Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations 1st Fish Inventory

Just conducted my first fishing inventory on my one acre lake complete in August 2010. Bluegill, redear and minnows stocked in September 2010 and LMB stocked in April 2011. Fished about an hour with an ultralight outfit this afternoon and caught both bass and bluegill. I was pretty amazed at the the bluegill. Caught 8 fish...6 were right at 7 "....one at 6"...and one big thug just over 8". Real pleased. Caught four bass, a 10", two 11" and one 12"... well proportioned head/body size. Pleased with the growth of the bass, they've got plenty to eat. Blue gill spawn has been good both years and still see a lot of minnow spawn from the 7lbs of minnows stocked in Sep 2010. We had a real mild winter in Missouri and a very early spring, so I should have a good growing season for the bass this summer. We'll be having a bluegill fry in the fall for sure.

One other note: I have had an aeration system in the pond from day one. Really think that has had a positive effect on fish growth and overall pond health. Also, I feed the bluegill one red solo cup full of Sportsman's Choice Trophy Fish Feed (36% protein) morning and night, spread out by hand over a 20 or 30 yard strip along the shore. It costs 12 bucks for a 25lb a bag and they love it. Like I said, I was surprised at how big the bluegill were so the feed must be the difference.

Sounds like success. Have you considered giving them more feed? How long does it take for them to eat it all?

Hey, Dave. The feed is gone in less than 10 minutes. My goal on feeding has been supplemental from the get go and as much for my enjoyment as it has been for the fishes nutritional intake. My pond is surrounded by a Missouri hardwood forest so there is plenty of insect and natural nutrition that floats in. I also put in 7lbs of minnows when I stocked the bluegill and still see lots of minnow spawn along the shoreline after two years, so I've had good survival in spite of the bass. I'm guessing the bluegill get their share of those little buggers, too.

One question I have is how to set up a harvesting plan. I stocked approx 8/1 ... 300 BG, 100 redear, 50 bass. Can you fish the BG without limits now? Or do you leave the larger BG (7"+) in for spawn stock and only take out the smaller BG (6" and below)? I won't fish the bass until next year, and then selectively with strict limits. Not sure how much recruitment I got this year from the bass, but maybe a few of the larger ones spawned. I'm guessing most will spawn next year. Thanks for your input.