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
Posts557,116
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
4 members (RogersTailgate, anthropic, Brev, Dave Davidson1), 658 guests, and 210 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Newer to managing my 12 acre lake. I have been taking over tasks for 4 years. When the feeders were initially set up the guys did it for 1 second, 4 times a day. Was getting a ton of lotus near feeders so I have now cut that back. Feeding 300lb of feed every 30 days.

We have a lot of cedar around the lake and I have probably put in 100 in the past 4 years. There is a lot of structure, especially near any of the 3 feeders.

Tested my water yesterday and got the following. Ph=8.2, Ammonia=.25, Phosphate=.5, Nitrate=0. Reading the little brochure in the test set that says over feeding. Looking at my feeders and seeing the most of the growth within 100' of them I would say that is right.

Currently feeding 3 times per day for 1 second with Game Fish Chow. What is the thought here? Am I better to feed less times per day or change feed? Location, east of Dallas. Hot.

I irrigate out of the lake for my yard and beds so I have to think about chemicals in the lake. I struggle to get the largest fish possible while also remembering that the lake is important for the entire property.

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
P
Offline
P
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
That seems like a lot of feed per month for only one second 3 times a day... are they eating that much quickly or does it float away and sink?

Is that 32% protein?

If feeding BG you might look into Cargil 4512 45% protein, or Optimal feed . The higher protein doesn't produce as much fish waste from what I have gathered. One of the smart folks will come along and steer ya in the right direction

Last edited by Pat Williamson; 07/21/17 02:01 PM.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 274
D
Moderator
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Lunker
D
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 274
Alkilinity?

Dang right it's hot. My fish are feeding lethargically.

Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 07/21/17 03:06 PM.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
They are eating a lot of it, but not all of it. It is 32%. 300lb was when we were doing 4 feedings per day, each for 1 second. I actually backed that down to 2 times per day based on the growth around the feeders.

I tried feeding 2 seconds 2 times a day, but that washed a lot up on the shore. I put in 3" BG this spring. 80% copper nose and 20% red ear. 2000 this year, 2000 (copper nose) in 2015 and 3000 (CN) in 2014.

When I started this project we measured 80 fish. We had one that was 17" and only 1.3lb, Now we have some up to 12" and 1.2lb. Just introduced Florida bass this spring and pulled out over 200lb of larger fish. Probably going to keep going on the removal of the long skinny bass so we can cull less when the Florida start mixing in. Some of the ones we are removing are over 4lb but just not the fish we are looking for.

We just aren't catching the BG we used to. In fact, kids fishing off our covered gazebo haven't caught a bluegill fishing with minnows this year. I just added a bunch of Mossback dock pro sets to the area. Hopefully that will help. I may try some little worms and see if that helps catch BG. I blame the cormorants. Learned the hard way what happens if you leave feeders on the water once they arrive.

Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Alkilinity looked fine. I forgot the reading, but it was the first time I have ever done the test.

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
P
Offline
P
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
I would think that the LMB are having a field day with your 3-5" BG, that's probably why you don't catch a lot of larger BG- bass food, and from what you said it sounds like they are underfed. Have you considered having the lake electroshocked To see what you got?

Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
We shocked when I bought the place before starting this journey. Had 77 LMB, 3 red ear. All skinny. I thought phosphate was from over feeding.

The BG have lot of cover in the lake at varying depths. Other than the Mossback, the dock/gazebo doesn't have any.

Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 298
A
Online Content
A
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 298
Originally Posted By: gr8texan
We shocked when I bought the place before starting this journey. Had 77 LMB, 3 red ear. All skinny. I thought phosphate was from over feeding.

The BG have lot of cover in the lake at varying depths. Other than the Mossback, the dock/gazebo doesn't have any.


Wow. 77 LMB and 3 RES! I bet Pat is right, most of those stocked BG were devoured quickly.

In retrospect, you may have been better off to hit the reset button. Could be tough to catch enough original skinny LMB to really change the dynamic.

But I'm just an amateur, the real pros will likely have a lot better ideas...

PS I really wish I had your pH, mine is acidic & a constant battle.

Last edited by anthropic; 07/21/17 07:59 PM.

7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160




Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 93
S
Offline
S
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 93
One approach to get more forage BG would be to create a small pond of 1/10th acre or bigger next to your lake. Stock it with only CNBG and RES. Put one of your feeders on it.

Within a year you would have CNBG big enough to escape your LMB predation in your lake. Start catching as many 6"+ BG as you can from the new forage pond and throw them into the lake. Do this for several years. This would help your forage situation out in your main lake.

I have a 1/10th acre pond without any predators and it is amazing how many BG you can raise and how fast they will grow with no predators and with plenty of feed.

Eventually this small pond will over populate with BG and stunt. But before that happens you will have been able to raise hundreds if not thousands or adult size BG to get your lake populated with BG big enough your LMB will not instantly devour them.

When you get to that point, throw a few LMB in the tiny pond and let them feast. The pond will have fulfilled its purpose.

I'm no expert. Just the way I would approach it rather than trying to buy thousands of dollars of advanced size BG stockers.

The tiny pond could become a kids pond or cull fish pond after it has raised all the adult BG you need to stock your lake.

Last edited by snrub; 07/21/17 09:17 PM.

John

I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Those numbers were before we touched anything. No added structure, no BG. I have 90 acres and a lot of cedars that are really wide at the base. I take the bottom 4' and cut them off and tie some blocks to them and sink them. They are 10-15' wide and make awesome cover. Probably 20 of those in the lake, plus all the other cedars.

Funny you mention the reset button. I really considered it when I saw that first shocking. My numbers on length to weight are way better now on the smaller fish, but if I'd done that in 2012 I'd be catching nice fish now.. I let a lot of people fish here this year. I'd say 95% of the fish caught do not go back in.

The other thing on the feeding is how long it takes after you screw up and catch it to notice the change working. I don't know the name of the feeders I have, but they hold 100lb of game fish chow. 4 seconds a day feeds 100lb. All the lotus and some floating stuff I haven't identified are near the feeders so that's why I figure I'm over feeding or feeding the wrong stuff. Still trying to learn when to make sure you get ahead of a problem and when to let it have time to work out.

Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Snrub, wish I could do that. Maybe on the next place.

Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 298
A
Online Content
A
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 298
I like your idea, snrub. I've got such a pond, and though never have seen any CNBG beds, there are plenty of YOY there now.

Since my forage pond connects directly with the large pond, it can be drained simply by opening up a valve. I was thinking of doing that when the large pond gets a little low, since the forage pond may dry up (it has no feeder creek & little watershed). CNBG, YOY and about 50 larger stockers, would serve to feed LMB in main lake.

Maybe could raise FHM there when it rains & begins to fill again, then run TP when it warms next spring.


7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160




Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
P
Offline
P
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
When things get out of whack it takes a while to straighten out but it sounds like from what you've said the RW is rising. Keep removing LMB and adding large BG to the pond and you should see a difference. On the fish food I would cut the amounts until they eat it all in a few mins. And most of all use a higher protein (40-45%) feed for the BG.

PS do you have plant life close to shore for the YOY to hide in? If not chunk some of your cedars in close to the bank will help

Last edited by Pat Williamson; 07/21/17 10:22 PM.
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
I have cedar tops in clumps in the grass. 2-3' depth, with grass all around. I did that in prep for the BG and Florida bass this spring. We also got a little more coontail this summer, especially near the feeders. Pretty sure I can get 5-6" BG from Tyler in the spring. More expensive

What feeds are you using to get to 40-45%? I've only used Game Fish Chow. I feel pretty confident that feed and my weeds are going hand in hand. How to fix it is where I am having trouble.

Newbie question, what is YOY?

Back down to the lake to work on thinning the herd. Rough work

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
P
Offline
P
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
I use Cargill 4512 bought at Overtons fisheries between Buffalo and Centerville... they also have great fish , and are very helpful.

If you don't mind , where are you located?

Last edited by Pat Williamson; 07/22/17 08:37 AM.
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Sunnyvale, east of Dallas 20 miles

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
P
Offline
P
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
Thanks

YOY is young of the year or babies

Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Went down last night to watch the feeders go off. I had some activity, and those were pretty nice fish. Last night I left the dock lights on and it was covered with small BG when I checked at 10pm. May move a feeder closer to the dock. My end goal is to have the dock/gazebo be the perfect place to take kids to catch fish.

So optimal vs Cargill, is the choice based more on what's available near you? Would those be better than GFC? Where to go in DFW area? How is cost compared to GFC?

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,012
Hall of Fame
Junior Member
Offline
Hall of Fame
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,012
gr8Texan,
I use the Purina Aquamax brand of fish foods: aquamax LMB for HSB (hybrid stiped bass), aquamax 600 for larger BG which HSB will eat also, and aquamax 400 for small BG. The 400 and LMB have 45% fishmeal protein and the 600 is 41%. Others here use and seem very happy with Optimal but I don't have first hand experience with it

Good Luck!


1 ac pond LMB, BG, RES, CC
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 274
D
Moderator
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Lunker
D
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 274
I like my Optimal. However, Lusk feeds Purina and I caught some really nice BG's there a couple of months ago. Others feed Cargill with good results. I'm not sure it matters when you are using a food.

Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 07/24/17 09:54 AM.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
I had Roach Feed, my local feed store, order some aquamax 500 for me. I ordered enough to last a month so after 2 weeks I will evaluate. I have stocked CN 3 times in the last 4 years. I see some large ones and some small ones when looking around the lake.

This August weather is wild. 8"+ in the last week. Hopefully the new water helps me with the alga that was getting bad. I need to get back on catching the bigger fish and taking them out.

Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 288
Moderator
Offline
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 288
gr8texan, I may have missed it, but how big were the Florida LMB you stocked? If they were less than 10-12" long, they may be nibbles for the existing LMB population by now. With a 12 acre pond, and an pre-existing population of fish, get prepared for a siege. Don't ask me how I know.


AL

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
Aquamax is good and will help but it is a long term process. Feeding has been proven to be very efficient for adding growth to BG. Population mgt (harvest) is key to improving the whole fish spectrum.
















Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 298
A
Online Content
A
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 298
Originally Posted By: gr8texan
I had Roach Feed, my local feed store, order some aquamax 500 for me. I ordered enough to last a month so after 2 weeks I will evaluate. I have stocked CN 3 times in the last 4 years. I see some large ones and some small ones when looking around the lake.

This August weather is wild. 8"+ in the last week. Hopefully the new water helps me with the alga that was getting bad. I need to get back on catching the bigger fish and taking them out.


Do you have tilapia? They've done a nice job keeping the algae in check on my BOW, plus provide forage for LMB. Takes some pressure off the BG, too.

Last edited by anthropic; 08/17/17 10:13 PM.

7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160




Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
G
OP Offline
G
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
I haven't the last two years. When I did the tilapia went right to the feeders and hung out. They went nuts when the feeder went off. I may try again next spring.

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Today's Birthdays
cro, HC1968
Recent Posts
Relative weight charts in Excel ? Calculations?
by jpsdad - 03/29/24 05:43 AM
Dewatering bags seeded to form berms?
by RogersTailgate - 03/29/24 05:36 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