Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Trout GSF questions

Last November I finished my 1.3 acre pond and stocked about 330 7" RBT. Somewhat to my surprise, it looks like many of them have survived the summer. Along thecway, however, I've discovered a budding population of GSF. I believe they were living in the spring before I dammed it to build my pond. I would like to use this pond For mostly RBT and/or HSB. But, I'm worried about total overpopulation of the GSF. I really don't mind having a GSF population if I can keep them from completely overpopulating.

In any event, I am looking for thoughts about: (1) can RBT at least moderately control the GSF? (2) if not, would HSB be able to do so? And, (3) since I already have the GSF, I'm thinking about adding RES (for parasite control) or SMB or YP (both for an interesting diversion that wouldn't preclude addition of more trout later. I feed regularly (at least when water is cool enough). Essentially, is then presence of GSF going to force me to add LMB at some point?

Wow. Fascinating pond you have Mule. I know that HSB are not adequate enough predators to control a GSF population, but I'm not sure about the others. Maybe the combination of YP and SMB would do the trick and you could avoid introducing LMB. Looking forward to reading more responses.

Your pond is small enough that I believe with SMB and you manually removing GSF, you can control them without having to add LMB. Obviously fishing will be a good start, but I would strongly look into some sort of high volume trap. A fyke net or hoop net trap would be excellent. You could probably control the GSF utilizing the trout, HSB and a fyke net...

I'd really like to avoid committing to a pattern of trapping or netting if possible. I don't mind catching some GSF by rod though.

If you don't want to trap, then you're gonna need to stock more than just HSB and RBT to control your GSF... SMB along with heavy angling pressure should keep them controlled. Your SMB may struggle to naturally reproduce with GSF present as in experience, GSF are nasty little SMB YOY eaters... After you get the GSF numbers down, the SMB may start reproducing better.

What is GSF?

GSF is Green Sunfish.

It is a glorious fish. Truly the pinnacle of all sunfish. It is beautiful to behold. It is quite tenacious and will survive almost any living conditions. It is a very aggressive sunfish with a large mouth that makes it capable of completing with smaller bass.

It is a fish that should be treated with dignity and respect. Yet it is a fish that receives abuse and disdain from so many pond meisters.

It is a fish that we at the GSA preserve and protect, vigorously, vigilantly, and occasionally even violently.

Thank you for asking.



Oh and I'm back from vacation.

Hmmm...I'm wondering if Jhap did more than just see a trespasser at that "crack house" after reading the post above.

Ok, lol, thank you