A private pond should be managed so all the ecosystems maintain a natural balance. An electrofish survey lets the owner know the status of the fish in the pond as to their health and number.
The survey boat has a boom that trails cables in the water which shock the fish in the general area for about 30 minutes.
Shocked fish float to the surface, allowing a visual check of fish varieties as well as the percentage of baitfish to predators. Larger fish are collected for measuring.
The balance of baitfish to bass was nominal and the weight ratio of the bass were .91, or about 9% under weight. The absence of large bass was noted and that may need to be addressed.
A variety of panfish make up the baitfish. In our ponds these include redear sunfish, bluegill, black crappie and some perch.
The crappie in the smaller pond are large enough to compete with the bass for a meal.
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