FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES

We use a management plan which follows a holistic ecological approach to your fishery that takes into account all factors that will affect your fish; from lake size, to water quality , to predator/prey interactions. Knowing what is going on with your fishery is the first step towards improving it.

The benefits of managing your lake’s health for fish include:

Increased populations of larger trophy fish or a balanced fishery with a diverse range of sizes

Reductions in exotic fish species through removal and competition for habitat from other fish and wildlife

Improved minnow and sunfish populations that help reduce mosquito and midge fly larvae

Healthy lakes add value to surrounding real estate

More ways for residents to enjoy the lake or pond

Assess Current Conditions for Fish

Fisheries Lake Assessment

Examine and evaluate the water and surrounding areas and record symptoms

Fish Stocking

Fish Feeding Program

High-quality automatic fish feeders

Fish feeder installation and maintenance

Scheduled feed fill

Sport Fish – are there enough fish in the pond?

In addition to being necessary to a balanced ecosystem, catching fish is one of the top recreational activities for both native Floridians and tourists. Aquatic Systems can stock your pond or lake with a wide variety of hardy native freshwater fish including these popular species:

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides is a member of the sunfish family and Florida’s state freshwater fish. This fish is a predator that is often used for stocking ponds to maintain a healthy fish community. They reproduce and prey effectively in warm, vegetated areas of lakes. When young, largemouth bass prey on microscopic animals but quickly switch to a diet of fish and crayfish. These fish are a favorite of sport fisherman everywhere!

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus also belongs to the sunfish family. Bluegills prefer the shallow, warm, vegetated areas of lakes and are often stocked to provide food for largemouth bass. They reproduce often so it is important to keep sufficient numbers of bass to keep them in check. Young bluegills eat microscopic animals, while adults prey on insects, fish eggs, small crayfish, and occasionally small fish. They are also considered game fish for anglers.

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus, a member of the larger Catfish family, they grow very well in ponds and rarely cause problems unless overstocked. They will not reproduce in ponds unless containers are provided for them to spawn in. It is not recommended that containers be provided as that can cause an overpopulation of catfish. This is the catfish found most often in the seafood section of the grocery store.

Triploid Grass Carp – Nature’s aquatic weed control!

Many aquatic weeds including hydrilla cause serious problems in water systems throughout Florida. Triploid Grass Carp are a safe and effective biological method that is often used in conjunction with other methods to bring about both short and long term control of weeds.

Triploid Grass Carp, also known as the White Amur, are a fish native to Asia that we introduce into ponds for aquatic weed control. The difference between these, and the grass carp that are a problem throughout the US, is that these have been genetically altered to have an extra set of chromosomes at hatcheries. This makes them sterile, ensuring that their populations do not increase.

Advantages of Triploid Grass Carp
for weed and algae control:

Longevity – They live an average of 5-9 years

Consistency – They never stop eating

Cost – Once established, the lake provides for all their needs

Effectiveness – They prefer some of the most unfavorable weeds (or the worst)

Unlike other control methods which are determined by the area of water, fish stocking for vegetation control is based on the amount of weeds present. Additionally, because a variety of factors can influence the feeding rate of grass carp, your lake will be evaluated by our specialists to determine the best stocking rate.

Florida requires a permit for use or possession of grass carp, and only certified triploid grass carp can be used for aquatic weed management. Our team has the experience you need to help with obtaining all necessary permits.