Sampling the fish population

Sampling allows you to monitor the fish population

Balance in the fish population of a pond is extremely important to fishing enjoyment. The balance can be determined by sampling. The easiest and most often used method of sampling is simply fishing. Have some way to record the size and type of fish caught. We suggest keeping a list in an old mailbox mounted near the walkway to the pond. When leaving, quickly record the following: number of people fishing, time fished, number of each type of fish caught, size of each type of fish caught, and miscellaneous notes.

When we sample a fish population, we use quadrant seine sampling in the spring, cast net sampling during the summer, and angling during the fall. Over time we can determine whether the fish population is balanced or needs adjustments. We can also monitor the fish health during our sampling.

During quadrant seine sampling we use a small mesh seine net to sample small fish near the edge of the pond to determine which species are reproducing. One person holds one of the seine poles on the shoreline. The other person walks the other end of the seine straight out towards the center of the pond about 20 feet and then walks to the shoreline keeping the seine pulled out and the bottom of the seine on the pond bottom. This method won't catch any large fish. They will be able to escape. But, we will catch young-of-the-year fish who have recently hatched and are living near the edge. We record the number of each species of fish caught. This can give us an indication of the reproductive success of each species.

We catch larger fish using a cast (throw) net and angling. When sampling using angling, we simply go fishing. We use various baits and fish throughout the pond. We check the fish for general health, parasites, sores and fatness. We also record the size and the species of fish we catch. Over time we can get a reasonably good idea of the population dynamics. You should be able to monitor the fish population if you are observant and allow the pond to be fished regularly and record the results.