Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Common carp

It IS well known that flathead are the top predator in their environment, before people got involved. They definitely eat whatever they fit in thier mouths, and if you've ever caught one from warming water, hook and line, you'll find them to be anything but sluggish. It is well documented that when available, largemouth bass are a main prey spec8es for Flatties. This is why I have not stocked any. I may get to the point where control of some bass is desired, but I'd rather be able to be selective and keep the bigger ones.


The pond froze over again last night, but should thaw very soon. Soon I'll try to get a better understanding of current fish populations.

Since this is about common carp I have a question how big do those things get? Was looking at a5-6# bass cruising the shore with a male and behind them was a carp that looked to dwarf the bass by two times the length. How to rid of that thing

World record is 96 pounds. I caught a 20# one when I was a kid on 8# test line. 30-40 pound specimens in the Great Lakes is common. 10-20 pound ones are very common.

Just seeing it it appears to be around the 20+# mark. Thanks Esshup

Biggest carp caught in Indiana last year was 43# - 6 ounces.

I'd like to stock a fish that preys on otters.

Hammerhead sharks would do it

I couldn't find it online. Can you let me know when that fish truck will be in my area?

You may have a better result if you were to look for a supplier of Bull Sharks. They have been found in fresh water as far north as Alton, Illinois in the Mississippi River.

Good deal. We can then "bucket stock" some sharks as needed for otter control!

They can pull double duty with unauthorized (trespassers)swimmers also

Re”unauthorized trespassing swimmer’s”. Been about 35 or so years. I went to my small pond to toss out feed. It’s about a mile from the house and, when we get rain, about 1/4/acre. Very remote and the last half only accessible by 4 wheeler. This time I drove half way and walked the rest of the way. When I got about 100 yards from it, I heard some loud voices so I slipped through the trees to see what was going on. Local teens had walked in and were swimming and enjoying themselves. Actually, skinny dipping with both genders attending. I watched for a minute and left. I could think of nothing positive about going and identifying myself.

No idea whether it was the first or last time.

Dave go back and post a sign (that they can find) that says you have trail cam footage of the dip and will post it if they are caught again.

Dave,
Next time, say never mind me, I'm just here to feed the alligator.