Interesting article Eric.

I am in the very early learning/investigating stage re HSB in Southern farm ponds and am trying to ascertain their effectiveness as a predator on bluegill. In other words, can they effectively control rolling spawns in a warm water environment?

I wonder about the 33-58% mortality rate that they claim and do realize that they are talking about small HSB that are preying on larval centarchids (bluegill). If that's true, then HSB would be a total financial bust for most of us. Of course, they did not identify the reasons for the mortality rate.

Clupeids? I had to look that one up. Not much relevance there to most of us. We're not going to stock Northern Sea food fish like Menhaden or Herring. Or am I wrong or did I misinterpret?

I'm liking the idea of HSB (Wipers to Bruce) as a solution to LMB overspawning but still haven't figured out their role in a balanced body of water. Of course, balance changes yearly no matter what we do.

My question is what constitutes a viable prey fish for HSB in a North Texas farm pond? I don't like Gizzard Shad and Threadfin mortality during our low temperatures makes them suspect as a viable(sustainable) prey.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa