I was thinking of how I can monitor the growth rates of the LMB and CC in the pond, and I thought of the spear type fish tags. I searched here, and found/read a few threads (fish tagging 101, etc.). I would really like to have different numbered tags, but read that they are expensive. My question is how expensive, and who are they available from?

So far I know that I have 2 different year classes of CC in the pond, and 4 that are double the size of any of the CC's (6 or 8 lbs each). The LMB are all over the place, from fingerlings to 16" or so. I'm learning, guys, so bear with me. I haven't done any fish surveys, other than seeing what swam from one area to another when we renovated the pond last year, and what I've caught while fishing. I just ordered a digital scale that reads .01 Lb., and I'm making a fish ruler so I can measure/weigh the fish when I put them back in after catching them. I'll fin clip the CC's that are getting stocked this year, but the ones that are in the pond now should be identified as well (I think).

Here is a pretty good one from a supporter of pond boss.

Numbered Flag Tag

I got mine from Greg Grimes at http://www.lakework.com I think it was around $130.00 for the tagging gun and 100 numbered tags. It works great! I tagged around 50 bass last summer and have caught some of them over and over. Those tags should last 4-5 years atleast. Clipping the fins will last for a year maybe but it will grow back.

That's where my numbered tags came from as well.

If you can get by with unnumbered, colored tags, they are much cheaper (just a few cents each, IIRC).

http://www.lakework.com/products_fish.php
go to bottom of page. I can;t wait to get new website been wiating on it for abotu 1.5 years now. As you can see same numbered tags and gun in link above but saves you $41. Thanks guys sorry Matt with aquatic eco.

Greg and all, a great big thanks! Greg, you'll be seeing an order shortly.

Greg: Are the tags available in any different colors? Just thinking out loud for next year - it might be easier to sort each year by color/number than by just straight number.

Since I'm going to be doing the survey continually while fishing the pond, I don't want to count any of the fish twice. The CC that are going in this year will be fin clipped just to speed up the process, but any LMB that go in this year will be tagged, as will any LMB, CC or exceptionally large BG that are caught while fishing.

I'll see what I can do about getting a few pics up on here.

It went in the mail today, thanks. It turned out it will be #001 to #100 yellow tags. Next year just tell us to not send you yellow.

Greg:

The tagger and tags came yesterday. Thanks! Now that the pond froze back over, I gotta wait 'till warmer weather to use it.

That sucks! I know how anxious i was to go try mine out as soon as I got it.

good luck and thanks again. If it makes you feel any better supposed to be 21 here on sunday.