Appreciate the input. I will try to get some hard numbers on the relative weights. They appear to be on the skinnier side in all sizes.

I'm really not removing a lot of bass---maybe 5-10lbs per acre per year. I don't think anyone is. I try to keep the little ones (under 12") and (rarely) really skinny older fish (big mouth relative to body). The shiners are there---they just aren't getting eaten. I blame the opaque water but I think genetics are part of it too. The game fish were stocked a long time ago and they're very wary. Bluegill avoid the shore and the docks, I guess because of birds. They don't feed like I see on youtube and it takes them a long time to clean up. They'll sometimes let feed go to waste if the wind is blowing the wrong way. I think the shiners are eating most of the food I put in.

The wariness isn't because I've been throwing the net; they've always been like that. I've been very careful not to net places I want fish to hang out. Doesn't seem to make a difference as I keep catching them.

Maybe I'll stock some larger fish with better genetics. Hate to spend the money if the crappie end up ruining things anyway, though.

Last edited by rlb3; 10/11/25 04:59 PM.
grower of champion bullheads