Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water Letter to the E-Board

If we decide to feed we need to keep two things in mind. My calculation as to the amount needed is based on what I fed last year. The feed I gave was far inferior to what I propose this year. Last year fed a feed that was plant based with some animal protein. It was not the best feed, but it was all I could find locally and afford to buy on my own. The feed I propose this year has to be bought in bulk to get a good price, and comes in at the same price as what I bought last year.

The standard is to feed all they can eat in 15 minutes. With the new feed I don't know how much that will be. Feeding a pellet with 41% protein that is fish based will probably cause an explosive growth in the size of the bluegills. The general rule with this feed is 2 pounds of gross weight increase for every 10 pounds fed. You can expect some young bass to learn to eat it also.

If the club wants optimum growth rate on bluegills and bass then I would not be surprised is a reorder on feed mid to late summer would be needed. Any left over feed, stored properly, would be usable at the start of the next year even though it would loose some of it's nutrient value.

I do not recommend feeding more than 1.5 pounds a day. That should be considered the upper limit. I do not want the fish to abandon natural sources, but simply to give them a boost.I believe in order to target the greatest number of fish in our situation we should have 2 feed stations. One would be located on the Cottonwood at the NW corner. That other would be near the cove on the east side. The one on the NE corner would be set to morning feed, the one by the cove would evening feed, each at 3/4 pounds maximum.

Bluegills will take this feed at the 3" size. The 4-5" size is optimum for the large bass, but they will grow on the 3" fish. It is a direct ratio of calories consumed and energy expended.

The plan for cover, which is critical, is a tree set in the center of the pond. The plan I have is to provide cover for fry and a hide for bass. Simply, I will cover three pallets with 2x4 inch wire fence and tie them in a triangle. I may cut down two of the pallets for more angle. I will remove the branches from the sides of 4 of the large trees and tie them to the pallets. I will then cut fence to cover the ends. Inside I will place 7- 5 gallon buckets of the 3" limestone, which should weigh 600 pounds. Then I will drag it onto the ice into position in the center of the pond. This has to be done at the end of a long cold spell so the ice is thick enough, even though the footprint will only be 42 pounds a square foot or so, much less than someone standing on it. This assembly will provide cover for fry and overhang for bass and large bluegill. That will be the only thing to go on the center of the ice this winter.

Near the corners of the pond I will place 4 trees horizontally at a depth of about 2 feet. This will provide cover for newly spawned fish and help them reach the size where they are providing optimum results to predators.

Like I've said, we do not have a "Natural" pond. In a natural state it cannot take the increased pressure of members fishing it. This includes certain members who fish it almost every day and take fish home with them. To that end, I recommend a 5" minimum size limit for Bluegills. Take all the green sunfish out, they taste the same as bluegills.


So, what are your thoughts?

Man, Sounds like your on a uphill battle.. This is why people hate to share ponds lol.. I still think your letter is a good start, but i would push for more and better rules on fishing the pond..