Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Add HSB to Existing Fishery

I have an acquaintance inquiring if HSB would be a nice addition to his lake. I have suggested to him that they would be a great addition and would not hinder the lake's current state, but I wanted to throw this by the experts and make sure I'm advising him correctly.

His lake is 45 acres. He has BC, naturally reproducing NP, LMB, BG, and CC. He has experimented with YP and WE with little success. YP and even WE pulled off spawns, but they have since vanished.

The NP pulled off their spawn 2 years ago and are in the 20" range and he is most thrilled about this and does not want an additional predator to interfere with this success.

From the sound of things he appears to have a little bit of overcrowding BG, but other than that his fishery is in good balance with healthy fish throughout.

He feeds his BG. Did not mention if any other species are finding the feed or not, though he did mention the few CC that are in there have some size on them.

So basically, would you suggest HSB for this lake owner and if so, how many and what size? We would be entertaining this idea in the fall.

Maybe this thread would be better suited in the Other Fish Species subforum. A mod could move it over if that's a better place for it.

I'm no expert, but I think HSB would be a nice addition.

However, if he does not put in enough, he may never see them. I also think that they thrive more on pellets.

I would try to put in at least 200 and there would still be a chance of never seeing them.

As for size, I would get at least 12" long if possible.

Thanks Sunil. I did tell him that they readily take to pellets and that got him more interested as well.

Am I correct in assuming that HSB as predators should not compete directly or effectively with his existing fish? That was his biggest concern. I believe I've read that HSB are not top flight predators and do not effectively assist in keeping forage populations down or adversely effecting other predators in a BOW.

Josh, remember what Bruce said about HSB that evening at his place?

I've only used it in conversations about a dozen times since then.

That's why I figure they're not a predatory that this guy needs to worry about threatening his forage population.

Not sure where to go with this one. Are there any other prey/forage fish there? A few comments.

HSB are predators and will eat the same fish that NP and LMB and catfish eat subject to gape limits.

HSB are better predators on pelagic fish species like TShad , GShad , herrings , shiners etc.

HSB will eat pellets and hang around the feeder.

Because HSB like YP are cool water fish (HSB just not as much so) they can eat small BG in cold water when the BG are slowed. In normal amounts HSB do not control BG numbers particularly well.

With spawning NP he may be headed toward problems even without any HSB. There is a reason they are called hammer handles.

A few fish (50 12 inch) in a 45 acre lake with feeding will not make a big difference. Just harvest a few NP and LMB.

Habituate the HSB at entry for better survival.

Lots of info here on HSB - all aspects.

Not sure this helps any though.

Your posts are always helpful Eric. Thanks. As far as I can tell the only forage options for the HSB, and other predators, would be the BG and fingerlings of the other species.

What problems does he have with spawning NP? I am very unfamiliar with NP in ponds.

And how do you suggest we habituate HSB into the lake?

A spawning population of NP (meaning babies surviving to adulthood) tend to reproduce to many babies which stunt ( a lake full of small NP that look like hammer handles). In small waters this is magnified.

Use a seine to habituate the HSB for at least an hour. A floating cage would also work. Best if it’s in an area close to deep water and no weeds.

If the main forage is BG I would want to be sure there are enough.

Ah. Did not realize NP overpopulate and stunt. What can he do to ensure this doesn't happen? Sure wouldn't want to add more teeth.

From the way it sounds he has a slightly overpopulated population of BG so adequate forage I would think.

Take out the small NP as they are caught. If there are to many then electroshock some out.

Got it. When I'm able to visit the property in the fall we will discuss this further. Thanks Eric.