Yes, LMB can be overharvested. The criteria for the scenarios, however, was to harvest after time in pond. So a year marking system using fin clips identify whether a fish had put in its time and could be harvested.
In the example you reference, I am sure Lusk understood the standing population in order to make that recommendation. But for bass to recruit and replace 8 to 10 lb trophies (I mean sustainably) the number LMB must be quite limited and if there is substantial reproduction some approach to grow forage past the predation of smaller LMB must be implemented. For example, growing supplemental BG or TP or RBT to lengths that significantly reduce their consumption by <15" LMB.
Ideally, only LMB of the appropriate sex and of good genetics (growth and catchability) are recruited/laddered annually. If they are stocked as suggested, they can be marked and always released to live their prescribed length of life. Everything else can be relentlessly removed. If no recruitment except those which are stocked occurs, then there should be no issues with catchability or inefficiencies of forage use.
Last edited by jpsdad; 06/21/21 11:10 PM.
