Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations HSB Population?

Bruce, Todd, ML, BC, Greg, others,�..
Can an estimate of population of HSB be made by feeding activity?

We turned off the feeder several weeks ago in our HSB � acre �grow-out� pond when water temps hit 90 degrees surface temp, and now hand feed on an occasional basis.

Last week, the morning after a nice rain, I tossed out about a half pound of AQMX 500 high protein pellets into the pond with only HSB stockers, other than fathead minnows which are now MIA.

Feeding activity began slowly but vigorously, increasing to over 100 �hits� the first 5 minutes. Activity increased to 150+ �hits the next 5 minutes.

I returned about 15 minutes later and a few fish were cleaning up the remaining pellets.

It would be interesting to know if it is possible to guesstimate the number HSB stockers remaining in the �grow-out� pond?

George Glazener
N.E. Texas � acre and 2 acre ponds

George - This is how I would do it for your particular situation. You should know about how many stockers you put in the pond. At about 4"-6" initial size in a clean pond with forage fish I would "assume" at least 80%-90% survival on the low side. Subtract what you have removed and remainder is what is still in there. This number is a rough guess. Number of hits method of estimation of density could work but hits would have to be tabulated (estimated) within a one second period. HSB swim pretty fast and I think the same fish could easily create two "hits" within a two or three second period.

Example - 200 stockers minus 20 next day mortality, minus 40 (20% latent morts) equals abt 140 + -. Any number over 120 would be decent for your first attempt; 100 fair, and 60-80 poor.

Are you planning on draining the pond before restocking? Catching 90% of what reamins on hook and line and not draining and seining could be almost as challenging as cast netting.

I just drained a 7ft deep pond (60'x220') down to 20x157 and 16" deep. Seined it carefully twice. Killed what remained and got about a 5 gal bucket of fish that were bigger than the seine's mesh size. 98% of largest fish (greater than 5") were removed by seining.

I agree with Bill that draining the pond is the best all around solution to start the transfer of these fish. That's what I plan to do.

I sure hope Bill is right about the survival rate of 80 to 90%. I have to wonder about our Texas heat's effects on these fish. If Bill is right, this grow-out really is the way to go.

George, as it stands now, I'll be draining this fall and will count and size what I find. We can compare results and seek out the wise counsel of where we went wrong from Bill and others who have done this before. I think the results will be of interest to several on the Forum and should make for some good discussions.

Is there any special data, other than lengths and numbers, that would be of interest to anyone on the Forum?

I agree with Bill on about every point. He's being conservative when he says one fish could create two hits in a couple of seconds. I've watched a single HSB hit four succesive pellets in less than three seconds.

Another possible method would be to figure out feed consumed in one day, then assume that fish are consuming 3+ percent feed by body weight. Take the amount of feed consumed in one day, multiply by 33, which gives you total HSB biomass in pond. Then you need to weigh enough fish to get an average size.

If the fish consumed three pounds in a day, you could assume 100 pounds of fish. If the fish average .5 pounds, then you could estimate 200 total fish.

I have a question about feeding. When I feed my gills with game fish pellets they take it quick enough but they always seem to spit it out, is this how they feed or could my pellets be too large? thanks

Very interesting replies and much appreciated.

Draining the pond is out of the question since the pond belongs to my son, but the fish belong to me.

Bruce has advised me, if I remember correctly, to decrease feed when HSB feeding slows and �sipping� pellets begin. Todd advised slowing feed when surface temps hit 90 degrees. This we have done and feed on an occasional hand-feeding basis and will turn on the feeder in a few weeks when temps drop.

We will begin capture by hook and line for transfer to main pond and enjoy the fishing hole. I am keeping records as to numbers of fish transferred.

I, like ML, am encouraged by the optimism expressed by both Bill and Bruce.
I will document amount of food consumed per day, and level of activity by counting hits � that�s fun�.!

ML and I both have expressed concern about hot summer HSB survival, without aeration or fresh water input. Our �experiment" should be of value to others that are interested in growing out HSB in small ponds.

Results will be documented and reported.

The HSB were hand fed in the grow-out pond this morning, with active feeding.

Thanks for the replies.
George Glazener

N.E. Texas � acre and 2 acre ponds