Skinny, as stated, the bass are starving and HOA's are usually cheapskates. They have overeaten their forage base.
A couple of things to mention to the HOA.
A healthy, balanced pond will generally support about 100 pounds of predators per acre assuming an appropriate forage base.
A bass needs 10 pounds of forage to gain one pound.
A bass prefers forage/food about 1/4 to 1/3 it's size.
In no case will minnows suffice. It's a matter of calories gained vs energy expended. Thinking of the common fathead minnow here. They GENERALLY run, in my area, about 400 to the pound. So, EACH 12 to 13 or 14 inch skinny bass would have to be able to get about 400 minnows.
The numbers always add up. Either spend $ adding forage or reduce predators. The reduction of predators has to be an ongoing practice. To keep the lake balanced, I would also add tilapia and certainly spawning size bluegill.
Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 01/27/1008:02 AM.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
