Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Girth Measurements? (Yes or No)

I am going to start tracking all bass catches this year. We are planning an Electrofishing Survey at the end of March. Dunnsfishfarm.com will be doing the survey. I believe they said that they will be gathering girth measurements for the Electrofishing Survey.

Do I need to also track a girth measurement on my catch data, or is a length and weight good enough. Here is a picture of the sheet I will be using. We also have crappie. So the sheet will keep track of bass and crappie removed, % of standard weight, and bass catch rate. I have entered in some of my Bass data from last year and some false data for the crappie, bluegill, and sunfish, just so you can see how it works.


Fish Tracking Sheet

You need to keep "date" info as well. Girth is not needed for RW just weight and length. Being able to sort by date will help track trends.

I will fill out one of these data sheets for each day of fishing. I have another sheet that has the same data but with the date.

Here is an example of how to view the data. This is from Frank's program.

Here is what I plan on using. Basically the same. I also have graphed a 80% line. I guess there is no real reason to keep track of girth.

Strange they wanted to gather girth measurements. I can only assume they also wanted length/weight data as well? Do you have written proposal on what data they plan to collect any water quality collection while there? None of my business just curious what others provide while doing the consult. thanks and post the results. I look forward to seeing them.

I sent them an email to see what they will gather. He said they will look at age, length and weights of most of the bass. They will also look at bass to bluegill ratio. I don't know where I got girth. When I talked with him on the phone, I mentioned that we will be there and that I wanted to measure all the fish. He did not have a problem with that. I guess some time they shock up a lot a fish and it would be hard to measure all of them. I said we would be there and would help. As for as water survey, he said they will take pH and dissolved oxygen in several locations. And will look a potential spawning areas, habitat and help with vegetation (identification). I don't think we have a water or vegetation problem.

Do you usually measure all the bass and some of the forage fish? Or do you measure everything? I don't want to seem like a data fool. But I think we should measure and weight every fish we get. If you spend the money you mite as well get all the data. I have never done this so I might be an idiot to assume we would be able to measure and weight every fish. What has been your experience?

Keep #s of LMB in certain size categories like 0-8in , 8-12in , 12-15in and larger. Weigh and measure all LMB over 10 inches. On BG same concept 1-3in #s , 3-5in #s and over 5in weigh a few over 5in (largest 10 %). BG have RW also. Do you have BG RW charts? Take pics of some of the fish. A shock survey can sample a lot of fish but no where near all. Depending on time , water conditions , water depth and equipment a rough guess would be 15% of the fish. There would be no benefit of measuring and weighing all the small LMB and small BG. That could take all day. If you like after you get their written report (I assume you will get one) you can post it here for our input and thoughts. Good Luck but more importantly have fun and learn and listen to what they say. Ask questions about water quality , species balance , ageing methods and results and if reproduction #s indicate successful recruitment. Any one else have suggestions ?

A fish's relative weight (RW) and standard weight closely reflect its relative girth. Thus if you have a RW there is no need for a girth measurement.

Are they going to age your fish using scales or otoliths? Otoliths (in my opinion) provide for more reliable data because they are easier to read with less ambiguity than scales, but the fish must be sacrificed in order to extract the otoliths.

He mentioned using scales.

Ok 12,
Thanks for the data sheet you sent me. I will put it to use. Now to return the favor. If you want a complete water analysis done, send me a PM and I will send you a sample kit. If you pull the sample when you get the survey done, you can send directly to the lab on the label. I will send you the results when I get them back from our water lab. The kit includes two bottles so you can take a grab and composite.
Again, thanks.

Ewest covered basically almost exactly what we do, great post as always. We ask many questions,many pertaining goals, it makes a large diff on recommendations. I'm sure you will need to pull out bass anywyas so ask, as Shawn mentions, if they can age with otolith, this is much more accurate. In the south scales are not accurate in my opinon on bass for aging, up north with growing season scales are a little more accurate. We started aging bass for a $150 fee for 5 bass if that interest you, if they do not do this. Try to age several size classes. Good luck!

Hi all,
Could I get one of these excel spreadsheets from one of you? Thanks....Dwayne

ok12, I did not see in another post, did they perform the survey? How did it go, any data?

Water was still a little cold. We are going to do it on May 2nd. I will post pictures and videos.