Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Harvesting a small pond with unknown populations

Maintaining that harvest rate could result in a corresponding reshaping of the size structure or body condition of BG and or bass. I suggest that you keep catch records of exact sizes and relative body condition (skinny, average, plump) of every fish that you catch. The records will tell you to maintain the catch rate or adjust it. You may have to harvest 1-2 bass per year to maintain the current size structure of the fishery. I would harvest close to the largest bass caught each year or every other year and maybe just the gut hooked ones.

Keep in mind that for skewing the BG population toward larger individuals we suggest that you harvest primarily the females and release mostly larger males.