I have plans in the near future to redig and clean up a 1/6 acre pond for a forage pond. The Peacock Bass in my larger pond have an unreal appetite which I have supplemented by buying Tilapia in the 3-5 inch range. I can buy 1,000 Tilapia this size for app. $25 which seems low and I usually buy 2,000 at a time. But, their effect in the 5 acre pond only last's for two weeks max., which means that I am buying a lot of feed. I have been removing the Peacocks, but unfortuneatly even this has not slowed down the disappearance of fry. Honestly the LMB would have been a better choice had it been available. My observation of the PB is as long as there is food to chase they keep running which probably results in a body weight to forage of well below the 10-1 ratio of LMB. But, my "bed is made" and at least for the next few years need to live with it.
My plan for the 1/6 acre pond is to stock only Tilapia and make a high class seine as shown during Bruce C. and Bob Lusk's previous trip to Nebraska. I'm hoping that once the pond is cleaned out that a good seine can be run through it a few times a year capturing some gazillions of the overpopulating monsters for a cheaper alternative to buying. Also being a hobbiest isn't it somewhat more appealling to be self sufficient?
The small pond is close to the larger pond and I could install a culvert pipe to block and open, but once the PB enter the small pond would have to do a complete pump out to get rid of the predators.
Now the question for you pond meister's would be in this situation with year round Tilapia populations would the expense be worth it? Additionally, for $4 a day per person can get all the help needed in seining.
