Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations pond newbie just checking to see if we're doing ok

Might have done something stupid, but I love these fish. I've gotten about 50 catfish out now, and put 25 HSB (5"-7") in my pond over the weekend. After reading about "problems" with them just being pellet hounds (which I'm actually counting on), I decided to roll the dice.

Looking to add some spice in for winter fishing and just see how they do, as we may build another lake on the property soon. We may get creative with that pond.

After much "minnowing" (3 1/2 yo son's term for using a long shad net just trying to catch whatever), I've determined that my pond is LOADED with 1-2" BG, still has some natural colored FHM and lots of GSH. Also, don't think any bass successfully spawned, as I've not seen any fry or fingerlings while doing this. Guessing some males were ready while the females were not ( do male bass grow faster?).

As much as I cussed putting in that many catfish after reading some feedback/more testimonials, I gotta admit they're growing on me after trying to fish soome out. These would be a blast for the kiddos as a "bonus" fish while BG fishing.

One other crazy observation is that when I use 2" bluegill as bait, all I catch is 6"+ bluegill. I know they eat anything, that just suprised me a bit.

Appreciate the feedback and the site.

You're catching 6" BG on 2" BG? Your BG must have unusually large mouths! I am not sure an HBG or even a GSF that size could handle a BG that size...

Whenever I use BG minnows to catch HBG, I find interest declines sharply after the minnows surpass 1.5" in length.

Most of the small BG I catch are 1-1.5", but yeah, I caught a small female the other day on one of the largest BG that we'd netted.

Also I think I'm noticing that my bass are waging war on the largest shiners in the pond, at least during feeding time. The 1" BG they seem to not even care about. Every time I see them chasing something it's the 4"+ shiners.

Shiners don't have spines...

Taylor, look into stocking Rainbow Trout for winter fishing fun. Yes, even down there.

esshup, I would love those, but for a fish that only survives the winter/early spring here, the cost is pretty steep on those for us.

Hybrids (especially at just a supplemental qty. to my existing predators) are cheap by comparison.

I fish for them in the ponds that are stocked by TPW in the "Urban fishing" program though. I've had lots of fun in College Station's Central Park.