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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 21
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 21 |
Hey guys,
I have been doing a lot of reading around the forums trying to gain some knowledge but its a pretty steep learning curve. Also my new property where this pond is, is in western Illinois and I'm not sure if all this info pertains to that climate.
The property I purchased has a 2.5 acre pond thats hidden down in the woods off of big crop fields. There is also a 3/4 acre pond. I would like to make the 2.5 acre pond a trophy bass pond. It has lots of good structure like standing dead trees throughout the pond. I would rather only catch a fish or two per weekend but it be a BIG one!
My plan after researching would be kill of the existing species of fish, Stock blue gill, and then after a certain amount of time stock the bass. I really don't feel like fighting an uphill battle with an unbalanced fishery.
My questions I guess are:
What is the timeline? In other words what time of year do i stock the blue gill? How long till I stock Largemouth.
Does anyone know how well a florida bass would do in west central illinois? Should I just stock F1 bass or should it be a mix one of these two + northerns?
What are your thoughts about using my 3/4 acre pond as a hatchery to feed the bass pond?
Thanks in advance
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 131
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 131 |
With right forage I think the big pond will be fine without feed. I would use the small pond for different types of fish. I would wait a full year between BG and LMB
I'm sure a more experienced person will take over.
3 ponds mountains of NC. One 5 acre and two 1/4 acre ponds. SMB Redbreast sunfish LMB YP CC brook trout WE and warmouth perch
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 131
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 131 |
Also try fathead minnows early as possible and let them spawn. Great food for young LMB.
3 ponds mountains of NC. One 5 acre and two 1/4 acre ponds. SMB Redbreast sunfish LMB YP CC brook trout WE and warmouth perch
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 29,788 Likes: 1295
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent  Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 29,788 Likes: 1295 |
Start your library. I'd at the very least buy "Raising Trophy Bass" http://www.pondboss.com/store.asp?p=2 What do you consider a "large" LMB?
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 21
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 21 |
Hey thanks for the replies! I will def get that book I've seen it here referenced a lot.
I would consider 8+ pounds big 10 would be incredible if I could do it!
What would the rates per acre be if I stocked the pond this fall with BG and Fat head minnows? Will the fatheads do good in illinois climate through winter?
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