(06-09-2025, 01:11 PM)wiperhunter2 Wrote: Do you think some of the critters that ate those fish might have been racoons? They love fish.
Come to think of it, last year a racoon raced up a tree in the woods. Most of the dead panfish and bass on the shore were gone the next morning leaving a few spines and gill plates. I still wonder what dragged or flew with a 7 lb carp in its jaws or beak to place it way up on shore. Most likely a racoon.
About 10 years ago one real estate company was given a permit to drain a small lake near me, killing thousands of fish the winter following a 3/4 drawdown. No idea why they were allowed to drain it or for the reason they needed to. The land was never developed. So much for fish limits and protection! Money talks
.At least the fishery came back and now there are quality crappie, sunfish and perch, though the bass I've caught have been less than 3 lbs.
Question: Is it possible to put too many fish in the pond? I've replaced at least 30 fish and lean toward only adding smaller fish. I'm not sure what they eat and wouldn't want them fighting for food to stay alive. Definitely no large bass. Still not sure whether the grass carp should be added. I don't seriously fish to catch fish in the pond but mostly to try out some of my creations. Soon enough the sunfish will be crowding around the dock to snap up bread balls along with 4 painted turtles.