Small pond mixed bag...

[buzzbaiter]

Originally Posted by icebadger

hey man great report,the bass in the last photo has a big head and skinny body thats common with bass that are competing for food.did you see different types of forage there not just sunnies or minnows ,but water newts,crayfish and aquatic insects.if there is too many fish in the same weight and size class that will affect the growth rate of the fish.looks like you did well,god bless and tight lines

This square shaped public pond is a small, 5 acre one with little surface weeds but some just below. Water is a bit turbid due to a few introduced carp. Funny thing is its the only place in NJ where I've caught three bass 22" or bigger including a 24", 6.5 lber. Different fish too since photos showed different body markings. Last 5 or 6 years though its been fewer and skinnier bass. Crappie(biggest about 10") and Yellow perch(biggest about 11") are below avg size too. Biggest 'seeds and 'gills run about 8". It does get bank fished a ton(no boats allowed) so maybe largest fish have been culled out. The bank guys are serious regulars and there for 8-10 hrs. No kidding. I'll leave, go elsewhere,drive by hrs later and the same cars are there. 25 fish limits on panfish x 3-5 guys x every weekend = who knows how many are being taken out.