Yep, I have seen a lot of boom and bust cycles since my little pond filled 4 years ago. Most of my initial stocking fish are difficult to catch but some year classes of offspring do have a lot of competition now. In particular small YP seem to be in the worst body condition, yet I have only seen a few of them. Nature also likes to throw some unexpected curve balls too that affect the balance, I have had my share of those.
I did catch 5 more RES last night. All caught in less than 3-4 ft of water. I think I have finally figured them out, I have caught more RES in the last two weeks than I have in the last 3 years combined.
From last night, probably hatched in 2012 and not part of my initial stocking of RES. I am guessing this one is a female.
