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Joined: May 2012
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Making my daily trip around the pond, found 90% open water Thursday afternoon after some warm temps. I had about 30 minutes so I decided to grab the ultra light, mainly just to cast a line, because I could  . First cast in that cold, cold water, off the dock just out in the open, to my surprise caught a nice BG, third cast caught this one:  I don't know if she would be gravid yet but I was surprised at how plump she was, and again very pleased at the growth of my BG, but a long ways to go to reach the size of what so many of you have posted! For me, there's just something about that first catch of the year 
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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Making my daily trip around the pond, found 90% open water Thursday afternoon after some warm temps. I had about 30 minutes so I decided to grab the ultra light, mainly just to cast a line, because I could . First cast in that cold, cold water, off the dock just out in the open, to my surprise caught a nice BG, third cast caught this one: I don't know if she would be gravid yet but I was surprised at how plump she was, and again very pleased at the growth of my BG, but a long ways to go to reach the size of what so many of you have posted! For me, there's just something about that first catch of the year Keith, That sure looks like a male to me judging by it's long ear tab and body shape. Don't be fooled by the lack of coloration this time of year. The bluegills in my all male pond this time of year look just as pale. What do you others think? Don't be shy. I could be wrong.
Last edited by Cecil Baird1; 02/20/16 09:13 AM.
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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I was also thinking male. Great fish either way!
Last edited by sprkplug; 02/20/16 09:29 AM. Reason: keyboarding!
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Thanks, Cecil I guess I was looking more for the scale tipping than the ear tab. And good to know about the lack of color, the other one I caught was nearly white! Thought maybe I had an albino BG . Still learning! PS - Thanks Sprk!
Last edited by Lovnlivin; 02/20/16 09:15 AM.
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Wow you guys are sooooo lucky. I am looking at two 8 foot holes in the ice from my aerator stations.
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Dono, you're correct that we are indeed lucky. It has been a very mild winter down here. Open water fishin in Nebraska in Feb is quite the blessing.
Keith that IS a very nice fish. Evidently ya been doing lots of correct things. Keep up the good work and keep us updated. Bet ya can't wait to see a bunch of workin beds.
Do nature a favor, spay/neuter your pets and any weird friends or relatives.
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Thanks, Bob-O!
Unfortunately due to my (lack of) water clarity I haven't seen a bed in 3 years.
I really miss that!
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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I was also thinking male. Great fish either way! For sure!
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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I'm amazed at how these fella's can survive the dreaded GBH attack! 
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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That could also be a mink, otter, or snapper couldn't it?
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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Do nature a favor, spay/neuter your pets and any weird friends or relatives.
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Not over the winter, but the rest of the year there's a GBH out there every day. I chase him off in the morning but he comes right back and is there again when I get home from work. I'm going to run some string this year to see if it helps, but with the make-up of my pond, it won't be an easy task.
With the "V" shape wound, I could see a snapper doing that but I've seen too many LMB with stab wounds and the same type on that BG. But that IS the first BG I've seen hit. But I suppose it will happen more as they get bigger.
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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Hall of Fame 2015 Lunker
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Nice fish above!
One of my HBG's had most of it's tail bitten off. No predators like GBH, turtles... but raccoon's were hanging around for a while.
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In fairness, I see raccoon tracks along the shoreline, I've seen mink, used to see muskrats but haven't for over a year, I have many very large (caught a 45 lb'r) snappers, and of course GBH's. My goal is to not let any of the above outfish me
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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Joined: Jan 2006
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A 22 and/or 12 gauge will quickly tip the scales in your favor.
Do nature a favor, spay/neuter your pets and any weird friends or relatives.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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Joined: Aug 2014
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With the "V" shape wound, I could see a snapper doing that but I've seen too many LMB with stab wounds and the same type on that BG. But that IS the first BG I've seen hit. But I suppose it will happen more as they get bigger. [/quote]
I've seen Cormorants (water turkeys) do the same thing to young LMB here in SE Texas and the fish make it to adulthood. They leave a similar scar.
...when in doubt...set the hook...
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I concur both pictures are male BG, pale light color is mostly due to your turbid water. Don't fish'em too frequently or you will teach them to be hook shy.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/21/16 03:11 PM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management
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Joined: Nov 2015
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GBH are bad news. I rate them as the No. 1 threat to my old pond and my new pond.
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Very nice bluegill Keith.
AL
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Thanks, Al!
James, I know we have them here, I just don't recall seeing any.
Keith - Still Lovin Livin https://youtu.be/o-R41Rfx0k0(a short video tribute to the PB members we met on our 5 week fishing adventure) Formerly: 2ac LMB,HSB,BG,HBG,RES
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Hall of Fame Lunker
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I concur both pictures are male BG, pale light color is mostly due to your turbid water. Don't fish'em too frequently or you will teach them to be hook shy. For sure! That's why I use a 12 foot deep by 160 foot seine now to harvest large bluegills on an annual basis.
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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Joined: Aug 2014
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James, I believe it is quite possible.
...when in doubt...set the hook...
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Joined: Oct 2014
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Joined: Oct 2014
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+1 WTs (cormorants) are the most devastating feathered predator a pond can experience IMO. They can take a fairly large fish, dive deep and stay down a long time....and they are known to invite their buddies to the party, not like GBH who are loners.
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