Bill, as always great informative conversation and a plethora of reading and watching to do.
I had mentioned that Mr Bob Lusk referred to the spotted bass in the article Niches, well this old man’s brain ain’t what it used to be. It seems that I got my articles mixed up. The spotted bass reference was in the segment On Northern Pond. This article penned by Dave Willis and Bob Lusk was where I saw the mention of spotted bass and the rarity of them being stocked in ponds. This article didn’t mention the word niche when describing their preferred habitat but my mind took me there. They did mention that one reason they are not readily available from private hatcheries is because they don’t grow very large. In fact, the state record spotted bass in Ohio stands 5.25 pounds and right across the river, West Virginias is 4.77 pounds. Knowing that the largest fish in your pond is going to be maxing out at five pounds or less should take the pounds of prey needed down, correct? Kind of like having Potbelly pigs at the trough and not hogs. Granted I will need to feed the right size bg for all ages of spots and harvest the ones that outgrow the predators mouth. This was my main reason for considering the process of breeding in captivity. Still just a thought at this time.
From what I have read, and heard, is that if I create the proper environment for all sizes of fish to flourish, then the management would be more around harvesting the over abundance and managing the water. The clarity that I would love to have will likely not happen. Not a big deal.
When it comes to aeration, I will be mapping out the contour to ensure that the diffuser or diffusers are properly located in said ponds. I believe that most dealers use google maps to determine surface area. If not, I will grab that as well.
Again, thank you for your input. I will definitely continue asking questions and seek advice as I continue forward with my ponds.
