Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction New pond build in SC

Jim - Remember that once you add BG and LMB you are stuck with them for the very long term. To my knowledge you cannot 'divorce' them from the pond unless you do a complete renovation. If the BG-LMB develop unwanted behavior, probably due to an unbalance or over reproduction,,, ask these experts if they will come and help you out with your pond fishery problem. IMO you will not need my help because all you have to do if unhappy is change course and then add those "unanimous, predictable" BG-LMB.

Before pulling the trigger, I suggest that you recontact each of those folks at Clemson and SC DNR as a re-evaluation and have them actually read my HSB suggestions for your pond stocking. Send them a link to this thread. Tell them I do not sell fish and I am an aquatic biologist (MS) by training with 3 graduate fishery science couses and 46 years of fishery management experience. My suggested use of HSB as the primary fish specie allows you, if unhappy to "shift gears" and do a later stocking of BG & LMB; whereas their suggested starting with a BG-LMB fishery means you are always stuck with BG and LMB regardless of how they perform in your pond. IMO no use paying the dumb tax when there is a good alternative plan that does allow, if desired, for an eventual BG-LMB fishery. No turning back with BG-LMB. Been there, experienced that. Life is all about choices and hopefully they are mostly wise choices.

Bill -

Thank you (genuinely) for your well thought replies and influence.

I do not want a “put and take” fishery.

I do not want a fishery that can be angled 10 months (or less) per year, fearing fish mortality in the summer months. We are in lower SC, my pond is shallow and it is gonna get HOT.

I do not want a fishery that I need to feed to make them grow.

I am a traditionalist.

I like the idea of bream that kids can catch year round (or nearly, anyway)

I like LMB. Been catching them for near 65 years.

I am not worrried about being bitten by a bream. Been in fresh water for 68 years and salt for 60 years. No damages yet. Some YIKES moments but no cornerstone ones.

I have tailored the cover in the pond to LMB and bream.

The pond is not all about the fishery. It is about family time and enjoyment.


It seems to me that you potentially take some personal affront at our not embracing hybrid stripers.

I am not contacting Clemson nor SC DNR to ask them to chat with you about what we put in our pond.


I completely recognize your credentials and your history.


What I would have hoped is that you would reply “ok, you are missing the boat on the stripers but here is what I think you can do with bream and bass”……



Respectfully.


Jim

Also, sir, I would like a fish that can and will reproduce.

Suggstions were just options not reqirements. I tried to fully explain the possibilities of HSB to get you to think more in-depth about of your fishery goals for the new pond which you have now decided what will work best for you. BG-LMB can produce very good high quality fisheries when there is proper management. A good general fishing pond is a common practice with an average amount of minimal management efforts which seems to be your current goals. Do your homework for what is needed for a general fishing pond. The more proper management a fishery receives so goes the quality of the fishery.

Your help is appreciated more than I can tell you.

Knowledge is power and I thank you for allowing me to “peeek behind the curtain”.

I am very much thankful for Pond Boss and for Mr. Bill Cody!