The oft maligned, dreaded green sunfish has been a welcome addition to our 1/4 acre cool water pond. Initially we had been told by the former owner (15 years ago) that the pond held LMB, BG, YP, BCP, CC, and a couple of TGC. My first year spent observing and fishing yielded only the bass, perch, and occasional glimpses of Frank and Igor, the two remaining giant grass carp.
After learning a bit from this forum about food chains, I added GSF one year-the only sunfish available at the time, and BG the next year. Both sunfish species have done well. BG outnumber GSF by certainly 10 to 1. Populations of both of these species are represented by all sizes from fry to 11" adults. We've even caught a GSF that equals the Colorado state record for that species.
YP numbers are way down. I've hammered the LMB numbers until a day on the pond only nets a sighting of a few bass. I can surmise that the numerous GSF young that live in the elodea jungles consume nearly all the perch fry and fingerlings. It's not reasonable to assume that the bass are getting many; there are just too few LMB prowling the waters right now.
Subtle differences in angling techniques are necessary to focus on catching a particular species. This I find really interesting and challenging.
Our 1 remaining tiger trout grabs filleted sunfish carcasses when I toss them back into the water. It attacks in a twisting, swirling manner reminiscent of shark attacks. Exciting and violent!
I absolutely appreciate the GSF that we have. They spawn right in the bedding area our BG use. We get HBG that way, which are another bonus fish.
If only we could find a source of pumpkinseeds, our mixed pond could nearly be complete.
Come on SNIPE, right?