Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Help me adopt my fish family

It could have gone either way, Bski.

I am always pulling some fish out to eat; conversely, there are some that I want to see get as big as possible. Unless a foul-hooked fish that might have a chance is in the latter category, I go ahead and pull it out.

If there is a lot of bleeding, especially from the gills, the fish is a goner and might as well come out.

You will get experience watching "probably not gonna make its" that you release float up afterwards, and maybe even get to see some ones you cut the line on and released with the hook still in get recaught later and be AOK (I have had this happen 2-3 times). It gives you a better feel for which way to go in these situations.

BTW, that's really good growth on the new fish - I just had to say it (again).