Today I received the latest Nov/Dec 2021 issue of Pond Boss magazine. What a great article Bob wrote about the Hoffman Farm in East Texas. Brian/highflyer and Heather have truly created a slice of heaven. Brian should be in the Pond Boss Hall of Fame because he is one of the best. Brian and Heather have hosted some very memorable regional Pond Boss picnics that always turn into learning experiences. Brian is willing to share his knowledge and time to anyone. Thanks for sharing the story and pictures. Now on to all the other great articles in this issue.

Mark,
That is a very humbling set of statements. Thanks you. It is our pleasure to share the place and ideas. When the virus that shall not be named canceled yet another attempt to get together, I called Bob and ask if he would like to stop by and take a look at our improvements. So much has changed and improved as the farm has been our focus during the pandemic. Even two of the pictures are out of date! We have added more panels to the array and the settling tank and bio-reactive tanks in Tilapitopia now have a lot more capacity (230% and 160%). The Tilapia hit out of the park this year. The Grass Carp as well. Our water is in very good shape and the fish are doing great. It is time to pull a few more LMB before winter. Fish Tacos anyone?

As I see it, an idea unshared is not an idea for long. We work towards best value, and love to help other do the same.

Again, thank you for such kind statements.

Brian, what has been your experience with Grass Carp? I've got permission to stock 24 for my 7 to 8 acre BOW to control bushy pondweed, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. A little scared about them overgrazing & taking too many food pellets, as well. Any words of wisdom would be heeded, as our places are in the same general area.

I am not a fisheries Biologist. That said, I was advised I could have 10 per acre and started with 5 per acre to allow for the advised ladder stocking. I have seen a good improvement in our water quality and reduction of the vegetation. I am a big supporter of the success we have had in our pond. I plan to ladder stock the rest as we see the need. In two stockings if possible.

I do not see any over grazing with the fish we have put in. I will say, man have they gotten bigger in just one season! Talk with your biologist, I bet they are comfortable with that stocking level, but again I am not an expert in this field.

Havnt got my issue yet. That is 1 article I look forward to reading. I have never seen my grass crap eat any pellets. They have (2) been in for bout 12 years now. I didnt feed pellets for the 1st few years either. Only seen 1 of them 1 time also. It looked like a shark swimming around. How they glide thru the water just swaying bk n forth is pretty cool 2 watch. Do wish I seen more of them.

Haven't got mine either.......but..... Super FREAK!!!

I've heard that, like most carp, they are very smart & hard to fool. Catching one twice is almost impossible, so best take it out when you can. Europeans are most advanced carp fishermen in the world, they use things like hair rigs to fool super picky fish. With grass carp, maybe soft cherry tomatoes as bait?

Apparently even grass carp are good to eat when prepared properly, but I've never tried. They are tremendous fighters. Brought one in on ultralight tackle once, took half an hour and my little reel was never the same again.

I thoroughly enjoyed the article! Read it this morning. Pretty awesome!!

Great article about great people ! Grass carp can be dangerous when big and surprised in shallow water - 30 lb rocket.

My 2 oldest girl both bow fish. If we would see it more often id have them give it a try. Its not hurting anything as far as I know. But it would be cool to see it outta the water.

Mine are going to stay as long as they are doing their job!! After that, we will have to see.

grass carp will eat floating pellets with gusto; at least that is my experience; so I made up a fly that looked like a pellet; darn if it took like about 30 minutes to bring in the 8 pounder or so; Anthropic is correct...a wild boat ride too; do agree less is better with grass carp; you can easily add, not easy to take them out unless you can get them to eat pellets...then it will be fun tug-a-war...all the very best fishing