Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Looking for source for CNBG in South MO

My pond is in Mountain Grove MO. Having a hard time finding a hatchery where i can get CNBG. I've been told by a few they should do fine, maybe not "great" like the south, but should be fine. Thoughts and or suggestions on who to call for 400-500 of them ASAP?

Harbin fish Farm-in the resource guide here, he has some CNBG that are much more tolerant of cooler temps than southern sources.
Mark Harbin- 620-968-7368, located in Eastern (1/3rd) KS.

There are a number of hatcheries in North Ark with CNBG that have become more cold tolerant. Be sure to check the creditability of who you buy fish from.

I spent hours trying to find a source. One's up north are really too far. And so far, the only one south, in AR, is 220miles away. So, for 500 CNBG and 20lb flathead it'd be 1,500. Because they don't bag'em, delivery only. I really want CNBG but that's pricey per fish. Thoughts?

All the ones I looked at were around 200 miles away to 300 miles away. The only thing I can say is to stop at some of the local farm stores and see if they have a fish truck that stops there once a month. Don't buy from Arkansas Pond Stockers. Long story, but if you google them you will see why.

Are you looking for Flathead catfish or FAThead (no L) minnows?

I've tried a couple, but yeah, before spending 1500 i'll try some more.

Its not the one you mentioned. They came recommended by another place in IL. I just don't want to mention name to keep from throwing under the pricing bus.

ts 20lb of minnows. I think i'm good on LMB and reg BG. They seem to be doing really well so far. In fact, i really need to cull the smaller bass.

oh i see why you ask catfish or minnow. sorry, fathead... and at $13 a lb which seems avg, that makes the CNBG 2.46pc delivered. I just can't justify that.

2.45/each for coppernose or any BG bigger than 3" isn't WAY over-priced-especially delivered.

Toby,

Life is too short to get anything other than what you want. You don't have to have CNBG ... regular BG will do ... but I think you should get what you want and settle for nothing. Once you pull the trigger, there won't be any way to travel in time and change your mind.

Wasn't sure if the FHM were $/15 per pound or if the BG were. That price is not out of line for BG (or FHM either) which are keep alive, ready when you need them, in condition that they will thrive, and traveling 150 to 200 or more miles.

Great suggestions! And i like the way you think.


I may have lucked out! This Thursday Abney's fish farm is bringing CNBG to kinda of local MFA. I just spoke to them and they said too late to order but just show up at one of the drop-offs and get what i can. At $65 per 100 i think its worth it to try that first. Thanks...

Just be sure they are CNBG or BG and not some hybrid.

TobyH, I sent you a private message. Might be a plan B.

I did ask on phone and they said, yes they have straight, they have redear, hybrid and CNBG. I said i only want CNBG, no hybrids. Is there any way to really tell on the small 3" ones? I have not caught enough CNBG to know.

Thanks

From One Nice Coppernose - Pond Boss Forum

https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=286755&page=1

CNBG often when small have what I call peicil striping on the fins. That is a light colored edging on the fins and sometimes the tail. Some show it as adults some do not but is less noticable.

Coppernose bluegill have been around for a long time. They are only one of three recognized subspecies of bluegill (lepomis macrochirus). Coppernose (lepomis macrochirus purpurescens) is native to Peninsular of Florida. Coppernose bluegill have 12 soft rays on their anal fin as opposed to 11 soft rays found on the regular bluegill. Coppernose have fewer but wider vertical bars on their sides than do regular (common or native ) bluegill. Coppernose also have orange margins to their fins. Male coppernose has a broad copper band above the eye or forehead and are prominent during spawning season. Reproduction of the Coppernose is about the same as with most all bluegill.

More to come.

The Coppernose bluegill is known for its colorful markings. The fins of the coppernose have a reddish orange fringe outline with a pencil thin white border. The vertical bars on the sides are more distinct and broader especially in the young. The distinct copper band across the head which is brilliant on the male is the reason for the common name "coppernose".

THE COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL (CNBG) IS ALSO A FLORIDA STRAIN. IT IS EASILY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE NORTHERN BLUEGILL BY ITS COLORATION AND MARKINGS. THE FINS OF THE CNBG ARE REDDISH-ORANGE WITH A THIN WHITE MARGIN. THE TYPICAL VERTICAL BAR PATTERN OF THE BLUEGILL IS PRONOUNCED IN THE COPPERNOSE, AND VERY DISTINCTIVE. ADULT MALES HAVE A BROAD COPPER BAND ACROSS THE HEAD THAT IS THE TRADEMARK OF THE STRAIN.


http://www.ag.auburn.edu/fish/image_gallery/details.php?image_id=1325

So i picked up 500 CNBG, 6 more grass carp and 10lb of Flathead minnows. Hour drive to pond and they all made it, not one floater.

Now, i was assured these are CNBG. I can't tell at this size. They're like 2 maybe 2.5" He said they're bluer at this size is one way. For those familiar with this size CNBG whatcha think?

I'm not that familiar with them at that size to give you a definitive answer. But here are CNBG that I picked up in Oklahoma last year that were a wee bit bigger.

[quote=esshup]I'm not that familiar with them at that size to give you a definitive answer. But here are CNBG that I picked up in Oklahoma last year that were a wee bit bigger.

Yeah, on yours you can see the little forehead coloring. hmm i hope i got what i paid for

Ok so its been since the Fall and i was hoping to see some CNBG and nothing so far. Stocked a few hundred last fall. I went to get more minnows from the same hatchery this spring and while at it, i asked for a picture of one of their mature CNBG and they sent me the below pic. I don't want to call out or shame. But, that aint it.. Point is, i'm on the hunt for a place to get CNBG in SW MO. I'll drive a couple hours if needed. Any ideas? I've called a few in AR with no luck. I'd really like to get a referral so i know I'm getting the real deal. Thanks

Side note, BassPro is not getting CNBG for feeder fish in their big tank. Theyre some big ole BG. I asked the guy cleaning the tank if he knew where from and he didnt. I wish i could just fish a few out for my pond.