Pellet Training Bluegill

[Schroeder]

For the three years I've owned my pond I have been culling the huge flathead cats to increase the bluegill and bass population. Two years ago I added several hundred 4 to 6 inch readear and BG to my 2 1/2 acre pond. They are increasing in numbers dramatically, and I'm catching some larger bass. The catfish have quit taking pellets. I think most of the large ones are gone. I have been feeding gamefish pellets but I can't get the brim excited about them. I'm not sure if it has to do with the fact many are now on nests. Occassionally a few will take the pellets, but most either float to the end of the pond, or sink. I know its not good to have a lot of uneaten pellets.

Do you all have any suggestions as to how I train them to accept my offering?

Bruce: I meant for this to be in the Forum but can't figure out how to move it.

[Keith Owen]

Schroeder,

David has given good advice on using an automatic/timed feeder. If a fish feeder is a little pricey for you, an inexpensive deer feeder can be used as well. I would recommend one of the "bucket" type with the daylight and dark timer built in. I have seen them at Wal-mart on sale for 30 bucks or so.

If you are having trouble with your floating feed running all over the pond, try feeding in a hoola-hoop. Just tie a rope on it and anchor the other end to your dock. It should float fine. Put out your feed in it and the pellets will stay concentrated in one spot.

Good luck with the pond managment, it's a ton of fun.

OkKeith

[david a. crenshaw jr.]

hello bruce this in redcedar in my ponds stocked with bass and bluegill i used a feeder with a timer and fed twice a day morning and evening starting with small amount at each feeding the bluegill began to take to it and increased amount and the bluegill were all over the feed i used floating catfish feed in your case they should do the same hope this in helpfull