I have a 2 acre pond in coastal Virginia. Max depth 15 ft. This area is warmer than most of Virginia.
My water is nearly always green to some extent, and I have introduced grass carp to control rooted vegetation, which has been a problem in the past. I aerate about 5 hours every night. There is considerable organic goop on the bottom.
My problem is that with a mix of bluegill, redear sunfish and bass, there is nothing to utilize the plankton that the bass can eat.
If I were 200 miles south, I would put threadfin shad in the pond, but they aren't even available here. I have considered crawfish to eat the detritus before it fertilizes the water to create the plankton bloom. I have also considered gizzard shad for the same purpose but the VA Dept of Wildlife Resources discourages, but does not prohibit, that.
Another pond owner suggested mussels, which would clear the water but not make bass food.
So, is there a filter feeder choice that would convert that lush plankton to bass food?
Last edited by Don Tabor; 03/07/21 08:47 AM.
