Several months ago the topic/idea of a rolling BG spawn (in contrast to multiple separate spawns) was discussed at the link below.

http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=23217&fpart=1 BG spawn and stunting N-S

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=002198

Now we get to address the idea in the context of the LMB spawn. I think if the question was asked most here would answer that LMB spawn once a year and that the spawn lasts about 3-4 weeks +-.

A recent study compiled the data and found some interesting results on a rolling spawn (with spawning activity highs and lows ) of different lengths from 30 days to 5 mths. The time length shrunk the farther north the survey went.

Minn. - 30 days mid May - June
Ill. -- 45 days May 1 - June 15
Nth. Car. - 60 days Ap.15 - June 15
Ga. - same as S. C.
Ala. - late Mch. - mid May 60 days
Fla. cent. - mid Feb. - May 1 75 days
Fla. sth. - mid Dec. - May 15 5 mths.

We also discussed aging fish a few weeks ago by using scales and as CB1 brought up otoliths to determine yearly age, both by growth rings. Interesting in this survey age was determined based on daily otoliths rings (ear bones)which exist (are visible) for the first 120 days in yoy LMB. After that they are to hard to see/use. The authors note that changing weather , water temps. and levels can effect/delay spawning.

Thoughts or comments ?

Last edited by ewest; 02/15/08 10:31 PM.