Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Length limits

I am curious if anyone has set length limits on the fish they take from their ponds. I have channel cat, bluegills and black bass. My pond is one acre full. I do not want to over fish (not worried about it with the bluegills). Any input on limits that have been used successfully would be appreciated.

depends on condition of fish and the lake - I spent almost 3 years pulling every fish out under 14 inches dues to overpopulation - I am now taking all bass between10-14 inches - my goal is to grow 10lb plus bass - yours may be more bass with less emphasis on size - so, slot limit depends on objectives. One thing is for certain - over time one must remove some bass - typically 20-25 lbs per acre.

My pond is in great shape at this point. Had enough rain in July to get me through the rest of the summer if it stays dry. Bass aren't growing as quick as the cats and bluegills but they won't eat the fish food either. I have caught some of the bass and they are about 8" and look healthy. Many of the originally stocked bluegills are close to hand size now and I will start frying some of them this fall. Some of the cats are 12" now and are fat and healthy. I'm thinking 14" minimum on the cats, I'm not looking to grow monster catfish just good eating size. The bass will be catch and release except for what I need to remove every year for population purposes. Just need some guidance in this area. Thanks for the reply. Others are welcome.
Bill

Any help on the length limits would be appreciated. Pond is 1 acre with channel down the center 16 to 18 foot deep and sloped sides.

Hey Bill,

You might try and specifically call Bill Cody's name in the title and ask the question. I read your posts and took from it that you're interested in catfish for the skillet and using the bream for forage. I am not clear on your intent for your bass. Are you trying to grow really big fish? Are you more interested in lots of action with aggressive (hungry) bass in the 1 – 3 lb category, for example?

I would suggest that you buy “Raising Trophy Bass” from the Pond Boss. I did and it is very informative reading. In this book, Bob Lusk gives a table for weight to inches for a healthy bass. Since, you seem to be in the beginning stages of your pond management, I would catch and release as long as the fish are healthy. At some point, the ability to get bigger will be limited by additional generations of bass. This is the point when you may get different length classes performing differently. This is the point were I would have a survey done and you will be told what class of fish to take out. Again, that will depend on your objectives

I know a Doctor from Baton Rouge LA that bought an old plantation house and about 400 acres in Adams County Ms near Natchez. It had a several ponds on it, that had been stocked years back but neglected. The House pond so named because it is adjacent to the old house had a lot of underweight fish across a number of lengths. A survey was done and the owners was told to take out everything under 14inchs because he wants big bass.

Anyway, Ask Bill Cody and see what he says and buy the book from the Pond Boss.

Flatlander, thanks for the reply. You are right about the catfish frying with an occasional bream thrown in. Action is what I'm really looking for, not wallhangers necessarily. Wouldn't mind an occasional big one. Just fun and recreation primarily. I will check into the publication.