"With no larger predators in the pond, I suspect the most aggressive bass are the ones that are growing the fastest. The most aggressive bass are also the first ones to pounce on your lure."
When we stocked I think these guys were in range of some predation and assuming that we don't have the original 50. They were pretty small. (100) 4-7" YP were stocked on March 18 by our good friend Snipe. I've only seen one of the YP since stocking. It managed to swim into the "everything but crawdad trap" and was 8-1/2" running 131%RW. Not sure if these guys pulled off a successful spawn or not. When Snipe brought the YP out we also had (1) SMB and (1) SAE in the tank that got put in the water as bonus fish. When we were out sampling LMB and BG last time on 8/12 I was messing around with a BG at the scale and tape when Mrs Boondoggle started hooting and hollering about this fish on the end of the line. As it turned out....She had caught the only SMB in the pond that was 8-1/2" and .54lbs. Ironically, that fish was caught less than 10' from where it was stocked in the pond.
I think the LMB are currently safe from predation with the exception of the Heron(s). Wouldn't be surprised if we didn't lose a few to the YP, SMB or SAE though.
1.5acre LMB, YP, BG, RES, GSH, Seasonal Tilapia I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
