Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Early morning feeding, good or bad?

I've been told many times that it's a bad idea to feed in early morning, especially in summer, because dissolved oxygen levels are at their lows for the day. Wait until the sun gets high, plants rev up photosynthesis, and DO increases!

Then I heard Bob L praise a strategy of 5:30am feeding to cut back on bird predation. It's the coolest time of the day, too, which is a big plus in the summer heat.

So what gives? If "it depends", what does it depend on?

+1

When growing high densities of fish in aquaculture, delaying feeding until O2 has recovered from the dawn low is commonly practiced. But recreational fisheries are typically at low relative densities and feed rates are much lower, so it isn't necessary to delay feeding provided, as Eric mentioned, the fish are feeding well in the morning.

Never heard this or seen any science suggesting this is an issue.

Fish sense low O2 and reduce/stop feeding. If the fish are eating well at 7 in the morning I doubt there is a low O2 problem.

Guys,
Studies have proven that warmwater fish tend to prefer "optimal" temperature compared to "optimal" oxygen. They'd rather seek a better temperature with 'just enough' oxygen to be able to breathe.
Morning feedings are common, and healthy. Just because oxygen is lower in the mornings doesn't automatically cause fish not to feed. They really can't judge the difference between 3.5 ppm or 6.5 ppm. But their bodies can definitely instinctively adjust to temperatures. That's why bass hang out in the thermocline on hot summer days. Surface is too hot, and just because it has 6 ppm oxygen isn't motive. They'd rather hang out at 82 degrees in the thermocline than 91 at the surface, even though there's barely enough oxygen to stay alive.
Regarding feeding, stay with the premise of "hot" surface temperatures in the morning. When conditioned to fish food, they'll come eat and then head right back to where they are most comfortable.