There has been a lot of talk about catchability of LMB in small ponds. So I would like to pose the question. What is a good LMB catch rate for a small pond? I know there a lot of varibles, but we need to start somewhere. Let's stick to fishing for LMB with hook and line.

I have two ponds that I have good records on . Both ponds have not had any bass stocking for over ten years. The ponds are not fertilized, but both have auto protein feeders and bluegill are added from a brood pond. Maximum depth in both ponds is 18' cover is good and forage is good.

One Acre pond--2003--< 12"--34; 12" to 15"--19; >15"--18 total 71- days fished 29 @ 2hrs/day = 1.23 LMB/hr--2004--<12"--62; 12" to 15"--13; > 15"--22- total 97- 30 days fished @ 2hrs/day = 1.62 LMB/hr

Five Acre Pond--2003--<12"--29; 12" to 15"--20; >15"--27 - total 76- days fished 30 @2.5hrs/day=1.03 LMB/hr--2004--<12"--42; 12"to 15"--61; >15"--67- total 170- 34 days fished @ 2.5 hrs/day=2.0 LMB/hr

What is a good LMB/hr fishing rate for a small pond? What is an optimun rate for a well managed pond?