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

Is it OK to tag largemouth bass in my pond to get an idea of whether or not I am catching the same fish more than once and to track growth? Where can I purchase something like this? Is it harmful to the fish? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

ICHAWKI.See the post under "Questions and Observations" dated 4-7-05 "fin clipping" for info and general material. I am sure there are other posts on the subject . Try the search feature.ewest.

I bought my tags and tagging gun from Aquatic Ecosystem and used it in our pond for the same reasons as you. If you truly want to look at individual growth over several years I would strongly recommend buying the more expensive individually numbered tags, but if you just want to look at the population as a whole the blank tags will work fine. I tried to mark blank tags but after a year there was algal growth on the tag and I couldn't wipe it off without wiping off the ink. I just caught a bass the other night that was tagged and I haven't tagged any in about 3 years. Some of our fish do show wound marks around the tag but their overall health seems alright. Atleast for me, it has been a fun worthwhile investment.

We buy in volume... so floy tag gun is $60 and 100 numbered tags is $65. Plain colored tags $8/100. SHipping $7. Let us know if you need one. You can read the tags for about three years.

Greg:

Have you seen any problems with tags causing infections or health issues?

Dave

Nope, I usually do not see the tags personally again for year when we shock the lake again, of course no probelm than. Lake owners some times catch them not too long after taggin' and have not reported any problems/infections.
Do you tag the marlin you catch?

Correction to price.... gun $55 and tags $60.