how big stock bluegill

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How big should I expect my bluegills to get?

If you are doing things correctly, expect fingerling bluegill (1"-3"), post stocking, to be: 1yr=4.5"-6"; 2yr=6.5"-8"; 3yr 8"-8.9"; 4yr=8.7-9.4"; 5 yr. 9.5-10"; 6yr? These growth rates are for well-fed bluegill. Northern pond owners will see slightly slower growth rates, while in southern ponds, growth can be faster.

What is average size of an adult bluegill?

They are characterized by their deep, flattened bodies. They have a terminal mouth, ctenoid scales, and a lateral line that is arched upward anteriorly. The bluegill typically ranges in size from about four to 12 inches, and reaches a maximum size just over 16 inches. The largest bluegill ever caught was four pounds, 12 ounces in 1950.

How big can bluegill get?

How big can bluegill get? Bluegills can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and about 4 1⁄ 2 pounds (2.0 kg). While their color can vary from population to population, they typically have a very distinctive coloring, with deep blue and purple on the face and gill cover, dark olive-colored bands down the side, and a fiery orange to yellow belly.

What is the legal size for a bluegill?

The bluegill typically ranges in size from about four to 12 inches, and reaches a maximum size just over 16 inches. The largest bluegill ever caught was four pounds, 12 ounces in 1950. What is a good eating size bluegill?

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How big is a full grown bluegill?

between six and 10 inchesThe average adult bluegill can reach lengths between six and 10 inches. In terms of weight, most bluegill fall between one and two pounds. The record for the largest caught bluegill weighed a whopping four pounds and 12 ounces.

How big is a trophy bluegill?

In this area, bluegills are generally considered trophies if they are at least 10 inches long. Actually, bluegills that hit eight inches are big bruisers, and finding impoundments with sunfish this size makes it worthwhile to break out the ultralight gear.

How many bluegills are in a 1 acre pond?

Bass/Bluegill/Channel Catfish Pond Ranges of stocking rates (in numbers per acre): Bluegills-Unfertilized- 500. Bluegills-Fertilized or Naturally Fertile- 1,000.

How many fish should I stock in a 1 acre pond?

Up to 50 channel or blue catfish per acre can be stocked, he said. Up to 100 catfish can be added per acre with appropriate fertilization and feeding programs. Supplemental feed should be provided two to three times per week. Catfish can be added any time after bass are stocked.

What is a good size bluegill to keep?

Given all that information, the best advice is to keep fish greater than 6 or so inches but less than 8. Or in more general terms, keep the mid to large size bluegill but throw back the largest ones you catch. This is best for several reasons.

Is a 10 bluegill big?

They found that fish size increased on average a half-inch on maximum size and . 8 inch on mean size. That may not sound like much, but consider that a typical bluegill is six or seven inches, and a really large one is ten inches.

How old is a 3 inch bluegill?

Bluegills have a high reproductive rate. Let this be a guide for your success. If you are doing things correctly, expect fingerling bluegill (1"-3"), post stocking, to be: 1yr=4.5"-6"; 2yr=6.5"-8"; 3yr 8"-8.9"; 4yr=8.7-9.4"; 5 yr.

How long do bluegill live in a pond?

They usually reach six inches by age four and they usually live up to 6 years of age. Other factors can affect bluegill growth, such as number of bluegill in the lake or pond and the amount of food available, to name a few.

How do I grow a big bluegill in my pond?

To raise big bluegill, we want numerous small bass eradicating one to three-inch bluegill. Surviving adults will grow bigger and faster with less competition for feed. A few bass may reach 14 to 16-inches, but not many due to a limited food chain. If you catch a larger one, move it to your bass lake.

How often should you restock a pond?

The best practice for these species of fish is to restock the amount of fish harvested every season. If you harvest 100 catfish during the season, then next spring stock 100 6-8” catfish to replace them.

Should I put crappie in my pond?

If you already have crappie in a small lake or pond, or if you absolutely must stock crappie, there are some things you can do to improve your chances at successfully raising this species. The key to raising larger crappie is to increase the abundance of predators by overcrowding the pond with bass.

How many crappie Should I take out of my pond each year?

This can be good if you are managing for quality fishing. To maintain this balance release all 12 to 15 inch bass and harvest 10 to 12 inch crappie and 6 to 8 inch bluegill. Remove 20 pounds of bass per acre per year, 30 pounds of crappie per acre per year and 40 pounds of bluegill per acre per year.

How big is a bluegill?

Average Bluegill Size. The average adult bluegill can reach lengths between six and 10 inches. In terms of weight, most bluegill fall between one and two pounds. The record for the largest caught bluegill weighed a whopping four pounds and 12 ounces.

How long does it take for a bluegill to grow?

Because the average bluegill lives to be from 4 to 11 years of age, you will likely have a range of different sized bluegill in your pond over time.

What is the best food for bluegill?

These food sources include bugs, snails, worms, plankton, algae, larvae, fish eggs and small fish. One of the best nutritional decisions you can make for your bluegill is feed pellets, which you can easily dispense via an automatic fish feeder. Fish feed pellets come in small, nutrient-packed bites and can result in healthy, big bluegill.

How to keep bluegill healthy?

If you want a healthy, long-lasting bluegill population, you must take care of your lake or pond. Take steps to make your pond or lake a comfortable place for your fish. Bluegill love hiding and spawning among rocks, sand, deep weeds, shallow water and in beds of underwater gravel. Contact us for a lake manager in your area for advice on water ...

What animals can overrun a bluegill pond?

In addition to maintaining a clean, cared-for body of water, try implementing these bluegill pond management practices. Check the waterfowl: Although birds are beautiful to look at, herons, ducks, geese and other birds can multiply and quickly overrun your lake or pond, stealing food and nutrients from your fish.

How long does it take for a fish to spawn?

Spawning takes place when the water is warm, in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The process takes about one week. Keep catch records: Keeping catch records of all the fish in your lake or pond is the best way to stay abreast of the condition of your water and its inhabitants.

What color are bluegills?

Shades vary between grey, copper-orange, purple and dark teal.

How long should I feed my bluegill fish?

A handy guide is to feed all the feed the fish will consume in a period of 15 to 20 minutes and adjust the amount as the fish grow. I use a fish feeder to feed my own hybrid Bluegill pond and adjust the amount of feed as needed. Restocking.

Why is the bluegill bad?

The hybrid bluegill has been given a bad name because of its reproduction back to a green sunfish and its misuse. IN FACT, this fish performs magnificently in small ponds its don’t over populate like the common bluegill and its reproduction back to the green sunfish can be control by add bass.

What percentage of protein should bass be fed?

Better growth. Better growth and feed conversion can be obtained with a 36 percent protein feed although it costs a little more and is not always as available. Most feed stores can special order this feed.

Do you have to restock a hybrid bluegill pond?

Restocking. You must restock with hybrids as you take fish out to sustain a hybrid Bluegill pond. Pond owners should keep records of the number of hybrids removed and plan to restock the same number aver year. Bass must be keep small to restock.

Can you stock hybrids in a pond?

Do not stock hybrids in ponds containing other fish, and never stock them in combination with other bream species. Rule2. Do not stock hybrids in ponds over an acre. Ponds over an acre best used as a Bass and Bluegill pond.

Can you stock catfish in a small pond?

Small ponds (less than one acre) are limited to what fish species you can stock with fish. In the southern U.S., catfish and Hybrid Bluegill will do well in small ponds. Do not stock hybrids in ponds containing other fish, and never stock them in combination with other bream species.

Can you fish with bluegill in a small pond?

Ask any fish biologist and they will say if you stock the hybrid bluegill in a small pond with bass and no other bluegill and add a good feeding program it’s the best fish around. In fact the hybrid bluegill is only one of two fish species that can be stocked successfully in a small pond (less than one acre).

How big do bluegills get?

This flap is navy blue I coloration. Bluegill can grow upwards of 12 inches but most adults top out at under 7 inches in length.

How big is the world record bluegill?

The world record bluegill was more than 16 inches long weighing in at 4 pounds, 12 ounces (roughly 2.2 kg). This fish was caught in 1950. Even in the most productive of lakes, most bluegills will have a very hard time getting larger than 12 inches. Such fish would be considered rare and worth hanging on the wall.

What is a bream fish?

Bluegills are commonly called bream, but the term bream is a common name that refers to several members of the family Lepomis — to include redear sunfish and bluegills. European fishermen actually recognize bream as a completely different species from bluegills. This can cause a lot of confusion.

Why do bluegills erect their dorsal fins?

Bluegills erect their dorsal fins when under attack which is why most predatory fish and birds consume the bluegill head first. The only other real concern with bluegills as far as causing harm to people is the mercury levels in their flesh. Consuming heavily contaminated fish can lead to long-term health concerns.

What bait do bluegills use?

Worms, grasshoppers, minnows, and snails make the best bait. Household items like corn kernels, bread, and cheese work very well. PowerBait is a very effective bait. Some small lures can also be good. Bluegill prefer water 3-20 feet deep, especially when there is prominent cover like docks, logs, or vegetation available.

What do bluegills eat?

Some states allow bluegill to be used as bait for bass, catfish, and other big game fish. Young bluegill feed mostly on microscopic creatures called zooplankton. They will also eat tiny invertebrates. Adult bluegills swim in small schools or even solo. Small bluegills form schools 10-30 fish large.

How many eggs can a bluegill lay?

Male bluegills during the breeding season are the most colorful variation of bluegill. Females can lay up 60,000 eggs. Bluegills create beds (nests) in very shallow water and defend them aggressively against all threats. Bluegills are a major food source for largemouth bass.

When do bluegill spawn?

Bluegill and redear sunfish fingerlings stocked in the fall and winter will spawn the next spring. Stock largemouth bass fingerlings in the spring to coincide with the first bream spawn. They feed on the small bream, preventing an overpopulation of bream.

How many catfish per acre?

If you want channel catfish in your pond, stock at 50 catfish per acre. Stock five triploid grass carp per acre to avoid weed problems. For lakes larger than 10 acres that have much open water, stock three grass carp per acre.

What is the best combination for a bass pond?

For sustained fishing quality, the basic largemouth bass-bluegill combination is the best starting point, and several additional species can be added.

What do bluegill eat?

Bluegill eat invertebrates, as well as (very) small fish, and, especially young bluegill (a crucial time in the fish’s development if you’re trying to grow trophies), plankton. Threadfin and gizzard shad, golden shiners, and tilapia, all consume invertebrates and plankton. And, all of the aforementioned species will also readily consume floating ...

What is the difference between bluegill and largemouth bass?

Largemouth bass are named for the size of their food intake valve – they have a big maw, and they’ll stuff it with anything that will fit in it. Bluegill, on the other hand, have one of the smallest mouths of any freshwater fish, and this small mouth size limits what they can eat, even larger specimens.

Is it easier to control largemouth or bluegill?

In either case, overpopulated largemouth are as much easier to get under control than overpopulated bluegill, as roses are than kudzu. If you’ve never tried to get a stunted-bluegill pond headed in the right direction, it’s roughly akin to trying to dam the Pacific Ocean with a tongue depressor.

Is overpopulated bass a priority?

And the ironic thing about it all is that overpopulated bass are the number one priority in the management of any pond geared toward trophy ‘gills – a high density of bass is even more important than a feeding program to achieving master-angler bluegill.

Is bluegill a good fish for kids?

“They’re a great kids’ fish.” “They’re easy to catch.” “They’re a good management option for a pond too small to manage for trophy bass.” If you’re a serious bluegill angler, chances are you’ve heard someone denigra te your favorite fish. Chances are also good that you’ve come across conflicting advice on how to grow those monster ‘gills. Bluegill are the Rodney Dangerfield of freshwater angling – these days, even the once-reviled common carp gets more press.

Do gravel beds help bluegill spawn?

Pond owners often ask if they should build spawning areas for their bluegill. The answer is, if your goal is big bass, absolutely – gravel beds will do the same thing fish hides will, i.e. increase the spawning success of your bluegill.

Can you stock forage for bass?

Thin out the small bass, they’ll tell you, or you’ll never have any big ones. You can stock forage all day but if you don’t thin out the skinny runts they’ll devour all that forage before it has a chance to spawn, or grow big enough to make a decent meal for a bigger bass. Population density is #1 in growing big fish.

How long before fertilization for fish?

And treat any submerged rooted vegetation with an appropriate approved aquatic herbicide before starting fertilization. Fertilization will ideally start 10-14 days before stocking juvenile fish for the first time, Sink said. This develops a strong food chain and increases the odds of establishing a good fish population.

When to stock ponds in Texas?

April 8, 2020. Springtime is the right time to begin the process of stocking new ponds with fish, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Todd Sink, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist, College Station, said many landowners believe simply adding fish to a pond will result in a healthy and sustainable fish population.

How many redear sunfish per acre?

If fertilizing, add 1,000 bluegill or 800 bluegill and 200 redear sunfish per acre. Redear can grow substantially larger than bluegill and they don’t compete for food, he said.

When to add sportfish to pond?

Adding bass and other sportfish. Sportfish should be added the next spring and early summer, Sink said. Bass fingerlings should be available to add by May or June, he said. Stocking catfish should be ready to add by July or August. Ponds should be stocked with one largemouth bass for every 10 sunfish stocked, he said.

What can be added to a pond to create a more productive environment for fish?

This provides the best environment for the fish and the pond’s food chain. Crushed agricultural limestone, hydrated lime, quicklime or slaked lime can be added to low-alkalinity or low pH ponds to create a more productive environment for fish and their food prior to stocking, he said. Hydrated lime, quicklime or slaked lime cannot be added ...

Is it necessary to stock bass?

Stocking more bass will never be necessary, unless there is a fish kill, because bass typically overpopulate in ponds, he said. “When fishing starts to decline in a pond, people think stocking more fish, especially bass, is the answer,” he said. “But you have to think of a pond like a bowl with a limited amount of food it can produce.

What is a Hybrid Bluegill?

A Hybrid Bluegill is a cross between a male bluegill and a green sunfish. Hybridization does occur naturally in the wild, but most Hybrid Bluegill are reared in the fish hatchery and pond stocking industry. They are also referred to as Hybrid Sunfish.

What is The Difference Between Bluegill and Hybrid Bluegill?

Physically, the Hybrid Bluegill is often larger and has less color variation than a regular Bluegill. Males, which are the most common are usually a matte green or shade of olive, brown, or smoke grey color.

How Do You Identify a Bluegill Hybrid?

To identify a Hybrid Bluegill with 100% accuracy, it would need to be inspected by a trained fisheries biologist or aquaculture specialist. However, you can commonly identify hybrid bluegill by looking for the following traits:

How Big Does a Hybrid Bluegill Get?

Due to their aggressive feeding habits, Hybrid Bluegill can reach up to 3 pounds in size. Larger specimens have been documented in managed environments such as a private pond or lake with the correct balance of predators and regular feed cycles.

Are Hybrid Bluegills Sterile?

No, Hybrid Bluegill are not completely sterile, but they do have a very low reproduction rate due to most individuals being male. Approximately 1:10 are females, which makes perpetual reproduction limited. In order to sustain populations of Hybrid Bluegill, restocking is typically required every 1-2 years.

How Do You Catch a Hybrid Bluegill?

Hybrid Bluegill are caught using the same methods as fishing for other sunfish-related species. Use light tackle line, small hooks, and live bait such as crickets or worms, or lures such as micro-grubs, jigs and soft baits.

Hybrid Bluegill Stocking

Hybrid Bluegill are the most popular stocked species of sunfish in North America. These fast-growing and aggressive fish provide angling opportunities and make a fine meal.