Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Results of Electo-shock Survey

Thanks for putting it here, it will get more visibility. If you don't have a good digital scale I'd look at purchasing one. Greg Grimes http://lakework.com/site/ has a good kit for doing pond work (taking visibility readings, WR data collection, etc.).

I'd take out every LMB that you catch, at least this year. In a BOW that size, there's no way that you can fish them out. Only if you catch one that is above 100 WR would I put it back in. I'd leave all the BG in there except what you and the kids take out to eat. As you are doing now, take out every WC that you catch, and any CC.

I'd do that before stocking any forage (FHM or GSH). There are just too many mouths to feed in there. The FHM *might* last a month, but the majority of them would go to feeding the WC, which you want out anyway. With that many LMB in there, adding GSH would be like using a squirt gun to put out a house fire. 10# of GSH would only put 1# on ONE LMB. You'd go broke trying to feed all those LMB.

I'd strongly suggest getting a good feeder, such as a TH, and feeding Aquamax 500 or a similar fish based high protein food that was in the 3/16" pellet size. That will get the BG larger and in better body condition, which will equate to more spawns. On the plus side to feeding, I'll bet any GC and CC that are left in the pond will also be eating the pellets, and that will make them easier to remove via angling or by bowfishing.

I think at this time, take some of the $$ that would be spent on stocking more fish and buy a good feeder and food. I think you'll see quicker results by doing that, combined with an agressive harvest plan. Too bad that the fish (LMB) weren't removed when the electro survey was done.

Once you start getting the LMB larger, they can prey on larger fish, and will also help with the WC problem.

If you can, while waiting for the submerged weeds to come back, add PVC structure to the pond to help provide hiding places for YOY BG.

One last thing. Keep an eye on those cattails. They can get outta hand quickly. It's easier to remove/kill a few rather than wait.