Cattle pond bass
Nov 22, 2019 05:38:49 #
I just aquired access to a nine Acer pond over flowing with Bass around 12"long . The land owner says to keep the fish I catch . The question is how many fish do I remove to maintain a healthy population of fish so they can grow bigger and to reduce the competition for food I was thinking of around 100 to 150 fish
Nov 22, 2019 08:20:20 #
It would depend on many variables, how many are there in there now, how fresh is the water, food supply and whatever. I would do some research on the internet to see what you can find out. Good luck!
Nov 22, 2019 09:03:20 #
Fly brings up some valid points. I would ask what are you going to do with all the fish? Is the pond actually 9 acres large or is that the property its on is 9 acres?
Nov 22, 2019 09:10:52 #
Charlie H
Loc: Greer, Arizona
If the owner says keep all you catch, he has a reason. Sounds like they’re getting stunted. Bass are very prolific. You will never keep up.
Nov 22, 2019 10:31:07 #
Nov 22, 2019 10:37:38 #
Nov 22, 2019 11:29:44 #
Fish make very good fertilizer for a garden too. Just need to bury them where your garden will be. Bass are very good lightly battered and fried in a thin layer of oil. Baked or whatever your favorite way of cooking them.
Nov 22, 2019 11:37:03 #
Nov 22, 2019 11:38:48 #
Check if there's a minimum size limit in your state, too.
Nov 22, 2019 11:45:23 #
Charlie H
Loc: Greer, Arizona
Fishing regs are irrelevant on private property in Texas. Not sure about other states.
Nov 22, 2019 12:22:25 #
Some states vary on whether regulations apply or not on private property; if it is completely contained on the property, no problem ! If it is connected by inlet, outlet or canal to an outside body of water (lake, pond, river or stream), then regulations may apply ! Check your state regs or contact your local Fish & Game (or its equivalent) for your state !
Nov 23, 2019 10:48:26 #
aldeureaux
Loc: Fort Worth, Texas
Sounds like that pond definitely needs to be fished down or you will have a bunch of stunted bass and not much else.
Nov 23, 2019 11:36:34 #
Big A wrote:
Some states vary on whether regulations apply or not on private property; if it is completely contained on the property, no problem ! If it is connected by inlet, outlet or canal to an outside body of water (lake, pond, river or stream), then regulations may apply ! Check your state regs or contact your local Fish & Game (or its equivalent) for your state !
Just make sure you check your state regulations. My state allows property owners and tenants to fish without licenses on their property, for example, but if you get caught OFF THAT PROPERTY and with fish in your possession without a license or illegal size or limit you will be cited and have to go to court to explain. You'll still be in violation but the judge might cut you some slack if you're polite and respectful.
Nov 23, 2019 12:18:20 #
Not sure about this, but you could always ask - would your Fish & Game dept. (or its equivalent) electro-fish your pond and transfer the excess to another river/lake/ pond ? It is illegal in most states to remove/transfer fish from one place to another, especially if introducing a species that is not already extant in that water body; the fisheries department in your state, however, is authorized to to so ! Whether they would accommodate you (or not) is the qiestion, and whether or not you would be charged for the service !
Nov 23, 2019 20:33:26 #
bottomcoon
Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma
Not only are bodies of water measured in acres to get a size but are measured in acre feet to actually determine how much water the impoundment will hold. Acre feet translates to an acre of water 1 foot deep. If your 1 acre pond is 10 feet deep you have 10 acre feet of water. A good place to start is your local game warden. He can put you in contact with fishery biologist who can answer all your questions. Good luck.
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