Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Georgia Giants VS Crappie !!!!

Deb,

Do you know of any customers who have tried that approach and what their results were?

What happened to Ken's experimental pond over time?

Also, I've seen others, in Arkansas, that advertise a hybrid black crappie, but haven't seen any data on the results with them. Do you have any data or customer experiences with the hybrids?

Just trying to get more data on crappie approaches (the fish and not the adjective).

Thanks.

Hey ML,

I do not know of any customers who have tried the exact experiment that Ken did, but we have had a lot who grew the hybrids 8� plus in the first year in combination ponds (BG, LMB �). These customers ALWAYS stocked with minnows in the beginning (some added more later), and most used the Bug Light we sell to supplement feeding. In fact, we are currently working on a way for the bug light to trigger a quick feed burst from a bank feeder to fool the crappie into hitting pellet feed.
Ken�s experimental pond was drained after the one year period, and the fish were sold (fat little buggers they were).
Our hybrid crappie is not the hybrid black that others advertise. This fish is actually very attractive (and highly aggressive). A mature adult displays the white belly, graying center with some stripes, and a prominent black �skunk stripe� down its back. We are only 5 years into dealing with this fish, but customer response has all been positive. Unfortunately most of our customers do not do the heavy documentation and record keeping that is displayed by the pros here. The largest we have grown out was just less than 5 lbs in a three year period (again with a heavy minnow supply and low to no other predators).
Depending on what results you are looking for in a pond, stocking ratios should be relevant to your cause. In a standard stock I generally do not suggest over 60 specks to the acre (in a pond over 2 acres). BUT if large crappies are your goal then you can raise these numbers accordingly as long as you raise your forage base.

Did I answer what you needed?

Deb

Pretty much...and thanks. I understand your comment about customers and data. I've been (and still am ) a scientist and engineer in my professional life and have absolutely no desire to be a data dog on my ponds...ponds are about fun, for me, not work.

Your response did trigger another question(s):

What are your experiences and/or customer experiences with the reproduction characteristics of the hybrid crappie...just like regular crappie, more, less? Do you see any stunting in successive generations Fx due to genetics?

About my motives (since some like to question those)...I've had only negative experiences with crappie in small ponds, but have seen several posts recently on this Forum from folks who are successful with crappie in small ponds. Mr. Willy's article in particular, peaked my interest. Greg mentioned clients of his that are successful in ponds as small as 3/4 acre. I love crappie and would very much like to have a successful crappie pond...that's my motive. Thanks for your comments.

Two points to ponder:
With any hybrid the successive generations are going to display different (sometimes undesirable) characteristics from the parent stock. We have noted less of a substantial growth rate with the babies, but they still do well compared to the average "run of the mill" crappie. Here again is a good example of the need for predators. Eat the babies!!!
Normally I do not recommend crappie unless a pond owner has at least two acres, but you can have success in a small pond if you stay on top of it. By that I mean keeping up a high supply of forage (our little gambusia, your's and mine), possibly a Bug-O-Matic for fresh (crunchy as someone stated) bugs, and the introduction of bass for a predator. Some crappie will eat their own, but Large HSB would also be a good choice to have in a small crappie pond.
Personally, and this is just my opinion, too many people get caught up in trying to have one pond with a variety of monster fish. They throw everything into the pot and expect to make world records. If you were to do a small crappie pond I would stay away from the BG and LMB. Stick with the crappie, minnows, and HSB. Again this is just my opinion!!!

Deb

Deb,

Much thanks...and I share your opinion on attempting to have one pond being everything to everyone...it just does not work for me. I'm just not that good at pond stuff..that's one reason I build multiple smaller ponds rather than one large one. One kid's(GG) pond, one F1 LMB pond, one native LMB pond, and one HSB centered diverse 4 acre pond...next up a crappie pond. Thanks.

Deb said: "Tiger" Muskies, "Gorilla" Bass, and now "Skunk" Crappies (although I can see why the last name might not catch on)!

Alright smarty (I thought you were the nice alter-ego)! Actually they are named "Hi-Tech Specks". Gives it a good redneck ring, doesn't it? As for the lions, tigers, and bears... oh my!

Deb

You do have to admit he's pretty though (even if we did break his tail dropping him during Expo)!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, as if I thought they wouldn't; but is there not a triploid crappie being produced that is the fertilized eggs of black/white hybrid exposed to extreme temps or pressure for a short time to make the hatch sterile? Is this fish being grown commercially yet? Is that the 'rebel' or 'magnolia' crappie? I just read that there is a new hatchery going in below the dam at Enid reservoir in Miss. that will be experimenting with this.