I need some help on my lake. I bought a 12 acres lake in NE Oklahoma last year. I want to increase the number and size of the big bass. We have been tagging all bass over 2 lbs. We have been using Fishtagger. (http://www.fishtagger.com/tagsadvanced.php check out the link and search for Paradise Lake under location). This is all the fish we have caught over 2 lbs. Almost all of the bass are over 3 lbs with a max of 6 lbs 1 oz. We tagged 21 fish with a total of 44 catches. We have caught some fish 4 times. I have caught the same fish the next day in the same spot with the same lure. There seams to be a gap from about 1 lbs to 3 lbs. We rarely catch any fish in this size range. The majority of the bass we catch are around 1 lbs or less. We are going to start recording the number and weight of these smaller fish.

The property was previously owned by an older couple that never fished and did not let anyone fish the lake, EVER. They watched it like a hawk. I remember wanting to fish there as a kid.

I believe the water quality is good. The water is dark dark green with, I would guess, 12-18� of visibility. During last summer there was a slight water color change to a little greener with small little green suspended specs. These did not cover the water like I have seen in some lakes but it was like a slight cloud it the water.

The water depth runs from 1-2� shallow water at one end to about 30� at the dam end. We have virtually no cover. We did a lot of worm fishing and would rarely get hung up. We also have steep banks and shallow banks on both sides. There are a few coves and peninsulas. (I am trying to post an areal picture).

There is good vegetation along the entire bank. I would be lying if I told you what it its. But it grows all along the bank in up to ~4� of water and grows up out of the water about 1-2 feet. It is very leafy and has a strong fiberous stem.

I are thinking about removing bass 12� and under and removing around 500 lbs of this size range. I also want to start feeding with 3 feeders. It seams like the 15 min rule is common (feed enough for 15 min of activity). I would also like to stock Florida or F1 bass to help the genetics. This pond has not been touched in 30 years. I am also going to be adding some brush piles or other forms of cover.

So my action plan is to 1. Remove 500 lbs of 12� bass (maybe less) 2. Start a feeding program (3 locations for 15 min of activity) 3. At some point stock Florida or F1 bass and 4) add cover.

Please advise on this action plan. My main concern is that 500 lbs is too much.


12 acre lake in NE Oklahoma