Adding different predators will likely detract from the LMB population in some way, either reduced relative weights (RW) and/or reduced bass density. As mentioned a high amount or percent botom coverage of dense weedy habitat will inhibit or reduce efficiency of most if not all predators. If all you want is predator diversity, that can be done. But don't plan on addition of new predator species to make a significant decrease in BG density in a highly weedy pond. Normally in good conditions lots of BG result in larger fatter bass, but if the bass cannot find the BG due to too many weeds, then bass RW (body condition) often decreases and BG population trends towards more, smaller BG.
Before you do any fisheries adjustments and if you truly want to do this correctly, you should do three things. 1. get a good qualitative estimate of the weed community - all species present and percent coverage. Accurately mapping the weed community as location and depth is a good start. 2. learn if the BG are indeed too abundant and do a population struture evaluation - sampling and 3. do some relative weight measurements and population size analysis of the bass. All these things will involve some homework to be done correctly to determine the best approach and outcome. The shotgun approach is to just add new and more predators without knowing the real problems or causes. Cleaning up a "messed up fishery" is quite a bit harder, more time consuming and more costly than renovating a 1 acre or less pond.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 11/26/12 10:25 AM.
