Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Missing Bass

In the spring of 05 I stocked my 4.5 acre lake with coppernose bream. In the fall bass were added. I did not see the bass put into the lake but I do trust the man who did it. The problem way to many bream and no sign of any bass. After determining that there were no bass in the lake I begin to add 1.5 to 2 lb largemouths from a 2.5 acre lake that I own. I put in 50. The problem I missed the spring bass spawn. I see the bass hitting some of the bream but I see no small bass and still way to many bream. How many grown bass would you suggest I add? Or any other idea?

Ted

Hi Ted, Just wanted to send a quick reply and let you know that most of the experts live west of us and haven't gotten to work yet and hard there coffee and doughnuts. They will have all the answers. My guess is that they will say that you might have too many larger bass. That's not the end of the world and can be remedied. Good luck.
PS... I graduated from LaGrange College - a great place.

Ted :

There are different ways to work on your situation. The best thing for a pond population is year class balance (unless you are managing for a different goal). It is hard to get that in the short term by adding adult LMB and it is a tricky situation. Be sure there are way to many BG before you do to much as most southern ponds tend to be bass crowded (not enough BG)over time. I would not add any more adult LMB without much more info as 20 - 2 lb LMB per acre is a lot in your apparent situation.

Are you sure there are no small LMB under 8 in.?
What does your CNBG population look like (numbers and sizes)? Have you tried a seine survey. Is there a reason to be in a hurry to fix the situation?

You should think about replacing the missing year class rather than just adding adult LMB unless certain specific situations exist wrt your CNBG and LMB spawning. One way is to add 2-4in fingerlings in the fall (Oct.)after it has cooled down. Many may be eaten but there are ways to increase their survival. Another way is to wait until march or April and add advanced fingerlings (6-8 in.). Note in both situations you are replacing the missing year class not just adding adult LMB.

Thanks,
The guy that stocked the pond voluntered to restock. I guess I should have taken him up on it. I was just not sure they weren't there. Think I'll give him a call. I was just not aware of the need for the small bass and the part they played.
Ted

If you are going to have him restock then you may be interested in this prior thread on survival.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000284;p=1#000000