Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Where are my Bass?

Not only will bgill eat bass eggs, but just about all types - species of overcrowded fish will eat eggs or fish fry. The key is to not let any species get over crowded. Bgill only eat bass eggs when bgill are overcrowded or stunted and food is in short supply.

Firstly, it is getting pretty late in the year in OH to readily catch bass. They will bite but not as aggresively as when water is above 60F.

Secondly. I highly recommend you go back to Fenders or call him and ask why you can't catch bass and what the problem is. His advice and rules got you where you are currently. He was your main fish stocking consultant first. Exhaust his knowledge and alternatives first. Don't get us in a he said, you said contest. Fender is good, friendly, and pretty knowledgable. He has lots of experience with fish stocking problems. You and him should be able to work out your "bass problem" together. He knows your stocking rates and all species involved. He was good enough to talk you into trying crappie in the pond, he can surely figure out why the bass are not plentiful or are not biting.

Have you tried fishing for bass with fatheads? Get some fatheads for bait when you visit him. If you have any bass in the pond they should bite on the minnows if fished properly; esp if you turn lose a few dozen first before fishing. You might want to wait till next spring before fishing again. By then the bass and crappie may thin out the small bgill over winter & early spring and then be more hungry & ready to bite in late spring.