Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations LM Bass weights

I have some LMB that I have tagged and have questions. Do the LMB typically have a higher percentage body weight toward the fall? Some bass I tagged in May were at 80% body weight, and are now at 90% body weight. Is this normal since I have focused on forage,culling YOY LMB, and culling LMB less than 80% weight based on what I have learned on this forum. Could these fish eventually get to 100% weight if I stay on this track? Some of these LMB are AM 600 pellet feeders,that look really thick, and healthy.

Spawning takes away body weight from LMB much like the rut takes weight away from bucks.

spinnerbait, typically LMB weigh the most right before the spawn when they are egg and milt laden. LMB will go on a feeding binge in early Fall to start packing on the calories for the winter. It looks like your LMB management plan is starting to work!

I have to admit it was tough to harvest the small bass. I had to remind myself I was saving 10 lbs of forage for my original stocker LMB with each one I took out. I'm just following a simple plan I picked up from you guys on the forum.

Yes that is the goal to get them to over 100% Im giving a talk on this so hope your making it to PB Conference. We actually see quite a few bass lose weight over summer then gain back by following spring. This is a great sign your management plan is working.

Spawning LMB typically lose 20% +- of their pre-spawn weight during the spawn.

So you should not cull in May if our spawn is in April?

I give you guys at Aquatic Enviromental credit too. You and Matt helped me get the pond headed in the right direction. I appreciate your input very much. I wish I could be at the PB Conf. and hear your seminar.
Be nice to be able to purchase the seminars on CD's !