Originally posted by pat:
I guess i must be one of the bad fishmen others talk about.We probably fish in the pond about 2-3 times a week for 1-3 hours each time.I do feed the bream twice a day,once in the morning and evening.
Pat,
Don't believe that crap about bad fishermen. The conditions you describe mirror my situation exactly...poor catch rates, heavy fishing pressure, and artificial feeding....but lots of LMB. You have simply another data point of many that confirms the problems with LMB in small ponds with artificial feeding and fishing pressure.
I may have missed it, but did you describe the genetics of your LMB? Florida, native, or in between?
I'm not in a position to say for sure, but from your decription, you have exactly what I have...LMB that are virtually uncatchable, especially as they get larger. I seriously question the recommendation to add 3 to 5 inch BG. It sounds to me like they may be needing to move some fish and make some money.
If you have followed similar posts herein you have seen the bad fisherman rap; the claim that LMB hit lures better when fed to satiation; the statements that LMB are equally as catchable as they get older as when they are younger, there are just fewer of them; the statements that artificial feeding actually promotes bass to hit lures...all statements which fly in the face of what I experience all the time.
What's the answer...genetics may be part of the answer, reduced fishing pressure would help, and LMB that aren't handed every meal but have to hunt for it may be a factor. I'm experimenting with what I consider all three of those at ideal conditions in a new 2 acre pond...F1 genetics, no fishing, no artificial feeding, and in fact no chemicals of any kind, and Tilapia for additional forage.
EWEST, Tentmaker Farms, and myself are three on this forum who are trying very hard to come up with some answers (I'm sure there are many others also)...many steadfastly deny that there is even a problem.
Let us know your bass genetics please. Thanks.
