CURRENT EVENTS

• An experiment to determine the growth rates, aggressiveness, and sustainability of the Georgia Giant is ongoing. Check the link for the latest updates. A set of conclusions based on 18 months of data collection has been formulated. 

• Part II of this experiment  is underway with attempts to assess the growth rates of the Fx offspring in comparison to the F1 fish.  Three tiny 1 inch Fx fish were trapped and place in the micro-pond  on July 7, 2007. Those three fish were observed in Nov. and later in April '08 and were 9.5 inches, 9 inches, and 7.5 inches long respectively. Kind of brings into question the self-described "experts" who said repeatedly on a national pond forum that these fish would turn into stunted green sunfish...I'll take that growth any day in any sunfish anywhere.

  link

• An experiment on the F1 LMB and more specifically a simulation of the complete pond management approach on Meadowlark ranch for future ponds has been completed. Check LINK for postings on results. 

• An experiment on the high temperature mortality of HSB over three pounds has been completed. Check the LINK for postings on results. 

•  An experiment on the use of winter supplemental forage stocking (Rainbow trout, large shiners) to enhance growth rates of predator fish in southern ponds began in December of 2007. The results  are posted  but more data is needed.  Check for updates

• The second season of an experiment in over wintering cold intolerant fish is underway. Three large Pacu  (7,5, and 3 pounds) have been placed in the ponds along with some of their smaller friends for the '08 summer.. .see Grass carp & Pacu segment for details.

 2. June 11, 2008: The Predator for Pipeline Pond

The long awaited arrival of the predator to pipeline pond happened today. After much contemplation, I decided to go with 125 F1 LMB from Tyler Fish Farms.  I had considered a % of Florida, Native and F1, but based upon advice from experienced fisheries biologists and on the reasoning that the F1 LMB is the highest performing fish on Meadowlark Ranch, decided instead on 100% F1 LMB. Tyler Fish Farms was selected as the primary supplier (125 fish) because they have the very best genetics to be found anywhere in Texas. In addition, American Sport Fish provided 50 of their prized F1 LMB.  Looking forward with great anticipation to the growth and enjoyment of these prized fish.

3. June 21, 2008: Four in a row

Four spring full moons and four straight CNBG over 10 inches taken on each full moon. The 10 1/2  inch fish below was caught during an after dark feeding frenzy...poor quality  photo taken in complete darkness.

4. June 22, 2008: Personal Best Grass Carp.

This fish was taken on a 3 wt fly rod with a #10 Bh Prince nymph and weighed 20 pounds on the Boga grip. Great fight on light fly rod, but much tougher fight to get a picture alone and in the dark.