Quote:
Originally posted by Norm Kopecky:
For each species, lets try and come up with the following numbers. Typical numbers of adult fish per acre, average mortality per year, size needed for restocking, number needed per year and some general cost per individual.
I'll take the HSB question. For wipers, or hybrid striped bass I've had a great catch and release fishery that was at 400 individuals per acre. The fish were easy to catch and healthy until the "big crash". If I were to do it again (which I am) I would stick to about 20% in numbers which would be about 80 fish in a one acre pond. Average mortality per year for wipers is pretty low, especially for younger fish. Natural mortality would be less than 10%, but if you had regular handling by anglers that might go to 25% if you were using artificials, and 40% if you were using live bait. Wipers swallow the hook fast! Size needed for restocking, in the presence of other top line predators would be a minimum of around 8 inches. These fish can be acquired for about $1.25 each, plus shipping, so you could assume an annual restocking cost of 25 bucks plus shipping for 20 fish.

Holding a redear sunfish is like running with scissors.