Crazy theory #243:

A pond could be managed similar to a BG/LMB, but substitute FH/RES.

It was stated that Redears wouldn't be effective predators for FH, but angling experience seems to indicate that RES will readily take small fish. I routinely catch them on crank baits that imitate minnows.



I theorize that they would do well in a pond with a healthy population of Fathead minnows. As was suggested in another thread, RES would not be effective at preying on large FH due to their small mouth size. Given the heavy spawning of FH, it seems likely that some FH would survive to reach a large size with RES as the only predator. The large FH that survive to spawn each spring and fall would produce enough offspring to make their survival a likely thing. It may be possible that the RES would get so huge that they could take a large FH. I would like to have this problem.

The FH population could be controlled fairly easily. They can grow very quickly with an abundant supply of food such as pellets, and this would allow the pond manager to directly influence FH biomass by adjusting the quantity of feed. They can also be trapped easily and in large numbers if the population gets out of control. Free FH seem easy to find homes for. \:\)

RES numbers could be controlled by a few different influences. They would probably eat some of they're own fry, and a FH population that includes individuals approaching 4 inches in length might prey on RES fry with some success. I believe RES don't reproduce as quickly as BG or LMB, creating less of problem with overpopulation.

Just exactly how crazy is theory #243?