Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Small Pond In North Texas

Here is a quick video of some of George's fish in his little pond. Jeff is hand feeding in the video which he does on occasion. There is no aeration and very little maintenance done to this pond.

I see happy CNBG, HSB, and a grass carp. This is the pond where George puts his cull fish from the big pond.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for posting this video Brian.

There has been much discussion about HSB controlling BG in small ponds on the forum lately, whereas we take it for granted that there is no problem providing control if a simple stocking plan is utilized.

This small <1/4 acre pond was originally utilized for a HSB grow-out pond � I have told this story so many times that I take it for granted that everyone knows.
It was stocked originally with FHM and CNBG before introducing HSB fingerlings. After transferring many 10-12 inch HSB to main pond, I became worried that it would become overpopulated with CNBG, we stocked one female Florida LMB.
A couple of years later we stocked one BC.
Then we stocked Florida LMB to grow out for transfer to main pond.
Over the years we transferred �cull� CNBG from main pond to this little pond.
First couple of years we stocked all male tilapia to control FA but did not want reproduction, but later decided to stock both male and female, thinking we needed more forage.
One grass carp took care of the aquatic vegetation.

This pond has been a little jewel over the years, always productive with trophy size CNBG, HSB, and tilapia � Jeff will catch an occasional LMB.

Somehow it maintains somewhat of a �balanced� state.
Never had a fish kill � no aeration � no feed program � just occasional hand feeding.

I think the question of HSB controlling BG is over-thought � just add a single sex LMB and a blue catfish if needed.

If we could have only one pond,this would be my choice.
Dozens of photos have been posted over the years of trophy fish - Mrs. G has caught most of tthem!

Son Jeff was really excited over the size and condition of the HSB!
Thanks to Jeff for the video and Brian for posting.

Comments welcome.
George

What is the largest HSB you have grown in there George? I am guessing it must regularly get temps well into the 90's in the summer. How deep is it?

Travis, 5 to 6 pound class - not as large as in 2 acre pond.
Son Jeff believes the biggest one in the video is larger.
Little pond is 9 years old and 14ft deep.
Those HSB in the video have probably been caught several times, as well as the GC - too much fun to catch only once...
I love that little pond!

Very impressive George. Really amazing to grow such nice HSB in a small unaerated pond in Texas in my opinion. I think the 14' depth helps out by producing a thermocline where the larger HSB can find some refuge in the summer heat.

That's good to hear George...I've seen comments that the "HSB get very hook shy"..now I can look forward to possibly catching mine more than once.

Great story and nice to know a small pond can be so productive in the Texas heat!

I am curious though George, do you feel this pond has a better catch rate for CNBG and HSB due to so many fish in a small space? Maybe it is stocked at the same ratios as your larger pond?

Don't have a clue as to how many fish in that pond Jake - so many in and out as a growout pond over the years.
Sundy cooled down after a week of ~100 degrees and the fish went crazy - Jeff told me.

We han NO idea we had that number of large HSB.
We don't target them after water temps exceed 80 degrees.
Mother nature has a way I guess - this little pond has no management - only occsional hand feeding.

No fish kill that we know of but it is somewhat isolated, about a quarter of a mile from main pond, so could have and we didnn't know about it, but if so we would have lost our biggest fish and they are still in there.
Amazing!
G/

Our ponds are somewhat turbid Mark - they shy from floating pellets and flies but sinkers are killers.
G/

Travis, forgot to mention - no structure or cover.
G/

Here is another recording of George's babies feeding!! Look at the size of the big guy!!

Thanks Brian, I'm gonna catch that big Mama HSB this fall!!
Jeff is feeding to satiation weekely - hoping for a 10 pounder...

Here's the secret to "balance" a small pond.
Can't post on PhotoBucket?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuyD4JgGQSw&feature=player_

Good one George1. Notice the sediment that this fish stirs up near shore. Who says catfish do not roil the water?? And if aeration is present the circulation currents mix these roiled sediments especially the finest ones of 0.001 to 1um throughout the water column.

Bill, no aeration in little 1/4 acre pond - only one HUGE catfish to control overpopulation.

I have never observed BC feeding on pellets before this video. I think it's time to take her out and replace but she has become a pet.

See above vids for trophy HSB and CNBG.
I have observed 3 or 4 ~20 inch class schooling Florida LMB.

Never a fish kill.
G/