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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Dang they have free shipping? I didnt know.
Guys, i got some GREAT advice on pond management from facebook right now.
If you want big large mouth bass. Make sure you take out ALL of the bluegill you can. You dont want too many. Because the...bluegill pray on the big bass.... Or something. Maybe Lusky should write an article on that for the next issue?
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298 |
Of course I'll still respect you in the morning. I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you. Addicted? Hey, I can stop any time I want! To grow big bass, get rid of your bluegill.
Last edited by anthropic; 04/15/21 04:34 PM.
7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160
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gehajake |
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Thanks for the tip about OPTIMAL. Set myself up for a monthly delivery no time for fishing today Too much fun with pigs, getting chased by a gator, and my son really wanted to walk all around the property whichw as adorable. Ive identified a lot of non native plants I need to replace with milkweed and other pollinators. Its gonne be a task. I think my entire pond slined with yellow flag iris. Its gonna be hard as HECK to clear it all out. But i've got milkweed germinating at the house to bring over there. Tons of itty bitty baby fish hugging the coastline. Haven't added a lot of new structure for them but I should ge ton that while the water is so low eh? Yea.... I did notice a few spots that need more grass to hold up the hill, and have identified some natural 'drainage' valleys that I am going to eyeball and maybe try to reinforce somehow. Ill post pictures and get advice on how to help them funnel water without getting bigger...
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
I got a small tree in a spot the YOY bass are schooling in and they are definitely hanging out there and starting to grow.
Culled 1 9" bass today, couldnt get other bites (its hot as heck, with no clouds, think thats why).
As for structure.... I was thinking that milk crates weighed down would be good. Also easy and cheap.get clumps of 3-4 along some sections of shoreline that I dont need to cast into. Maybe zip tie some sticks into it so I can see where they are/provide more structure.
Soon as we go up about a foot of water I'm adding more BG. Shiners will be added, with more BG and Craws, in the fall (remember its florida so fall/winter are.... not the same here)
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
https://imgur.com/gallery/NGMWgrB/comment/2073596589^^ Here is a visual on my pond. That lure should be 2' below water not almost 3' above it. WHERE ARE MY APRIL SHOWERS? To top if off my forage pasture isn't growing as nicely as I want either. Ugh. Might get some rain this weekend, cross your fingers for me. In other news I got my wifi hotspot that is built into my truck working. Worked from the pond this morning. Tried to catch fish, got 1 pretty large bite. It chased my lure right up next to the canoe, bit, and spit it out. Really wanted to land it as it would have been the biggest I've pulled from the pond so far but alas.... Think it was pretty close to 3 pounds, at least from the length of it. Any tips for fishing in water that is 80*?
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 627
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 627 |
"Any tips for fishing in water that is 80*?"
Dusk and dawn, baby!
You might also try getting out to the pond a few hours before a weather front goes through your area of Florida. The fish know the weather change is coming and sometimes there is a nice feeding period prior to the weather hitting. (Or maybe the forage species get active and the predator species just respond? Maybe one of our fish experts can explain it.)
Either way, if you keep good records, you might be able to determine when there is a good weather change opportunity to fish your pond and optimize your likelihood of getting some good action.
Also, the response in May will probably be different than in August. Your records should allow you to determine your "definitely go fishing" times, as well as your "don't waste your time fishing" times.
Good luck CD!
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
oOoOOOO Ive got a good lead on a pond with crazy BG action. 25 daily limit.
I'm going to head there twice a month and try to fill up to bring back to my lake. If I can get 1-200 adult BG by July I think it would help a ton.
How long can bluegill last in a large cooler with an air bubbler you think? 4 hours? 2? 12?
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,141 Likes: 278
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,141 Likes: 278 |
How long they last largely depends on the water temp. As temp goes up, tank time goes down. Should be ok for a couple hours if the water is less than 80°. Only way to know for sure is to try it. If they croak you can have them for lunch.
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,344 Likes: 101
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,344 Likes: 101 |
25 larger (5-7") BG sounds like a lot to me in a standard "large" cooler. I would use as many coolers as you can haul and keep them out of that Florida sunshine. I am not convinced that a bubbler will do more than spreading the fish out among more water/coolers.
Fish on!, Noel
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,141 Likes: 278
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,141 Likes: 278 |
We throw more than that into the bait well on the boat when we're heading out to set catfish lines on the MO. That's maybe 15 gallons of water when full, and half of it will slosh out the overflow pipe while traveling. They stay plenty frisky with the two-stone Power Bubbles running.
If I was transporting that many for relocation I'd want more water. 150qt cooler would do. For sure keep it out of the Florida sun.
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
@augie What are the chances they'd live overnight if I put them in a big cooler with a good air bubbler?
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,141 Likes: 278
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,141 Likes: 278 |
Depends. What size cooler do you consider to be "big"? What's the water temp? What's the air temp? What size are the fish?
If the water or air temp is >80° F I'd rather wait until things cool down in the fall. If I absolutely had to haul them in hot weather I'd use my 275 gallon transport tank and aerate with industrial oxygen.
Getting bait to the river alive is one thing. Getting fish to your pond without overly stressing them is something else entirely. You might get them there alive only to have them croak after you turn them loose in your pond.
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Its funny that you think my water or air goes under 80* in the fall
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,602 Likes: 859
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,602 Likes: 859 |
A good rule of thumb to follow when transporting fish (and using pure O2 for aeration) is 1/2# of fish per gallon of water. There's a whole lot of things to do when transporting fish and acclimating them to the new pond. Salt dip to minimize moving disease or invasive species, etc., etc. Fish transport best at 55-65 degree water temp, but then getting them acclimated to the new water temp takes a LOT of time.
Search SRAC for transportation tips.
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Hey guys, updates been far apart since there hasn't been a ton of good news, and my pigs + WILD PIGS have been keeping me busy. It has *FINALLY* started to get a little rain around here, it hasn't helped out much yet as we are somewhere between 6 and 8' lower than full right now. Did a quick canoe around the pond and couldnt find YOY anywhere. Did a few minutes of fishing and had one bite from a bass I'm guessing was 12-14" but he wouldnt commit. LOTS of *something* jumping in the middle of my pond where it's still 6' deep or so. I'm assuming it's like PLECOs eating surface bugs? Video here on my FB https://fb.watch/5-lbOeFT4G/Types of Fish I have confirmed were in my pond at least until May: LMB, BG, Gambusia, Gar, Bowfin, Blue Tilapia, Pleco Can't even find the Tilapia right now. Temps in mid 80s. Put a pause on my feeding since I'm not seeing activity. I've identified 3 trees I went to tip over into the water based on the structure I'm seeing right now, and I think that the "finger" of land that you can see in this photo https://imgur.com/gallery/sKlvJV7Which is currently another 2' or so exposed, I'm going to put a line of structure, probably 5g buckets with stucks stuck out and concrete on the bottom, all along that finger of land. When Pond is filled again I'll get 2 orders (160lbs) of 2-4" BG , drop them in the new structure, and put up my 2 feeders in that spot. If I also add Craws should I add them to the same location or a different area? Also going to be bucket stocking larger BG from a local fish management area that has 25/day limit. Probably make my first trip for that next week.
Last edited by CityDad; 06/08/21 11:37 AM.
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,602 Likes: 859
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,602 Likes: 859 |
When Pond is filled again I'll get 2 orders (160lbs) of 2-4" BG , drop them in the new structure, and put up my 2 feeders in that spot. If I also add Craws should I add them to the same location or a different area? Also going to be bucket stocking larger BG from a local fish management area that has 25/day limit. Probably make my first trip for that next week. That 160# of 2"-4" BG could be anywhere from 16,000 to 4,000 fish. You buying them by the pound or by the fish? Northern Bluegills or Coppernose Bluegills?
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
*tire scratch*
Whoops. I meant 160 FISH but the hatchery just changed their pricing so it looks like Ill be doing 200 Bluegill 2-4" for ~$190 Then 100 Crawfish at $175.
Hmmmmm if my bluegill relocation efforts go well I might say F IT and just get 200 crawfish.
I know this may also sound weird, but I have not seen (or heard) many frogs at my pond, and may go so far as to stock tadpoles. Maybe that is excessive... I just want bass food!
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 517 Likes: 38
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 517 Likes: 38 |
Wow, with so many undesirables (Bowfin, Gar, Gators), your goals of producing large bass may be difficult. Glad to see your updates though.
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice." - Donny Miller
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Ewest just saw your post.
Habituating is getting the accustomed to water temps for a few hours, or is there more that I'm missing?
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,512 Likes: 270
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,512 Likes: 270 |
See this. Habituation is protecting the new fish from predation for a short period of time. Habituation of newly stocked fish - Pond Boss Forum https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=536404#Post536404Stocking fish into preexisting fish communities is not always successful. Although there may be many reasons why stockings fail, predation is perhaps the most likely reason. Reducing predation by allowing fish to become accustomed to their new environment before release (i.e.,habituation) may improve stocking efficiency. We evaluated the effect of habituation on predation of stocked, hatchery-reared fingerling Florida largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus (30�64 mm total length) in simple (i.e., open-water) and structurally complex (i.e., with vegetation and cobble) habitats in indoor tanks.We found that fingerling largemouth bass survival significantly increased (P , 0.004) from 26% to 46% when fish were habituated in a predator-free enclosure for at least 15 min. Surviving fish spent most (95%) of their time in the structurally complex habitat. This concept applies to most small fish including BG , WE , YP , CC etc..
Last edited by ewest; 06/11/21 10:50 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Thanks I started reading.
This is somethign I want to do if I can find an affordable net.
Got any links?
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,602 Likes: 859
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,602 Likes: 859 |
The only way you will be able to figure out what you want/need/can afford is to get on the phone and start calling some of the net people.
Google: Memphis Net and Twine NIchols Net and Twine Delta Net and Twine Miller Net Company
That's all I got from memory. You are looking for something like a seine with a mud line and floats. Mesh small enough that it WON'T act as a gill net. You want the net to be about 25% taller than the deepest water that it will cross.
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Its starting to get some rain here! SUmmer afternoon showers are a thing again (like once a week) It's a start!
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16
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OP
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 461 Likes: 16 |
Hey Guys,
I was thinking of throwing together some quick piers out of pallets and scrap 4x4s.
Any tips of treatments I can do so they dont rot quickly and will last longer than a few months? Would be nice if I could get them to last until next dry season when I'll likely build real fishing piers.
Im going to ask a lot of questions, but only because I'm clueless
5-20 Acres in Florida. Bass/Tilapia/Bowfin/Gator
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Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
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BG sex?
by tim k - 05/12/24 07:01 AM
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