Got a chance to walk around the pond this weekend and had a blast just observing what is going on in the shallow water. Here in Mississippi, the shorter days coupled with cooler nights have really lowered our water temperatures making everything extremely active in the shallow, visible areas of the pond.
As I often do, I took a can full of fish feed and began feeding small groups of bluegill that live in other places than right under the nose of the feeder itself(the most popular haunt). These little schools REALLY enjoy the added nutrition and make quick work of the food when it is presented.
The bass, which are not visible initially upon walking up, get fired up by this bluegill feeding and sneak into the action as soon as possible. I had a blast just watching them prepare to ambush the little bluegills trying to grab lunch. Interestingly, they do not just rush in. They cruise in slowly and try to pick out a very particular bluegill. They are apparently sizing them up and seeing exactly the one they want to eat or finding the one that makes a mistake by swimming too far out for the food. I got to see several blowups right at my feet once an opportunity presented itself by just being real still. Super cool to just slow down and observe all the action.
It's a tough time to be a smaller bluegill. You can really see the necessity to have structure in place for the babies...
I love to walk the banks. I don't see too much activity outside of right around the dock where the feeder is located, but my bluegill population is all out of whack right now. I've harvested a ton of bass in prep for a stocking of CNBG next month, but what I am seeing are what look to be juvenile? (maybe 6-8 inches) and fingerling bass swimming around with them. Right below the feeder there is one big bass that stalks around right under the bluegill. Looks like it is probably 4-5 pounds. Haven't seen it take one because the BG are so big out there, but I keep waiting.
I like to also walk around the bank at night with a flashlight. See how many are just sitting there resting.
