Bill Cody and Esshup,

I’ve applied a one ton of lime across the surface of the pond and its banks, and the ph didn't budge. Given the acidic nature of the pond, I’ve decided to focus on acid-tolerant species rather than trying to adjust the pH.

Over the past few days, I’ve been collecting true acid-tolerant species that thrive in a pH of 4.5. So far, I’ve caught Eastern Mudminnows and Pirate Perch in a nearby swamp. I also found some snails and crayfish that seem to be doing well in the 4.5 pH. According to reports, the same swamp waters also hold redfin pickerel, which are a bit rmore rare than our usual chain pickerel.

I'm curious to how the Eastern Mudminnows and Pirate Perch will comptete with my Bull Minnows (brackish), Fathhead Minnows, and Easter Mosquitofish. Spawning should slowly start this week with the temperature near 70 each day. Once again, a waiting game.

I'm going to hold off on the YP and any predators until I see schools of baitfish. Fingers crossed because it seems that the swamp type minnows reproduce more slowly.