Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Adjusting LMB population

What is the best way to get 100 or LMB out of a pond? After being on this site for a few days and getting great feedback, I think I want a pond with big BG and and smaller LMB just for the sake of taking my kids fishing all the time and being able to catch lots of fish. I am also going to stock some HSB. Pond is about 3/4 acre and stocked with 200 LMB 1000 BG. LMB are probably 8-10" now.

I can visit with a friend or two. I'll bet we could catch that many out.

I'd even be willing to bring you a few 6-7 inch Condello Strain bluegill to amp up your genetics a bit.

To answer your first question on how to remove LMB - Fish with 1/32 oz jig and piece of crawler and start culling LMB. They should start biting this week. You can transfer the LMB to another pond, or tank them to sell them to a buddy. 8-10" LMB could sell for 3-4 bucks each, but set up a buyer first.

Second part - If you want a big BG pond, you need heavy population of LMB, and a lighter population of BG. You already have heavy stockings of each for a .75 acre pond. Jay I'm not convinced you need to do anything now, but sit back and see how things progress this Spring and Summer. Remember, you fish will tell you the story of what you need to do in terms of corrective pond/fishery management strategy. If you want high catch rates of small LMB and big BG, these numbers might get you there - I'm not convinced you have to remove anything.

If you want a balanced pond I'd remove probably 100 to 150 LMB and leave the ones in the best body condition. I think ideal LMB and BG stocking for a .75 ac pond would be 500-750 BG and 50 LMB.

Think hard about what you want this pond to be. Letting it go a while and showing you what needs to be done is an option I think you should consider.

Cool! I know TJ would love to help but has to get done with his coaching duties first. Luv to fish but new to the game. Big time duck hunter though.

Bruce he wants us to visit soon...trying to find some time. He needs Shrimp and Shiners too...both of which I can help with.

Friday afternoon?

Friday works great! Sounds like it might act like spring.

Somebody bring a camera and take pics.

Is it legal to sell the bass or any fish type for that matter?

I was under the impression you follow your state requirements for size before you can keep them.

Maybe each state is different but would like to know?

Also would it be ethical to sell fish that are probably stunted and never see their potential?

Each state is different, and these fish aren't stunted, he stocked them recently before getting the forage base established and he wants to take some out so he can get a good forage base going.

In Nebraska if its a private pond and u stock it yourself, anything goes, which is what mine is. If u get help from the Nebraska game and parks, i.e. like fish for stocking than u have to play by their rules.

Got to meet TJ today, it was great visiting him and getting the tour of the ponds and his plans!

Good to meet you Jay - you're a great addition to the Pond Boss family. We will all benefit from watching your fishery develop whichever way your goals dictate - so keep us in the loop on what direction you take. It's very rewarding hopefully helping in some small way genuinely appreciative Pond Boss brethren with a nudge here or there. Just paying forward what PBF has given to me.

Jay, if TJ says "here, hold my beer for a minute" RUN and cover your ears.

I will do that!

After holding the beer of course. TJ doesn't like it when you run off with his beer.

I would have to agree that if it is your private BOW and you stocked it without help from any state they fish should be considered yours to do with as you may. Then again I do not think it should be required for people to have a license to fish on private property either but some will argue they use that money to keep the programs running.

I will need to check the rules more closely here in Oklahoma but I think it is written that we follow the state laws regardless.

Now on one side I can see that if you catch 100 small LMB once could argue where you got them and how do you prove they came from a farm pond and not the local lake wit limits on them?

Just as long as he doesn't chase after you with what he's got in his hand.......

Unless it's empty and you're running towards the cooler for a new one...