits from Heron and Kingfishers also. Are they a danger to Bass this size?

#42097 07/17/02 09:32 AM
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Bob,

The goldfish have been in the pond for seven years….hummm! That's new information. I've read somewhere that the common goldfish can live for 15-20 years and grow to 12inches.

So, It'll take a large bass to eat those bigger goldfish.

You should try to get a few largemouth bass for your pond. They will eventually get large enough to eat the largest of your goldfish.

The birds will eat fish. That's what they do. The kingfisher is not a danger to your bass; the heron on the other hand, may be a threat. Some of the people have stated they have trained a dog to bark when herons are about, then there's the 12gauge option. Me, I'm for letting nature takes its course. I can always catch and release another dozen in the pond.

I had hoped that others would jump into this conversation, as I'm no expert on these matters, just a Mississippian lost in Maine that likes to Bass Fish and express his opinions.

Bottom line, sit back and enjoy your pond and let the fish in the pond sort it out as you're in this for the beauty of it and not to raise big bass.

Get going on the floating fish food. You may be able to train them to take it and then you'll have fun going down to feed them. Blue gills will chase you around the bank looking for a hand out.

#42098 07/17/02 02:43 PM
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There are several places in my Area to buy Trout for Ponds but it is hard to find where to buy Bass. I would love to know if anyone knows where I can get other forage fish such as Bluegills in my area. I am in the Eastern Townships area of Quebec (Between Sherbrooke and Granby)
What kind of floating food do they eat. I have some trout pellets. Would they eat those?
I do not think that I can buy Largemouth here. I have been told that you cannot get them here.
Anyway as you say I am in this just for the beauty of it and if the removal of the goldfish will clear the water that will be a bonus.
It sure is great to have a place like this where you can ask questions and get answers.

#42099 07/17/02 06:54 PM
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Flatlander,

Lost in Maine?? I had the same experience many years ago and loved every minute of it. UMAINE at Orono! GO BLACK BEARS! \:D

Russ

#42100 07/18/02 11:42 AM
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Yea, I'm so lost in Maine that I have intentions to leave anytime soon. Do tire of the snow around about the middle of February. But the fishing in May and June is really hot.

Bob,

Largemouth bass and bluegills may be considered an exotic in your area (meaning they are not native). The trout chow will work great.

good luck

#42101 07/18/02 11:44 AM
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Yea, I'm so lost in Maine that I have NO intentions to leave anytime soon. Do tire of the snow around about the middle of February. But the fishing in May and June is really hot.

Bob,

Largemouth bass and bluegills may be considered an exotic in your area (meaning they are not native). The trout chow will work great.

good luck

#42102 07/19/02 06:26 AM
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I want to thank you and all others who have replied to my posts. I sure have learned a lot. Cant wait until spring to see if my bass have reproduced. I have sure learned a lot in a short time.


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