I have a small SMB/YP/RES clay bottom pond in central ohio. Originally stocked with 15 SMB, May 2019, I now have a 'bunch' of SMB. Last night I was messing around w/ a dropshot using a 3" berkly power minnow and caught severfal SMB in the 6-8" range (I assume those are last years fish?)
My question is how do you know when it's time to start culling and which fish do I cull? I know my stockers from 2019 are now around 14". I had one hooked last night but lost it before I could measure and weigh. The 6-8" fish seem quite healthy with rounded bellies. I still see plenty of forage in the pond, adding Golden Shiners seems to have helped w/ the forage base.
I've read that any LMB under 12" to cull, but given the slow growth rates of SMB, can the same be applied w/ success?
