POND MANAGEMENT
Last Post 05 Dec 2011 09:27 AM by Pegsguy. 3 Replies.
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CHEAPHOOKERUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:14 CHEAPHOOKER
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24 Nov 2011 03:05 PM

    I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CO-MANAGE A LARGE POND/SMALL LAKE NEAR HOME AND WAS HOPING FOR SOME ADVICE.  FIRST OF ALL IT'S GIN CLEAR AND CHOKED WITH COON TAIL ON THE SHALLOW END AND I MEAN CHOKED!!  THERE ARE (AT LEAST) DOZENS OF LARGE GRASS CARP THAT DON'T PUT A DENT IN THE GROWTH.   I DON'T NECESSARILY WANT THE WEEDS TO GO AWAY ALL TOGETHER, BUT I DON'T WANT THEM TO TAKE OVER LIKE THEY ARE.   ANY ADVICE WOULD BE HELPFUL.  NEXT, THE POPULATION OF CRAPPIE AND BLUEGILL SEEM TO BE VERY HEALTHY, LOTS OF GOOD SIZE PANFISH TO BE CAUGHT, HOWEVER,  IT SEEMS TO BE OVER RUN WITH 10'' LONG LARGE MOUTH.  I HAVE CAUGHT A FEW IN THE 3-5 LB RANGE, BUT 90 BASS OUT OF 100  ARE IN THE 8''-12'' RANGE. I KNOW THAT CATCHING TOO MANY  FISH (ALBEIT SHORT FISH) IS'NT THE WORST PROBLEM TO HAVE, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE THE AVERAGE SIZE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS BUT AM NOT SURE HOW.  AS OF NOW THERE IS A 15'' MINIMUM ON KEEPERS WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE PART OF THE PROBLEM.  ANY SUGGESTIONS? 
    THANKS
    ADAM

    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4095 Pegsguy
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    25 Nov 2011 08:29 AM
    The best solution would probably be to remove some of the small fish but with a 15" minimum that won't work. Are you far enough north that some Northern Pike might be introduced? or better yet some tiger muskie. The muskie won't reproduce so you don't need to worry about them overrunning the pond. Also, does your state DNR have fish biologists? If so a phone call might get you some free advice!
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    CHEAPHOOKERUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:14 CHEAPHOOKER
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    04 Dec 2011 07:12 PM
    THANKS PEG! I DON'T THINK THAT THE PIKE AND MUSKIE WILL EXACTY THRIVE THIS FAR SOUTH. BUT I'LL BET THEY WOULD PUT A DENT IN THE SMALL FISH BEFORE THEY ALL DIED OUT. I'M SURE THERE IS A LOCAL BIOLOGIST, I'LL HAVE TO LOOK INTO THAT. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE ADVICE.
    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4095 Pegsguy
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    05 Dec 2011 09:27 AM
    I'm pretty sure there is a variety of pike that will tolerate warm water. Chain Pickerel maybe? I do know that muskie have been introduced into some lakes in Az so they might survive where you are. If you try muskie, put in tiger muskie(a sterile cross between muskie and pike).
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
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