i'm new at this, so bear with me....
Central SC. 7 acre diked pond. Deepest spots are in the 10 foot range with little to no structure other than trees around the edges (many which we cut to fall into the pond), one small island, and some shallow flats to which we have added christmas trees throughout the years. There are some 4-6 foot channels throughout that were made when the dozer was in there.
2 feeders feeding dawn and dusk.
Water levels are maintained by pumping fresh water in from a creek. We used to have a netting that was supposed to help curb invasive fish, but it is no longer attached. I am aware of some invasive fish out of the creek, but have not decided to address them at this time. (only non-stocked fish we have seen/caught are mollies or whatever you yankees might call them)
Stocked with bream, largemouth, and catfish. I have been asked what kind of cats before and all i can tell you is that they are in the 6-8 pound range and eat good. i have also been asked the intial stocking amounts, but have been unable to find them.
Bream are thriving. Many in the one+ pound range. Bass are struggling. Most are 12", one pounders. I have only caught a few three pounders in the last couple of years. I have yet to catch a 2 pounder...
I am not trying to make a trophy pond
under the circumstances, but would like to have the bass population kept in check. I have kept about 200 pounds of bass out of the pond in the last two years and have apparently not made a dent. I have been told to keep any and all bass, but haven't....
we have fertilized using one central platform for three years. weeds are not a problem. actually, i would like to see more vegetation, hence the fertilizer regimen for 3 years. water is quite clear. we fertilize in late spring for 3-4 weeks at 100 or so pounds per application on a platform.
spawn this year is what worries me. i have never seen so many small fish. i am worried about the "carrying capacity" of the pond but would love to see the bass feeding aggresively.
fire away, oh wise ones...
do i need to address pump issues, fertilizer, feeders, bass numbers, etc???
