Pond Boss Forums FISH & FISHING Sunfish-Including Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Ice RES

Took my very first RES through the ice last week. Watched them on the Aqua Vu for 3-4 minutes until I finally elicted a very subtle strike. These were stocked at 2-3" Spring 2009 and are now 5-6". Not very happy with the growth but they appeared healthy and were RES beautiful.

Sorry for the Blackberry photo quality...

Only RES I've seen through the ice this year. Nicely done TJ.

Looks good TJ, but have you forsaken the Condello photo technique.

You're the resident expert at catching RES from my ponds - guess I was paying attention to you technique last Spring!

I was hoping these RES would be chock full of snails/shrimp but maybe winter has their WR down. I did manage to release a 9.5" last year - he was obviously pellet trained.

Very cool TJ, not many can say they have even caught an RES through the ice. I know I haven't!

Yeah, "expert", let's go with that.

TJ - you provide proof that RES will at least feed during northern winter conditions. Your RES must have developed some colder water genetics.

Very cool! This, I believe, is a strong indicator of good water quality. In order for RES to survive the winter I think they need to stay closer to the bottom for temps closer to 39 F., as opposed to 32-34 F. near the surface. If the RES stay near the bottom, and are still feeding, that suggests good oxygenation throughout the water column, which in turn suggests that there is not any significant macrophytic die-off.

The first 2 look healthy and fat the third is normal. I think you should be happy with those results.

You're doing something right over there TJ!

Thanks to the Forum...was a moment worth sharing!

Heck yeah. They'll be much prettier when spring hits. The first RES I caught were on the main lake of the Kentucky lake and while they were huge they were rather bland olive coloring. I caught some smaller ones in a local pond and they had the vivid coloring like in Ewest's signature pic. Much better than Bluegill hands down.

wow, I get them throughout the winter ice season in my SW Ohio pond and you guys make it sound like a big deal??? I get 1-2 about every trip out and tend to get more in the winter then I ever get through the rest of the year. what gives with that?? I have only had them in the 5-7.5" range though and they are 3.5 years old so my growth hasnt been very good either. Your not alone in that arena. Mine do appear to be healthy and chunky, just not big..

Ill have to get some pics of mine the next time I get one although when you want to catch one, they seem to be nowhere to be found, ha ha...

Salmonid