This post is mainly for general information and review for those interested. IMO the key to producing large versions of larger predators is to have ample larger vulnerable prey items as that predator reaches the next size class, as was suggested by deadwood. Diverse prey items that have individuals in all size categories especially the largest sizes the bigger predators can eat, keeps these predators growing to end of life - a key item to growing larger predators ("Growing Trophy Bass" - by Lusk). Keep in mind that the largest predators usually have the fewest numbers when compared to all size classes of that species. For what appears to be your goals (larger bass 4 deadwood) something the size of red shiner is not what you should ultimately have but look for larger prey items that the larger bass would be eating such as fusiform species 8"-10" or maybe 12" long. Adult red shiners are optimum forage for LMB that are 10"-14" long. Having too many 10"-14" LMB is not all that beneficial. LMB larger than 14" are wasting too much energy eating red shiners to result in efficient weight gain. This is especially true as the LMB get 16"+. Diverse small forage is not all that beneficial for them to grow to large sizes. Diverse forage is good but ideally it should be comprised of species that include ample large food items for the largest predators.
My current theory about predation. I think ample is important for this topic. From my observations predators seem to attack the most vulnerable individuals which often means the weak, sick, stressed or senile ones. Healthy prey usually escape predation and predators often ignore those, the healthiest, fastest prey. The vulnerable ones and the weakest individuals of the larger prey species often become food for the largest predators. The smaller predators cannot eat the large weak prey items. Thus to have larger numbers of vulnerable prey one needs lots of (ample) prey individuals so more senile ones regularly become available. Normal populations depending on species including prey species have natural mortalities in the range of 25-40% per year. Example: IMO A large bass (20") will not usually attack a 6.6-7.5" BG, but weaken that BG or make it vulnerable and the LMB will readily consume it.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 01/06/12 10:52 AM.
