Fish Population and Size Analysis

Here are some threads about determining pond population balance analysis .

We must need a good discussion on how to gage pond balance as I have seen several questions lately. There is a bunch of info on the question in these links.

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...0&site_id=1

(removing 11" LMB in central TX)

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...ite_id=1#import

(2.5 ac, IA, first time LMB spawning, seine survey)

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...ite_id=1#import



(LMB to BG removal ratio, fish balance, BG baits)

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...ite_id=1#import



(BG:LMB ratio, BG balance & harvest, signs of overabund LMB, survery results, goals impt, prey size for LMB).

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...ite_id=1#import


(methods for pond fish surveys)



http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...ite_id=1#import

(mainly about PSD proportional stock density)

Dick Anderson
Fingerling
Member # 3017

Rate Member posted February 13, 2007 12:58 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep taking <12 in bass until the number 8-12 equals number 12-15. Ideal pond structure is 40% 8-12, 40% 12-15 and 20% 15+
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posts: 5 | From: TX, MO, WI | Registered: Sep 2006 | IP: Logged |

Here is an added thread that ties several of the concepts together in an example. A very good read.


http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=201295#Post201295

Seining is only a part of the data set. Alone it can give the wrong answer. See this on how to interpret seine data (taken correctly). It shows based on Swingle techniques/studies the interelationship of common populations (BG to LMB for example).

http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1428.pdf


see page 15-16 on mgt and balance.

Yes when they are 6 inches but not when 2 inches. Seine surveys are a major method to tell if you had a spawn. See this.

http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1428.pdf page 16

Determining Fish Balance
Seining – the use of a net to capture fish – is a quick
and easy way to determine the condition of your
pond, and an investment in a good seine is highly
recommended for all pond owners. A 30-foot seine
that is 6-feet deep and made of ¼-inch mesh works
well. You can purchase it from any net maker. Attach
the seine ends to wooden or metal poles to
make handling the seine much easier.
Check balance using a seine every year in late-
May to July. During this period, both bass and
bream have reproduced and the young are still small
enough to be caught effectively using the seine.
Fishing the seine is easy. You can use a “swinging
gate” or perpendicular haul (Figure 7) in several
areas of the pond to capture young fish. Just make
sure you keep the weighted line of the seine on the
bottom at all times, or the fish will escape under the net.

Relative Weight data (RW) should be collected and added to the above as another source of gauging fish population and condition data. Also a compilation of catch and visual info should be collected including pics of representative fish (not just the big ones).

Relative Weight threads (RW) and growth info

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=231704&page=1

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...true#Post163866

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.ph...true#Post187383

Ewest has very good information presented above. In reality the structure of the smaller fish in your pond are as important, if not more important, to the future of your fishery than the "big ones". This is because the "big ones" are near the end of their life span and it is the small and medium ones, their density, available forage, body condition, and how well they will grow in the future that determines the long term condition or status of the fishery. Thus it is important to regularly monitor all sizes and species of fish in the pond/lake.

Don't spend all your time fishing for the "big ones" because without good management of the smaller ones, the big ones may not continue to be there several years from now. How many ponds or lakes have you seen that once had very good angling but later the fishing was 'poor'? Now,,, you might know one reason why. Most likely the structure of the smaller fish populations were not properly monitored, sampled, adjusted, and managed as needed. In my opinion, one should spend more time checking the smaller fishes than the bigger fishes. If for no other reason there are a lot more smaller fish that should be present and growing well to produce those fewer numbers of larger quality fish.