Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations How do I adjust pond fish population?

I've read so many threads here I cannot remember what it is I should do. My hubby says take some big fish out; I think I should think say 8 - 10" fish and keep the LMB around. We have a one acrea pond with LMB, BG, Catfish and I know I overly stocked to begin with and the last 3 years have seen many, many born and each summer we catch and release some sizable fish. We haven't taken any fish out to eat but I know I need to thin them out. What fish and size would you suggest for thinning the herd--I know y'all say--BASS IS KING. This year I plan to add some more forage fish for any small fish population that may survive. I know some say the 16" bass will eat 10" bass and large bluegill too. Thanks. d

It all depends on what your goals are. If you want large Bluegills, then you keep a lot of Largemouths in the pond. If you want large LMB, then take a lot of them out.

Your goals can only be accomplished when you what you actually have in the pond. You have not mentioned what % of each fish you have in the pond or what size each % is. When you have a good feel of that answer then you can make changes based on what your overall goal for the pond is. You gotta know what you have before you determine what you can do.