Pond Boss Magazine
https://www.pondboss.com/images/userfiles/image/20130301193901_6_150by50orangewhyshouldsubscribejpeg.jpg
Advertisment
Newest Members
Shotgun01, Dan H, Stipker, LunkerHunt23, Jeanjules
18,451 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums36
Topics40,900
Posts557,088
Members18,452
Most Online3,612
Jan 10th, 2023
Top Posters
esshup 28,414
ewest 21,475
Cecil Baird1 20,043
Bill Cody 15,110
Who's Online Now
14 members (LANGSTER, Sunil, dg84s, ewest, Fishingadventure, Shorthose, Freg, IND1371, Augie, Groundhog7, Brandon Larson, Dave Davidson1, PRCS, Theo Gallus), 746 guests, and 312 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#214513 04/27/10 09:25 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
I stocked 50 6" HSB September 08. June 09 I was catching 12"ers. 6" growth in 9 months. I couldn't catch another one the rest of 09, but wasn't fishing for them too hard. April 10 a 17" HSB was caught. 5" growth in 9 months. I have no idea if I've sampled the largest one, for the sake of argument lets say these are average fish. My ponds are full of FHM, GSH, and I supplementally feed pellets. I'm averaging around .7"/month counting even the Winter months.

My questions:

How does that compare with other Midwest pondmeisters who are also feeding their HSB?

Does anyone else find them difficult to catch after Spring?

Do HSB become less aggressive with the presence of abundant forage?


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 200
T
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
T
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 200
I have a half acre pond that I stocked 20 HSB in 07 and 20 more in 08. I have not yet been able to even catch one. I know most are still there because see them in the evenings feeding on pellets.

Last edited by Tom F; 05/02/10 03:32 PM.



You have the world at your fingertips
Tom F #215192 05/02/10 03:42 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,025
Likes: 1
B
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
B
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,025
Likes: 1
I have a hard time catching any, though I see them feed. Only forage is BG and lmb.

TJ, with your forage base, I would think a minnow, shiner type lure would work. What about a kastmaster or other spoon type? Lil George?


Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,721
J
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
J
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,721
They love shrimp! Be sure and use a circle hook

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,794
G
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
G
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,794
Pellet Flies .... grin



N.E. Texas 2 acre and 1/4 acre ponds
Original george #173 (22 June 2002)




Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 199
F
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
F
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 199
X2 on the Pellet Flies!

Match the Hatch.

Right George wink


Mikey

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Good feedback guys - thank you. What do you think about those growth rates? Slow, fast, average? How do they compare with yours?

Once my HSB went to 12" I didn't witness them feeding nearly as much. However, due to the factor of abundant forage that may help explain the issue. I should focus on getting out there every evening I can this week and aggressively fishing for them using crankbaits and maybe inline spinners. I would really like to sample one of the top end fish to determine it's WR and body condition.

I lack the time [and expertise] to tie pellet flies...anyone know of an online source for them? [Blasphemy I know!]


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 199
F
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
F
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 199
I put 50 HSB in last August that were 6" - 8". I caught one in October that was 12" at least, maybe 13". There may have been a couple that were larger than 8" when they went in, but they do grow quickly.

I have tried a couple of different ways to catch them. All learned on this forum grin

Tie a pellet in a piece of pantyhose and attach to the hook.

I have used Gulp Alive maggots and I think they see it as a sinking pellet.

I have heard others talk about Stubby Steves. I have not tried these yet, but others on here have had good success.

I have also taken bread and made a doughball on the hook. That works well too.

If you don't use a fly rod, you can simply tie a bobber on to cast the pellet out.

I suggest a circle hook and don't let them take it too long. It is better to miss the strike than to have them swallow the hook.

Have the drag set a little light so you don't get too much pressure on them initially. Hang on! They are fighters!

I think HSB are going to become one of my favorite fish. I love to catch anything, but the HSB I have hooked so far have been a blast.

Good Luck!


Mikey

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
E
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
E
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
Appx 20 mths old and Greg (in pic) estimated 3-4 lbs. Went in the pond at 10-12 inches in Dec 08.


















ewest #215316 05/03/10 01:49 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68


Amazing growth! Are you catching them with any frequency Eric?


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
E
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
E
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
I have not fished for them. Others have caught them. We only put in 50 and are trying to let them grow.
















ewest #215330 05/03/10 03:18 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 814
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 814
I stocked 200 in my pond last September. I have been fishing four times this year and have yet to catch one. Everything else was biting yesterday (crappie were darn near jumping into the boat) but no HSB.

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,435
R
Ambassador
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Offline
Ambassador
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
R
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,435
I've caught a couple lately on Rooster Tails. They went into the pond in Nov '09 @ 6-7" and are now
about 11-12". Real aggressive, but are now being out battled for the pellets by the 17-18" rainbows.
The RBs will be gone in about a month, and then I hope the HSB will grow faster.


Just do it...
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Windy day, sustained at 20+ so I fished the windward side with a white twister grub and 1/8 oz jighead. About 2 seconds after splashdown in the middle of the pond had a savage strike [for my UL rig]. Fought made 5 distinct drag screaming runs before I could bring her in. Just a hair under 16".



Attached Images
006.JPG

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
E
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
E
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,475
Likes: 264
Nice HSB TJ. Well done.
















Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
O
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
O
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,791
Likes: 14
Great looking fish TJ!

Omaha #215546 05/05/10 09:30 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 350
K
ken Offline
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
K
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 350
Nice looking fish. Nice fast growth too. How long do HSB live?


i only wanted to have some fun
Omaha #215547 05/05/10 09:30 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
I'm so used to catching little SMB or YP in there it nearly yanked the rod out of my hand. Josh, you DEFINITELY need to find a place for these in your pond. Speaking of which....email me an update!


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,505
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Offline
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,505
May 2007 I stocked my first batch of 4-6 and 6-8 inchers. To date 9 lbs is the biggest one caught, 6 lbs is the average from that year class. 2008 year class are averaging 3-4 lbs. 2009 year class are averaging 1 lb right now. 2010 year class is going in in about 10 hours at 4-6 inchers.

2009 year class all live together in a big school along my beach. There are 2000 of them all bunched up roaming together. They split up at night into smaller schools of 300-400 fish and roam around the lake, but during the day they stick together.


n8ly #215665 05/05/10 09:59 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Nate...wow, you are growing some fish! I would love to witness a school of that size. Sounds like a Pond Boss article in the making...would love to see some video of a school that size feeding.


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,505
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Offline
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame
Lunker
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,505
TJ, this video is from the end of last summer. These stripers just live on the beach. They are quite a bit bigger this spring so I will have to get another video when the water warms up.




n8ly #216671 05/12/10 07:03 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,794
G
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
G
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,794
TJ, did you receive the pellet flies I sent?



N.E. Texas 2 acre and 1/4 acre ponds
Original george #173 (22 June 2002)




Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Hi George;

They arrived today - THANK you! I should be able manage this - I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge and materials. I'm excited to see exactly what I'm able to catch. Will provide photos ASAP.

Thank you again.

TJ


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


n8ly #216674 05/12/10 07:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
OP Offline
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,792
Likes: 68
Unbelievable! That is so cool...I love your videos Nate. I wonder if I could get the same action with my kids in the water...something I need to try.


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

[Linked Image from i1261.photobucket.com]


Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,794
G
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
G
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,794
Have fun with the pellet flies TJ - Cecil gets credit for the idea ... grin
We love photos .... cool



N.E. Texas 2 acre and 1/4 acre ponds
Original george #173 (22 June 2002)




Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Today's Birthdays
Bob Lusk, GaryK, GrizzFan, PhotographerDave
Recent Posts
New 2 acre pond stocking plan
by LANGSTER - 03/28/24 03:49 PM
Happy Birthday Bob Lusk!!
by ewest - 03/28/24 03:37 PM
Working on a .5acre disaster, I mean pond.
by Sunil - 03/28/24 03:32 PM
1 year after stocking question
by Dave Davidson1 - 03/28/24 02:44 PM
Paper-shell crayfish and Japanese snails
by esshup - 03/28/24 10:39 AM
Brooder Shiners and Fry, What to do??
by Freg - 03/28/24 09:42 AM
Relative weight charts in Excel ? Calculations?
by esshup - 03/28/24 08:36 AM
Dewatering bags seeded to form berms?
by Justin W - 03/28/24 08:19 AM
Reducing fish biomass
by FishinRod - 03/28/24 08:18 AM
Questions and Feedback on SMB
by Donatello - 03/27/24 03:10 PM
2024 North Texas Optimal BG food Group Buy
by Dave Davidson1 - 03/27/24 08:15 AM
Newly Uploaded Images
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
by Tbar, December 10
Deer at Theo's 2023
Deer at Theo's 2023
by Theo Gallus, November 13
Minnow identification
Minnow identification
by Mike Troyer, October 6
Sharing the Food
Sharing the Food
by FishinRod, September 9
Nice BGxRES
Nice BGxRES
by Theo Gallus, July 28
Snake Identification
Snake Identification
by Rangersedge, July 12

� 2014 POND BOSS INC. all rights reserved USA and Worldwide

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5