Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Using structure to protect from predation?

NE Mason I don't mind addressing your question in several respects. I have no knowledge of how trout use or relate to cover/structure so I did not comment earlier.

I suggest you look at the threads in the archives on the subject for ideas and discussion.

Cover/structure has several effects depending on the situation and type of cover. Loose cover aids bigger fish ,tight cover smaller fish. There is no doubt it reduces predation but also concentrates fish. A line or string of cover gives the concentrated fish a place to move to escape predation. Most info on the subject does not address cover wrt mink and bird predation. As long as the bird can't perch on or near the cover (be sure the cover does not become a trap because it sticks up out of the water)it should help. There are several topics here on cormorants. The best advice is do what it takes to keep them out. There are several threads here on using line or string to impede herons. Mink and otter are like cormorants. I hope this helps. If you have any specific question please ask it.