I have introduced a small number of adult-size chain pickerel into an existing small pond in SC. Basic reason is primarily to have a more diverse fishery (they aggressively eat artificials and stay fairly active in the winter in SC). Are there any problems with having the chains in a small pond, do they negatively compete with LMB, or out-reproduce them in a small environment? This is a pond about 1 1/2 - 2 acres...not very deep (max depth is 8-9 ft)...has a pretty healthy weed base of various lily pads surrounding entire shallow edge. It is not a new pond, and has an established population of LMB, BG, RES, and a few channel cats. The pickerel (only 7 or 8 adult size fish) were introduced during the past 2 winters. They apparently spawned in the spring because we are seeing quite a few little 'snakes' zipping around chasing minnows and have caught a couple on small lures. Does anyone foresee a problem with these being in a small pond? Would their numbers need to be monitored like you would the LMB, and remove some each year?
