Good points so far.

A few guidelines to consider keeping in mind the "it depends rule".

In new ponds first year growth is very fast in both BG and LMB. In the following years it slows as carrying capacity is reached. This is WRT the pond population not one individual fish.

I do not harvest my brood stock (the original stockers) but only their offspring. When goals and conditions warrant harvest out of the offspring harvest some average fish but not the best conditioned fish.

As a general matter fish growth in LMB and BG is slower the further north the pond. LMB and BG live longer the further north. This effects harvest timing. This of course depends on the pond and other factors (lots of food vs. little food) etc.

Fertility and feeding effect growth and reproduction. So cull #s should be dependant on carrying capacity and population structure as they relate to your goals.

Natural morts can be very high and should be figured into the decision. For example partial fish kills , spawning success , unwanted harvesters ( trespassers both man and beast - unwanted neighbors, cormorants , otters etc).

Best advice is learn how to evaluate your fish populations through seine survey , creel/catch info , visual and traps. If needed get the pond evaluated by a fisheries scientist. Here is the archive on population analysis. http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92492#Post92492

Last edited by ewest; 05/16/09 06:59 AM.