I have only a high school diploma to show for myself, (I am married to a wonderful lady who is a rocket scientist).
I have been involved with wetland mitigation and have a great intrest in waterfowl hunting. In my dealings I have met many biologist. They are without a doubt following strictly the education they received, the tried and true methods. There is a process to be involved with every situation and once that process proves a point that point is ground in stone until proven otherwise! I have had good luck combining the knowledge learned from biologist and common sense to "create" my own way of thinking.
Meadowlark keep thinking out of the box and posting up! Just leave the disclaimer that you are no longer following the tried and true......
I have had Tilapia for only two months now, I swear my Bass have gotten much thicker. Unlike ML I also was fertilizing and feeding and stocked Tilapia.....Kind of went whole hog!
It has been a roller coaster ride trying to fertilize, I have had good blooms each season only to end up with some DO kills. I have two diffusers and well water spraying which I think helped the fish kills to be small but yet still dissapointing. I have just factored in these loses with how many fish I have harvested and should still have a good stocking rate in my pond.
I do have some big Bluegill, most 9-12 inches. They are 2 1/2 yrs. old. My Bass have grown to 2 lbs and climbing. I think the fertilizing got my fish off to a good start, but question risking a big fish kill. Plus as of this year have some Algea to deal with.
Anyway this is a long rambling post and that's what happens at 11:45 p.m. To make a story shorter let me say that I am as of next spring going to pursue the ML way of thinking. I will not fertilize and I will stock Tilapia again. I will keep reading with great intrest to hear all sides of the story!!
Tilapia have spawned like crazy, in the past my bluegill have spawned many times during the summer and the fry would be everywhere for a few days and they are gobbled up by the Bass quickly and seem to dissapear. The Tilapia have added greatly to the fry seen around the pond and they are visible everyday now, walking the pond you can see the Bass constantly stalking the Tilapia. I'm hoping this gives the Bluegill somewhat of a break. I not only want big Bass but I also want to eat/harvest alot of Bluegill, I'm thinking the addition of Tilapia will make this happen for me.
I have a ton of respect for Biologist, Engineers, and people like me so EVERYONE keep posting up!
