Stocking Proposal Stocking Proposal

Lake MelanieLake Melanie

May 31, 2017May 31, 2017

Introduction

The management of bass-bluegill sport fish ponds in the southeast is based on the ideas of H.S. Swingle, founder of the Fisheries Management program at Auburn University. Southeastern Pond Management combines Dr. Swingle’s management principles with the latest and most innovative management techniques to provide quality pond care. Successful pond management is based on assessing and manipulating pond fertility, aquatic weeds, and fish populations. Control of these three factors allows fish ponds to provide the maximum benefit to the pond owner. It is important to note that “benefit” is defined by the owner and can take the form of trophy bass, trophy bluegill, or a well-balanced fish population. Fortunately, modern pond management is flexible enough to fine-tune a pond to precisely fit the goals of the owner.

It is important to note that quality fishing is not accomplished “overnight”. As you read through this proposal, bear in mind that the specific activities we have recommended are not several one-time inputs, but rather a collection of ongoing management activities that will establish and maintain long term-quality fishing. We like to emphasize to all of our clients that proper pond management, like the management of any natural resource, is a continuing process. Each activity is recommended individually; however, it should be noted that the management program, as a whole, suffers if each activity is not implemented.

The following stocking proposal is based on a surface area of 2.5 acres. The goal of this stocking proposal is to create and maintain a balanced fish population with an emphasis on trophy-sized largemouth bass production. This proposal also contains some general pond management and maintenance information, you may be familiar with. This information is included to help you understand the reasoning behind our management recommendations and to help you make everyday decisions about the pond. Although the number of fish per acre will remain the same, the price may vary slightly if there is a significant period of time between this quote and the actual stocking of the pond. Feel free to contact us and further discuss management ideas you may have.

Pre-Stocking

When stocking a pond with fingerling sized fish it is absolutely crucial to eliminate any unwanted fish species. The presence of unwanted fish species such as catfish, crappie or many types of sunfish will lead to low survival rates for the desired species.

This is accomplished by applying liquid rotenone (a fish toxicant) to the pond basin after all construction is completed. Rotenone should be applied to any water pools remaining in the lake basin immediately after closing the valve.

Stocking

As mentioned earlier, modern fisheries management is flexible enough to suit a variety of desires. In the case of your new lake, a balanced fish community, producing quality-sized bluegill and trophy-sized largemouth bass, is the long term goal. In order to achieve this goal it will be necessary to stock a variety of fish. This will include and be limited to: coppernose bluegill, fathead minnows, threadfin shad and F1 largemouth bass.

INTRODUCTION

Southeastern Pond Management

The SPM “Pondtoon” is the perfect fishing accessory for a newly stocked lake.

COPPERNOSE BLUEGILL The coppernose bluegill is a subspecies of the

common bluegill. Its native habitat is almost identical to that of the Florida largemouth bass, primarily central and southern Florida and a small area in southeast Georgia.

Coloration and markings on the coppernose differ from that of the common bluegill. The fins of the coppernose have a reddish-orange fringe outlined with a pencil-thin white border. The vertical bars on the sides are more distinct and broader, especially in younger bluegill. The common name coppernose is derived from the distinct copper band across the head that is particularly brilliant on males.

Coppernose are faster growing and hardier than common bluegill according to research by fisheries scientists in several states. With proper management in private ponds, coppernose bluegill may attain sizes exceeding a pound is size. Commonly, these aggressive feeders reach 3/4 of a pound in their first year. This is particularly true in cases where an intensive supplemental feeding programs are implemented.

FATHEAD MINNOWS Fathead minnows are stocked at the same time

as the coppernose bluegill and redear sunfish. The primary function of fathead minnows is to provide the bass with an abundance of forage as soon as they require fish to eat. In this environment the bass grow rapidly during their first year. Fathead minnows never grow larger than three inches and do not survive long in ponds with well established adult largemouth bass populations.

STOCKING

Southeastern Pond Management

THREADFIN SHAD Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) are a

member of the herring family - Clupeidae. They occur naturally in many rivers and reservoirs throughout the southeast and are often stocked as a forage fish in sport fish ponds in the southern latitudes. A mature threadfin shad is usually 5 to 6 inches in length; however, we have observed them up to 7 inches in highly-fertile ponds. The caudal fin of threadfin shad is often distinctly yellow; hence the local name "yellow-tails." Threadfin shad can often be seen feeding just below the surface early in the morning and late in the evening in open water areas.

There are several benefits to stocking threadfin shad. First, their relatively small adult size and abundant reproductive capabilities equates to the perfect food for the smaller, more abundant size group of largemouth bass. However, results will be observed in improved growth rates for all size groups of bass. In addition, by partially shifting bass predation from bluegill to shad, more bluegill will reach the intermediate size range that is necessary to promote the growth of quality and trophy bass. Finally, threadfin shad compete slightly with bass fry. This competition reduces bass “recruitment”. In other words, fewer bass fingerlings survive each year which decreases the need to annually remove so many small bass. This

competition reduces bass “recruitment”. In other words, fewer bass fingerlings survive each year which decreases the need to annually remove so many small bass. The bass that do survive will have ample forage fish as prey. This translates into faster growth rates and a larger maximum size for the bass.

F1 LARGEMOUTH BASS (F1 Intergrade)

The largemouth bass is an aggressive predator, which has become unquestionably the number one sport fish in America. There are two subspecies of largemouth bass, the northern bass, Micropterus salmoides and the Florida bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus.

For centuries the Florida bass was confined to natural rivers and lakes of the Florida peninsula where it often attained weights of 14 to 16 pounds and occasionally more than 20 pounds. Prior to the 1970’s scientists assumed that environmental conditions alone were responsible for the large size of the Florida bass and its ability to grow rapidly. At the same time, the Northern bass seldom attained weights of more than 10 pounds, which was often attributed to a shorter growing season.

In the interest of increasing the genetic potential for trophy bass, the California Department of Game and Fish introduced the Florida bass into the San Diego lakes in 1959. The state record was broken in 1965, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973 (20lbs 15oz), 1980 (21lbs 3oz) and 1991 (22lbs 1/2oz). The 1991 record is the second largest bass ever caught and the largest in the past 50 years.

After it became evident that the stocking program in California was successful, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana and other states initiated programs of their own for the introduction of Florida bass. As these bass matured, state records began to increase throughout the southeast in a time frame similar to that in California.

FISH STOCKING

Southeastern Pond Management

A largemouth bass with a recently eaten threadfin shad.

FISH STOCKING

Southeastern Pond Management

Differences between the two subspecies also involve differences in feeding habits, which reflect in catchability. When the two subspecies are stocked together significantly fewer Florida bass are caught by fishermen. Studies conducted by both the Fisheries Department at Auburn University and Texas A & M confirmed this difference in catchability.

Florida bass stocked in ponds containing northern largemouth will often interbreed producing an intergrade. The first cross of the two subspecies is known as the F1. It is a fast growing fish possessing the growth potential of the pure Florida bass yet is significantly more aggressive much like the pure Northern variety.

Although the appearance of these two subspecies is similar, there are generally differences in coloration between the two. The lateral dark stripe is usually broader and darker on the Florida subspecies and is more interrupted, forming a series of dark diamond shaped blotches. This and other external characteristics, such as, the number of lateral line scales are generally different in the two subspecies. However, individuals may be positively identified only through more complex biochemical genetic analysis.

Based on many years of combined experience working with largemouth bass and thousands of pond owners, we feel the F1 intergrade offers the

most desirable genetic characteristics for rapid growth, aggressive feeding and trophy size. A frequent experience of many pond owners and managers is that pure Florida bass will not readily strike a lure when they reach trophy size. Our F1 intergrade will not only reach trophy size, but they will continue to be aggressive and relatively easy to catch as they age. Bass fingerlings are normally stocked in late May or June, following the introduction of the forage species.

With proper forage F1 Bass can grow from fingerlings to five pounds in two years.

A healthy three-year old F1-largemouth bass collected during a routine electrofishing evaluation.

Fertilization The concept of carrying capacity describes the total

weight of fish a pond is capable of producing. A given body of water, subject to varying levels of fertility, has a finite limit, or carrying capacity, in terms of the overall biomass which it can support. Lake fertility limits the number as well as the average and maximum size of fish present.

The limiting nutrient in most freshwater systems, as it relates to plankton production and a generally high level of fertility, is phosphorous. Phosphorous must be added on a regular basis during the growing season in order to stimulate significant plankton growth. Plankton, both plant and animal, are the base of the food chain in ponds. Infertile ponds, those with low alkalinity and relatively little nutrient input, are characterized by low levels of plankton production. In effect, this limits the amount of food available to the small insects and insect larvae which are the next link in the food chain. The ripple effect of low fertility is observed far up the food chain, all the way to the primary predators, largemouth bass. In order to create and maintain a high level of plankton production, thus providing conditions most favorable for fish production, fertilizing on a regular basis is required.

Fertilization is the most basic and important element necessary to create an environment conducive to the production and growth of sport fish. Fertilization takes place during the growing season, from March through October. We recommend SportMAX® Water Soluble Pond Fertilizer (10-52-4), applied at a rate of 4-8 pounds per surface acre per application. Fertilizer should be applied according to the Standard Pond Fertilization Schedule:

Standard Pond Fertilization Schedule

Beginning in early March, make three applications at two week intervals.

Make the next three applications at three week intervals.

Thereafter, apply once per month or whenever visibility exceeds 18-24 inches.

Cease fertilization by the end of October.

We offer a convenient Fertilization Service, which completely removes the burden and nuisance of fertilizing your lake. Our trained technicians will visit your pond, at prescribed intervals, carefully measuring and recording water visibility and applying the proper dosage of fertilizer. Our visits are conveniently recorded on a small sign, situated on the pond bank. In addition, we regularly check and log total water alkalinity as well as keep an eye out for potentially problematic vegetation.

If you elect to fertilize on your own, we can supply you with a season’s worth of material, prior to the scheduled start of the season. SportMAX® comes conveniently packaged in heavy duty, water-resistent plastic bags; ideally, it may be stored in a barn or equipment shed sufficient to keep the direct elements away.

SportMAX® is easy to use; proper application involves simply pouring the material directly from the bag into the open water — no mixing… no mess!

Recommended application rates for SportMAX® range from 4 to 8 pounds per acre. Particularly in the early season, the higher rate is often necessary to stimulate a plankton bloom. Generally by the middle part of the season, the lower rate is adequate.

RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Food chain of a typical fertilized pond.

SportMAX® Water Soluble Pond Fertilizer can be poured directly into the prop wash of a small motor. A well fertilized pond should

FERT - Southeastern Pond Management

SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING

Southeastern Pond Management

Supplemental Feeding

Feeding bluegill pellet food is a proven management practice used to increase the number of “quality” and “trophy” size bluegill in ponds. Feeding produces unusually large and healthy bluegill and increases their reproductive potential. In addition, feeding concentrates fish for improved catch rates and provides entertainment from watching the fish eat. Because of the excellent results we have seen, we strongly recommend you begin an intensive feeding program in your lake after the bluegill are stocked.

Feed should be applied from at least 1 feeding stations at a rate of 5-10 lbs per day from March through October. Feed should be distributed in at least 3 short feeding periods: 7:00 (morning), 1:00 (afternoon), and 7:00 (evening). The correct feed type is a floating catfish fingerling pellet. This type of feed is readily available at any local feed store.

We market Sweeney and Texas Hunter automated game and fish feeders. Our directional feeders are offered in two sizes ( 75 pound capacity and 225 pound capacity). They are powered by rechargeable 12-volt batteries and most models come equipped with a solar charger. Both brands of directional feeders may be conveniently mounted on the bank or on piers. They can be programmed to broadcast fish food up to 24 times per day.

SPRING 2018 COST: $ 1,900.00*

* This price does not include delivery

Current Status: Awaiting Owner Approval

Approved Declined Done

Date Approved: __________

Date Done: __________ MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Stock 1 load (~10,000) adult threadfin shad

LEVEL 2

THREADFIN SHAD

Southeastern Pond Management

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Current Status: Awaiting Owner Approval

FALL 2017

COST: $ 4,480.00*

* This price does not include delivery

Approved Declined Done

Date Approved: __________

Date Done: __________

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Stock 16,000 fingerling coppernose bluegill

BLUEGILL FINGERLINGS

LEVEL 1

FALL 2017

Current Status: Awaiting Owner Approval

Approved Declined Done

Date Approved: __________

Date Done: __________

FATHEAD MINNOWS

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Stock 16,000 fathead minnows

COST: $ 1,280.00*

* This price does not include delivery

LEVEL 1

SUMMER 2017 COST: $300.00-$600.00*

* price depends on volume of water in the pond at the time of treatment. Current Status: Awaiting Owner Approval

Approved Declined Done

Date Approved: __________

Date Done: __________

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Apply rotenone to pond basin

LEVEL 1

ROTENONE TREATMENT

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMER 2018 COST: $ 800.00*

* This price does not include

delivery Current Status: Awaiting Owner Approval

Approved Declined Done

Date Approved: __________

Date Done: __________ MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Stock 400 F1 largemouth bass fingerlings

LMB FINGERLINGS

LEVEL 1

SUMMER 2019 COST: $ 750.00*

* This price includes comprehensive written Management Report. An additional mileage

fee will be added.

Current Status: Awaiting Owner Approval

Approved Declined Done

Date Approved: __________

Date Done: __________

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Annual electrofishing evaluation

ANNUAL EVALUATION

LEVEL 2

SPRING 2018 COST: $ 950.00*

* This price includes a directional fish feed-er, solar charger, rechargeable battery, as-

sembly and installation.

Current Status: Awaiting Owner Approval

Approved Declined Done

Date Approved: __________

MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: Install 1 directional fish feeder

SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING

LEVEL 2