STARTED 2020 - ONGOING
Since beginning work with this client in 2020, we’ve focused on turning a balanced 22-acre pond into a thriving trophy bass fishery, built on science-backed strategies and a commitment to sustainable growth. The client’s goal was to develop a healthy, high-performance bass population that could offer a trophy fishing experience. With that vision in mind, we’ve worked diligently to create an environment that supports exceptional bass growth.
We began by conducting an electrofishing survey to assess the pond’s initial health and baseline fishery conditions, as we recommend with all ponds that we manage. Using this data, we developed a comprehensive strategy to support the growth of bass, incorporating multiple science-driven techniques to ensure long-term success.
Our habitat planning has focused on improving bluegill survivability—ensuring a steady food supply for bass—and creating staging areas that promote bass growth and healthy population dynamics. Regular water quality monitoring allows us to keep a close eye on potential issues like cyanobacteria, addressing them before they affect the fishery. The use of phosphorous binders has helped us manage the nutrient balance and prevent these blooms. We also use a variety of vegetation management tools to maintain the balance of aquatic plants, ensuring that vegetation does not overwhelm the pond, while also enhancing the pond’s aesthetic appeal.
The results so far have been outstanding. In just a few years, the growth rate of bass has accelerated rapidly, as demonstrated in our recent electrofishing surveys. Bass relative weight has increased from the 90% seen in our initial survey to over 110% in the most recent survey, reflecting a significant improvement in both size and overall health of the fish.
Rather than “fixing” an imbalanced fishery, our approach has been to enhance the pond’s existing health and unlock its potential as a premier trophy bass pond. With habitat and fish stocking plans tailored to support the current bass population, the pond is well on its way to becoming a top-tier fishery.
Looking ahead, our work continues. We plan to expand stocking efforts and increase bass harvesting rates to promote even faster growth. By continuing to fine-tune water quality, vegetation, and habitat, we are confident this fishery will continue to exceed the client’s expectations and provide a top-notch angling experience for the client and their family for generations to come.
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