Originally posted by Alligator:
ML,
How are you monitoring/determining the status of your BG population?
gator
Gator, Several ways. Most important is fishing.
Carefully observing the sizes, especially the distribution of sizes (relatively uniform distribution of sizes with top end large fish 10 inches or above), the numbers (I like to use a ten cast measurement method and count one fish as 10 points and a hit as 5 points), and the relative health of the BG. In addition, observing the numbers of fry in the ponds, combined with occasional trapping also provides indicator data. The numbers of beds are also a good indicator although it seems there are always tons of them. Last, but certainly not least, are the predator fish....how their relative weights are doing from year to year in each pond. I'm not as disciplined about recording data as I should be and rely on my memory far too much but overall I think I have a good feel for the BG population in each pond. Each year with Tilapia, indicators all say increased BG populations of both native BG and CNBG in every pond. I feel when that levels out, I've reached the point where I can reduce the Tilapia stocking numbers without adverse effects. I'm guessing that this year that will be the case. It certainly is as far as algae is concerned.
None of this is scientific, of course, and I may be full of beans, but I'm in pursuit of a self sustaining, no chemical, low management approach to ponds...an approach which will enable me to have more ponds for less work and less money and achieve fishing objectives related to C&R predator fishing. Its a tall order, but a tremendously fun journey.
