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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 27
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OP
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 27 |
I’m fishing a 130 acre lake. It was drained and restocked in 2013. Early as it filled it was stocked with bream, two kind, and minnows. Later in the summer Black crappie and F1 Bass where stocked, not at the same time I’ve got more details on this if need. I started in “17” keeping up with what I caught in detail and as they grew started tagging all over 5lb. Now past the first quarter of “20” I’m seeing what maybe a red flag? A decline in fish over 1 and less then 3lbs. All the following numbers are from the first quarter of each year In “17” I caught 28 keeper fish. (1lb and up). Of those 36.7% were 1 to 3 lbs In “18”. 21 keepers and those in the size class came to 66% “19” 70 caught and the class went to 53% “20” 85 caught and it’s dropped to 1.1% I know two years since restocking there were additional minnows stocked but don’t know those numbers. The crappie are averaging 9.5 to 10.5 estimated. Bass, 3 lb and up seems great. At the time there have been 10s showing up. There has been little harvesting of any fish only I was asked to take out fish under 1lb. Started that mid summer of last year and so far I’ve removed about 950 or so. There still pretty plentiful it appears. It’s no trouble catching all you want of them This is a private lake, does not get much pressure , there’s only a handful who fish it semi regular but me. I’ve been hitting it an average of twice a week. Most of the residence there don’t fish much or at all. I do understand this will be hard to control. So I’ve been ask to get recommendations on handling the harvest. I can supply you with much more detail if needed and thanks for you time and effort! I hope you all stay safe and well!
Htbboats
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277 |
Mark, I think you’re doing it right. But,one guy can’t put a dent in 130 acres.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 27
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OP
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 27 |
Thanks for your reply. Do you agree that the smaller fish, under a pound are the only ones that need to be taken out? If so at what rate? What about the crappie, should they not be bigger by now?
Htbboats
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277 |
Hard to sayabout crappie. Their growth will, like all fish, be dependent on groceriesof the proper size and number.
Agree about culling small bass. Unless it is an outstanding size and weight ratio, never return a small bass to the water.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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