1.At what surface water temp. do you consider lethal when angling HSB? (81 degrees?).
81 degrees is the number that Bruce quoted in a long ago post. It seems like a good number to me.
2.At what water temp. would you expect to loose say 50 %?
The fish loss above 81 degrees seems to be a function of a complex set of variables including temp, fish size, and overall water quality. I don�t have enough data to be able to plot mortality as a function of water temps...but even if I did, without the other major factors of size and water quality, I�m not sure it would be useful. I experience 100% HSB mortality from angling with fish over 3 pounds and temps above 85 degrees.
3. At what temp do you consider maximum for near 100% survival? Using proper angling techniques (i.e. Quick catch and proper release, proper hooks, etc.).
Again, this is subject to other variables, but when the magic 81 degrees temps are reached you must be aware that any HSB caught is subject to mortality.
4.As you mention, larger fish are much more vulnerable to �fight to the death� syndrome. Are there standards you use for say 3#, 4# fish, etc.?
Three (3) pounds seems to be a break point for HSB in my ponds. Above that, angling mortality is seems to be virtually assured in high temps, below that weight I have experienced no mortality.
I would like to again state, that in addition to water temps and size, water quality may be a significant variable in the determination of HSB angling mortality. We have been punished by extreme dry conditions the last two summers. Perhaps, not coincidentally, the first HSB mortality showed up at the same time. When summer rains were plentiful, there was no HSB angling mortality and conversely, when rains were totally absent, 100% HSB mortality in fish 3 pounds and over has been experienced. The pond in which this data is based has a two diffuser aeration system, the HSB are artificially fed, and by all outward appearances the pond has excellent water quality. However, I suspect the lack of flushing from summer rains coupled with artificial feeding sets up a less than healthy water quality condition for HSB, in spite of aeration. This is speculative and without proof, but without aeration, in the same pond, I believe every HSB, regardless of size would also be at risk of angling mortality. The nutrients that build up in the absence of rain, and with artificial feeding may play a role in this question of HSB angling mortality that is currently not understood. This nutrient loading factor may also be a significant contributor to the variability of angling mortality reported by different pond owners.
