Perspective or not � it is common knowledge that LMB in small ponds require intensive management and become hook shy under even reasonable fishing pressure.
I'm not sure that LMB hook shyness inevitably happens everywhere, george, but it is certainly quite common. Differences in opinion on the matter could result from not only different responses from different LMB in different ponds, but on what the definition of "reasonable fishing pressure" is.
I strongly believe that with limited structure and maximum aquatic vegetation control, our HSB in main pond have controlled overpopulation of LMB spawn.
LMB less than 12 inches are rarely caught in main pond.
That makes perfect sense, george, and I can't remember seeing any discussion (or better yet, an article or study) about it. Anyone (hey, Eric) know the literature history on HSB predation and control of small YOY LMB? Interesting angle, and another reason for me to continue annual seine surveys to help track small LMB numbers wrt HSB population that will vary over time, to see if I can spot a correlation.
Thanks for mentioning that idea, george.
Theo, I do not question that LMB may behave differently in different parts of the country but I have fished for LMB from early as early age as I can remember � and I�m twice as old as most members of this forum and three times as old as a few � older than dirt...
I do believe however that the larger the pond, the less the pressure and less hook shy bass.
I won�t even try to recount the number of LMB I have caught from most major reservoirs in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, but I�m just a beginner on ponds.
I do know that Lake Fork Texas is probably the most popular LMB lake in the country and in the early 80�s a 100 fish day was common. This weekend on the lake you can most likely walk from boat to boat, with intense fishing pressure.
The Lone Star �Share A Lunker� program (13#�s or better) records have declined dramatically from Lake Fork. (My neighbor is hooking his boat up as we speak � the LMB are pre-spawn and headed for the shallows).
Strict slot limits and catch and release have fostered giant LMB, but have been caught so many times that new lures are developed continually to catch tem.
Back to ponds � I love to fish for LMB with top water flies/lures but get hook shy in a hurry � one pet LMB was caught three times on consecutive days and never a strike from that brush pile again
Young hungry LMB are easy to catch but get educated in a hurry.
I know you are seeking technical documentation, but I trust anecdotal PB reports above much of the flawed scientific research I have run across.
