Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Proportional Size Distribution

I understand how to calculate it. The 40%/40% distribution of 8-12" & 12-15" LMB makes good sense as does the ideal PSD range for BG & LMB.

In my over populated LMB pond, I do not understand why I have the numbers that I have obtained so far. The angling sample is small (13) & is not a contradiction of what I visually observe in the pond. When fishing with a small bait, I can catch the 8-10" BG but No LMB in that range nor have I observed any.

LMB PSD 85, length range of LMB 11.5-17", LMB RW range 45%-85%, RW average 75%, large BG yes, large Tilapia yes, any small fish (very few compared to many years ago) observed are terrified & desperately hiding in vegetation near shore. When I hand throw feed to the BG I only see BG 5" & larger.

I thought that a big part of the LMB over population would be the 8-12"? Long time over population of LMB & the small LMB have been eaten as forage for many years? Every Pond is different?

That is interesting.. I'll definitely follow this post as im curious. My guess is a lack of a smaller forage base for the bass causing low relative weights. I know they should be spawning but maybe a lack of cover for the juveniles making it easy for the population of bass to wipe them out. They could definitely still be overcrowded compounding the problem though, I have seen a pond overcrowded in a similar situation, with larger fish (at least larger than the 8-10" range) smallest was around that 11" mark. That's my long way of guessing that it's a forage base problem, but see what the more knowledgable have to say!

Lusk once said: In the life of an impoundment(pond), balance generally lasts about 15 minutes. And, it’s not numbers but the different sizes or the spread.

According to Lusk, of all the eggs laid, hatched etc., only a tiny percentage will see their first birthday. Why? They get eaten. That’s Mama Nature at work. Without that predation, oxygen crashes would be a sure thing.

Every situation is different but trying to add small fish in the face of predators often or generally gives disappointing results.

BTW, on the way this morning to see how much water is left in my ponds due to drought and heat waves. Temps lately have averaged up to 110 and rains have been a distant memory.

You need more info. #s of fish and length - example 3 at 10 inches , 2 at 12 inches, 5 at 13 inches etc.. The ranges given are too broad. Do a RW curve. What length are the lowest 20% of RW? Do a seine survey and post results.