I'm getting things ready to collect some pumpkinseed sunfish via hook and line from one or two local lakes to spawn in one of my small production ponds. I have two locations recommended and just need to clean these tanks out, get a fishing license and get some free time! One location I can fish from shore but the other I will need my boat.
Unfortunately I will have to quarantine them in these two tanks until I can get a negative back on the VHS virus. I also need to do a dip of 3 percent salt to kill any potential veligers (larvae form of zebra mussels) and other parasites. One of the lakes has a zebra mussel population the other doesn't but I will treat the water as if it does.
I'll shade part of the tanks and put netting on top to keep out any predators especially since I had a mink within 25 feet of this spot the other day.
If anyone is interested I will keep you posted.
Here's the species for those of you that may not be familar with them:
