SeanPN777 Posted June 2, 2007 Posted June 2, 2007 Hey Everybody... I don't know if I'm on the right thread or not for this question, but I'll throw it out anyway... We have acquired a 60+ acre private lake that is under absolutely no pressure, about 2 months ago. It has some feeders place around and has a lot of points and structure throughout the entire lake and along the shoreline. That's the backdrop, here's the question... Whenever we go out we catch anywhere from 30 to 50 1lb. bass, but we've only hooked up with a couple that are above the 2 or 3 lb size. Maybe we're just bad fisherman or maybe there needs some lake management? Does anybody know if that's normal under these circumstances and you just need to really work the lake to find the big ones or is this a sign that the lake needs to be managed, environmentally, or otherwise? Thanks for your time, I'm looking forward to sharing our stories and pictures and all with everyone. Take care... Sean Quote
captaininsaneo Posted June 2, 2007 Posted June 2, 2007 If you're catrching 30-50 fish and they are not extremely skinny, something is right in that lake. If you want to manage it for big fish you really should take some of the smaller ones out. If you dont want to eat them, use an old cooler and a cheap aerator as a livewell. fill it up every time you go and implant the fish into another lake. (my local pond sounds great!) Quote
SeanPN777 Posted June 3, 2007 Author Posted June 3, 2007 The lake is about 25 years old, is is spring fed and was formerly a sand pit. It is in South Carolina. The bass are all large mouth. We have also caught some pretty big crappie and one fish that we haven't been able to identify yet. Quote
weknowhowtolive Posted June 3, 2007 Posted June 3, 2007 Where are you catching these fish from? Quote
SeanPN777 Posted June 3, 2007 Author Posted June 3, 2007 We are catching fish from a bass boat, all over the place. Laying up on humps underwater, to shorline structure, to artificial structure planted in the middle of the lake (christmas trees and stuff). You name it. We've even flipped a few jigs straight down into some heavy cover that stretched out off of the shoreline and pulled some out that way. But 99% of them are all about 12-16' in length and about a pound or so in weight. We haven't officially weighed them, just guessing from experience. Quote
calumet Posted June 3, 2007 Posted June 3, 2007 I own two lakes - about 20 miles from one another and very similar in size, depth, and cover. One is just like you stated: plenty of action but no really large ones. The other lake was only sparsely stocked and I have little action there but when I catch one, it's at least 4-5 lbs. I sometimes, however, prefer the action over fishing for three hours for one large fish. Quote
SeanPN777 Posted June 4, 2007 Author Posted June 4, 2007 I sometimes, however, prefer the action over fishing for three hours for one large fish. I see what you're saying... I'm pretty sure there are some large ones in there. Any way you think we may be able to manage the lake in finding a "happy medium?" My guess is the population is outrageously crowded. It has never been "harvested." But has been stocked an fed. Thanks for the input! ... Sean Quote
moloch16 Posted June 4, 2007 Posted June 4, 2007 North Carolina publishes a document about pond management, a very good source of information: http://www.wildlife.state.nc.us/pg03_Fishing/images/PONDMAN5.PDF According to the document a balanced population is "Bluegills 6 inches and larger. Bass average from 1 to 2 pounds, although smaller and larger sizes also caught." Looks like you might need to harvest some smaller bass, and take a look at your bluegill population. Quote
BaitMS Posted June 4, 2007 Posted June 4, 2007 Check to see if South Carolina Department of Fisheries offers a FREE electroshocking survey. If so, I would take advantage of this and schedule for them to come out this fall. By doing this type of survey you can determine size and numbers of bass, bluegill, and crappie. The can also recommend how to manage based on the findings and what you desire the system to be. From what I have read, I suspect there are some "good" size bass in there (60 acres is fairly large) you just havent hooked up with em yet. But, with not having any harvest mortality (only natural mortality) there are a lot of small bass, bluegill, and crappie. I also assume these fish are fairly easy to catch so take advantage of this...harvest! I would suggest taking 10-12 lbs of fish per acre now! I would take some of each species but mainly the bluegill and crappie, along with some bass. The bass have probably kept the other species in check but in order to get bigger fish you have to "make room". This is done by harvesting. Now, lets see some pictures! Quote
SeanPN777 Posted June 5, 2007 Author Posted June 5, 2007 Looks like you might need to harvest some smaller bass, and take a look at your bluegill population. That's kind of what we were thinking... Thanks for the document! Quote
SeanPN777 Posted June 5, 2007 Author Posted June 5, 2007 Check to see if South Carolina Department of Fisheries offers a FREE electroshocking survey... Now, lets see some pictures! BaitMS - Thanks for the insight. I think you're right with the harvest thing. This seems to be a common theme that has been running through all of the info I've checked into including here. We did find out that we could get a free electroshock survey, so we're going to schedule that too. As we "harvest" I'll get some photos and see if I can post a few that won't embarrass Thanks for all of the feedback and insight from everyone! This is great... Sean Quote
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