Pond Fish

[Venum12]

Hello, new here, sorry if this is in the wrong section. I have a pretty small pond on my property probably 8 ft at the deepest point. You can practically cast across it too for a size reference. Over the past couple years its become overrun by sunnies. i believe they destroyed the bass population. i took a good number out but figured i should leave some in there. My neighbor has a fish farm and i was looking to buy some from him. What kinds of fish and how many of each would you recommend for a small pond in northeast pennsylvania? Thank you.

[Marty]

I'd get some free professional advice if you can, like talking with a biologist at your DNR office.

[jiggerpole]

Marty gave you the best advice. Most state biologist will evaluate it for free if the land owner makes the request.

[Bass XL]

I'd get some free professional advice if you can, like talking with a biologist at your DNR office.

I agree to this as well. They should be able to tell you what is ideal for your ponds.

[Venum12]

Alright, ill see what they have to say. One more question. I realize it may be tough to answer since youre not physically there but ill still ask. Why is it i can catch bass from ponds a few hundred feet from my pond, bring him in mine, and not seem to catch him again? Ive brought 8-10 bass to my pond from others and havent caught one fish in two weeks. Whats so different about my pond? Anyone ever encounter this problem? Thanks in advance.

[dhami013]

Alright, ill see what they have to say. One more question. I realize it may be tough to answer since youre not physically there but ill still ask. Why is it i can catch bass from ponds a few hundred feet from my pond, bring him in mine, and not seem to catch him again? Ive brought 8-10 bass to my pond from others and havent caught one fish in two weeks. Whats so different about my pond? Anyone ever encounter this problem? Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure what the regulations are in your state but in VA, that's illegal. You're taking the fish out of its environment and taking it to a new one. Survival rates may be pretty low, I mean the bass in your pond are already competing for food sources since the sunnies have out populated it. These new bass are probably fighting to do the same thing. I wouldn't put more in until someone comes out and takes a look at your pond.

[Lesley]

We had the same problem in a pond on our property when I was a kid. The pond was dug years before we got there for the purpose of irrigation. We ended up draining it and then stocked it with Channel cats, Largemouth, and Bream. This was in the mid 70's. Since then the locals fished out all of the cats and somehow crappie was introduced. So now we have the problem of too many bass. Most caught are around 12 inches. It's loads of fun, especially for the kids, but you know that there's more fish per water than there should be. Question is how to maintain the ratio of population. Did the catfish control it that much?