I am a newbie with a new pond, 1 mile from the bay, 22 ft above sea level, sugar sand,1 surface acre, about 15 acre feet, deep sides, fed by underground streams and springs. It was first stocked Sept 2023. Stock was 250 Florida BG, 250 Red Ear Sunfish, 50 mature Texas BG, 2000 Fathead minnows. Twin disk Aeration and feeder 2x/day runs for 15 seconds.
Now larger 5-6" BG are floating, one per day. We never see anything until they bloat and float. I don't think this is normal. Opinions Please.
Last edited by Champ59; 05/21/2410:45 AM. Reason: add photo
1 a day isn't worrysome to me. Are there any signs of marks on the fish (like getting stabbed by a Great Blue Heron)?
The Bluegill have spawned by now and even 10/day wouldn't impact the overall fishery. As a percentage of the fish in the pond, it's a minuscule amount.
But, we still need to figure out why. Water parameters look good. Any significant water changes lately (temp could do it) or any other stressors happening to the fish?
Angling and handling the fish could cause that too.