transferring bass from one dam to another

[EmjaySmit]

Where riprap is also correct is in culling, but be carefull as not every dam has the same culling method taking into account the biomass, structure etc. With forrage being the most important. We noticed it was more effective leaving new brood stock and culling 600-900g fish the season after. Size of the water isnt too important as wee have 2 ponds maybe smaller than a rugby field that is producing crazy quality. Kurper 3+kg and some bass in the 4-7kg size range. Our next step is to start pumping the dams regularly with some freshwater prawns as its high in protein and quality fats. You could simply add a few very good quality fish to add some good genes and new blood and start culling the other dam. Also always add more forrage than predators. Just not things like carp as they could polish most of the plant life and upset a good balance.

[Riprap]

Emjay, morning, which species of freshwater prawn?

[EmjaySmit]

Emjay, morning, which species of freshwater prawn?

hey bud, not sure, we catch them in the komati river...you get some in Drie Koppies too...we have caught some monsters on them there

[Riprap]

Are you sure they are not the Aussie Marron crayfish? A project in Swaziland went wrong and these things have invaded the area! At Mteri you catch bass with these things feelers still sticking out the gullet.

Have a look at this: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Du%20Preez%20%26%20Smit_Research%20Letter.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.sajs.co.za/sites/default/fil ... Letter.pdf</a><!-- m -->

[Lugnut]

I was working in Moz in the late 90's and used to travel through Swaziland quite a bit. I stopped in at the crayfish farm and met the manager. These crayfish are serious freaks. The spawn were escaping the tanks through the tiniest openings. Some would get stuck in the valves and grow so big in the gate valves that you would have to take the valve apart to get them out. I remember wondering how long it would be before these things exploded in the wild. Seems it is well on the way. They are very good eating by the way.

Are you sure they are not the Aussie Marron crayfish? A project in Swaziland went wrong and these things have invaded the area! At Mteri you catch bass with these things feelers still sticking out the gullet.

Have a look at this: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Du%20Preez%20%26%20Smit_Research%20Letter.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.sajs.co.za/sites/default/fil ... Letter.pdf</a><!-- m -->