Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Corrective stocking new additions

Greetings all. A couple of months ago, after some great advise from various forum members, I began a feeding program for my 1/3 acre pond. The BG really seem to enjoy the GFC and appear to be filling out nicely. Now that this program is fully implemented I am considering increasing my BG population. It is my understanding that with feeding I can double my fish population. Currently the pond has a 5:1 BG/LMB ratio. The goal is to produce an ample amount of eating size BG and harvest regularly. With enough harvesting can I change the stocking ratio to 7:1? If so/not what are your collective recommendations? I am considering adding some more FHM in Sept. to give the bass a boost and to give a temporary respite to the developing BG population in order to attempt to promote their survival. I don't know if this will work as it is just a rookie's idea.

I am just a noob, so take my advice for what it is worth. But with bluegill I wouldn't imagine you would need to stock anymore to reach your goal of more bluegill to bass. With more food your bluegill are going to breed more and grow faster, thereby escaping predation quicker too I would imagine.

All in all, your bluegill will bump up their own numbers for cheaper then you could buy more.

Also, if your looking for a fish to give the bluegill a break, many people are using tilapia. I am not sure if they are legal in your neck of the woods, but they breed like crazy, eat algea and weeds, are good eating. and die off when the water gets too cold (diffrent strains at diffrent temps - ask rainman)

So tilapia could be a self sustaining food boost for the bass, instead of an expensive one time snack like fhm would be.

Just things to think over.

"All in all, your bluegill will bump up their own numbers for cheaper then you could buy more."
Oh, yeah.

Unless you have a lot of bass big enough to eat the BG you want to eat (you want to eat 7" BG - a 21: LMB competes with you for them), you shouldn't need to worry about their pressure on your BG. You should instead be glad of it.

BG will produce plenty of more BG; that bass pressure it what cuts their numbers down to the point where the pond and you can provide enough food to grow them to eating (or trophy) size).

Heya Bus, how far you from, oh I don't know, let's say Branson???

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. After reading Mikeyboy's post it dawned on me that just by feeding we relieve pressure on the yoy bluegill as they they are eaten less by the bigger bluegill. This alone should allow more to survive and make it to the dinner table later. The question now becomes how many more should be harvested? Jeff, I am about 3-4 hours from Branson. Unfortunately, I am unable to go in September as I just built a house and have yet to recover financially yet.

Fair enough Bus, I saw Missouri and just had to ask.

So did you build your house at the pond property or is the house located elsewhere?

It is sad that I am unable to go to the conference. This is something that I hope to do someday as I am extremely interested in pond management and am just starting to learn. My pond is located on the back of the property about 300 yds from the house. It has been a highlight of my day to ride the four-wheeler back there each night to feed and watch the fish the last couple of months.

Hey Bus, I'm about 75 miles south of St. Louis on I-55. Are we close? Good luck with your adventure. I started mine just about his time last year. I stocked 250 3-5" BG, 150 1-2" RES and about 25-30 adult (7-10") BG & RES. I started putting bass in the pond this summer about 3-4 weeks ago. I'm putting 25-30 bass from 8"-12", and trying to add about 5 two pounders to help handle the larger BG. I think I've got it about right. I tell you this, because it sounds exactly what you're doin. I feed 4 nights a week and they love the Purina AquaMax 400. Istarted mixing a little AquaMax 500 in also. Started that last week. Can't tell much difference yet, but you're right - it's fun to watch. Good luck to you.

jimmydee, we can't be that far apart. I am located about 30 miles North of Poplar Bluff. How big is your pond? Mine is in its second year and I really find it enjoyable. I feed by hand every night with GFC but intend to purchase a feeder so to feed twice a day next season. Have done this about two months and it seems to help.

Bus, check your PM.