It appears that my pond was stocked 05/06 maybe 07. I contacted the original HO and they said they built it with the house. So I'm thinking 06 possible. Its 1/4 acre and the pond is basically full I think. This is the most water thats been in it since I bought the homestead this fall. The OHO said he stocked it with Bass/Crappie/BG. We've fished it pretty decent since purchase and 0 crappie. Have caught only 3 bass since this spring. However, seen several (various sizes) swimming. Next week I'm picking up 3# of FHM, 25 cc and 3 grass carp. This is my first dip into the pond scene and (hopefully later this fall) I'll be adding onto it and hopefully get the pond to 1/2 acre. I just want to know what I should cull out (eat) and what I should keep in the pond.
I would call the first photo a female BG, the next two male BG, and the last is a HBG. If you never catch a crappie in that 1/4 acre pond, I would consider myself fortunate. The FHM may not last too long in an already established pond. Keep track of the numbers of CC, and once they reach the size you want, I would remove every one I catch. Same with the crappie, if they do put in an appearance.
Do you intend to feed this pond?
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
Yes. I intend to feed this pond and will beginning next weekend. However, It'll probably just by hand at first. The kids are enjoying the heck out of catching them. I know that there are LMB and Green Sunfish also in the pond currently. We've caught those. So each catch we have will be interesting to get sizes and pics. Really interested to what the LMB measure in at.
You mention feeding by hand at first...if your situation permits, you may find hand-feeding accomplishes everything you require. Feeders don't always have to be mandatory for raising bigger fish, especially in a small pond. There is a flexibility available with hand feeding that no feeder on the market can match, in my opinion.
If you live off site, or are unable to feed by hand for whatever reason, then a feeder can make a real difference.
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
I'll 2nd what sparky says about the CC - I just recently had to drain and kill off my 3/4 acre pond because of overly large and hungry CC's that were basically uncatchable. They can become the top predator if not controlled/removed. They also become VERY hook wary if caught and released...ask me how I know...
Dale
"When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water." - anonymous
The 25 that I'm putting in should be between 6-8 in long. How much does a CC grow in a year if on feed and in natural habit pond? Could they be ready for the skillet at 1 1/2 - 2 pounds by then or is that stretching it. Not sure the growth rate on those. Or anything for that matter. LOL. I do live on site of my pond. This summer will be fishing probably daily. Eventually have to change up the bait I'm sure. LOL
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