I have been scheming for a while now on different unusual fish production models for my ponds. But my best idea of late was actually my lovely wife's idea, and I am excited to refine it and give it a try.
The idea of raising tilapia here in NC is appealing. The warm season lasts pretty long, and there is a lot of algae growth in our 1/2 acre pond for the fish to eat.
The problem I foresee is harvest. Tilapia are supposed to be good at burrowing under a seine. Our pond has a mucky bottom which would make burrowing even easier. Draining the pond is not an option.
Here's the idea: Build a fish cage (similar to my trout cage that I posted here last October), but with a larger diameter. It has to have one open side that can be closed quickly and easily. Then when water temp drops to the danger range for tilapia, put a stock tank de-icer (with the thermostat bypassed so it continually heats) into the middle of the cage. The tilapia cozy up into the relative warmth of the cage, and you close off the open side. Viola, the tilapia are all contained for easy harvest.
Anyone have any helpful hints, tips or suggestions? Think it sounds crazy?
We have a lake near here (Hyco) that has a permanent poplulation of blue tilapia. In winter they all hang out near a warm-water discharge. We thought we would try to replicate that just long enough (and with the right timing) to make harvesting of the fish more efficient.
What do you all think?
