Clear pond water doesn't mean good pond water

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Dr. Michael Masser, Extension fisheries specialist, shares a view of some of the weed samples brought to the April 6 field day by pond owners. Masser detailed the various aspects of a healthy pond that's ideal for fish. -- Staff photo by Taylor

April 14, 2005 - For many years, most people have thought that a "clear" pond was a "good" pond, but Dr. Michael Masser, Texas A&M University (TAMU) professor and Extension fisheries specialist, said that's not exactly true.

Speaking to producers and pond owners at Prairie View A&M for the 2005 pond management field day on April 6, Masser explained why a "green pond is more productive ... as bad as we hate to look at it!"

Relating that the food chain within the pond "starts with a plant," Masser noted that increasing the growth of microscopic plants (phytoplankton) can greatly increase the size and rate of fish growth. If pond owners seem to have a food shortage for their fish, Masser suggested fertilizing the pond to increase the "good" growth which feeds the "good" members of the food chain.

One thing emphasized during the field day was that once the pond owner commits to using a fertilizer in the pond, a commitment must be made for the long-term program, or the pond can end up worse than when the process was started.

While few fish eat rooted plants or algae, insects, worms, snails, grass carp, turtles and ducks do, and many of them end up being food for the next group up the food ladder. Masser said when it comes to decaying matter, you'll find insects, worms, crustaceans, minnows, goldfish and shad enjoying the feast.

Before committing to improvement measures for the pond, several steps should be followed. First, determine the pond's present condition. If you can't see an object at least eight inches below the surface of the water, your pond is too muddy and needs clearing. The pH and alkalinity need to be checked, and your county Extension agent can assist you with that and all other steps that need to be taken, Masser pointed out.

The next thing is checking out what aquatic weeds are present, if any, because some weeds take up the fertilizer meant to aid the production of phytoplankton. Obviously, the kind and size of desirable fish is important, and "undesirable" fish, such as bullhead catfish, carp or gar, should be removed, first.

If the pond is connected to a stream or creek, fertilization won't do a lot of good, as it will continuously be removed by the flow of water through the pond. Also, if catfish are fed in the pond, fetilizer is usually not needed.

Once the decision to fertilize the pond is made, choices are inorganic fertilizers (recommended for sport fishing ponds), and these fertilizers come in granular and liquid forms. The granular is higher in nitrogen and phosphorus, but the liquid works just as well.

The pond's water temperature needs to be at least 65 degrees before the fertilization process begins. The fertilizer needs to dissolve in the top two feet of water to reach the phytoplankton, which likes sunlight.

Masser also noted it is important to keep records of the dates fertilizer is applied so you can determine what works best for your pond and choice of fish. Again, any problems can be addressed by the county's Extension agent.

If pond owners decide they want good-size bass in their ponds, for fishing purposes, Masser noted the size of the bass' prey must match the bass size.

"You've never seen a fish chew," laughed Masser, explaining that fish must be able to swallow their prey, whole. The size of the bass' mouth determines the proper size of its prey, and Masser suggested the pond be seined to check the various fish species and sizes. (His suggestion that you put your spouse in the "deep end" of the pond drew laughter from the crowd!)

When it comes to stocking a new or "renovated" pond, it was suggested that Stock Channel and/or Blue Catfish are good, and the rate of stocking would be 100 catfish and 1,000 fathead minnows per surface acre, if you don't plan to feed the catfish or plan to feed them, occasionally. If the catfish will be fed, daily, the same number of catfish (100 per surface acre) can be stocked without the minnows.

For muddy ponds larger than one surface acre, it was suggested to stock the same about as above. If an annual fertilization program is being used, the stocking rate can be doubled.

Finally, Masser suggested stocking 50 percent more than you plan to eat, to avoid over population of bass and catfish.