Originally posted by ttop:
any one else experiance this???,are they just hook shy ??
ttop,
Yes many of us on this forum (some are still in denial) have not only experienced it, we have lamented it, and sought out other alternatives.
LMB, especially Florida strain LMB, are not well suited to catch and release fishing pressure in small ponds...we have even had reliable posts from managers of 50 acre lakes confirm the same things. As the LMB mature, over three to four pounds and after being caught a couple of times, they become almost impossible to catch on artificials of any type. The problem is seems to be exacerbated in the presence of artificial feeders...the LMB appear to feed almost exclusively on BG at the feeders and will not take artificials of any type.
This is the great disappointment that no one tells you about when you are designing the pond/lake of your dreams...you spend big bucks, you watch it fill, you stock it, and have great fishing for a couple or three years, and then...where did the bass go? Why can't I catch them? It has happened to many of us herein...I feel your pain!
Alternatives...several are trying (including myself) the F1 LMB who are purported to be much more aggressive than pure Floridas and less prone to "learning". If interested I can send you a very good article on the F1s.
Another alternative which several of us are also trying (myself included)is HSB on a "put and take" basis. These are great fish, grow fast, better fighters than LMB, and taste great....but they do need artificial feed and open water. In this kind of operation, the HSB never overpopulate, stunt, or get lure shy..you catch them, eat them, and replace them each year.
Welcome to ponding and its many wonders...and welcome to the Forum where we have a great time exchanging ideas and experiences on ponds.
