Talk Angling fishing chat and tackle advice - View Single Post

Stu · 17th February 2007, 07:48 AM

Simon,
As for growth rates this will largely depend on water quality and temperature (optimum is 20 to 30c), stocking density and food quality. However as a rule of thumb normal growth rates are C1 fish (one summer of growth) up to 1/2oz, C2 fish (2 summers) 1/2lb to 3/4lb and C3 fish 2lb to 5lb. Faster growth rates are achievable with perfect/artificial conditions but these are the norm.

There will obviously be casualties on the way especially with the fingerlings in year 1. After that 10 to 20% loss is around the norm.

Given that you will need multiple pools for growing on the different year classes and a stack of time, unless you simply allow nature to take its course with mature fish, you may want to seriously think whether the cost of breeding and growing on is worthwhile.

I would suggest your best option is to avoid the breeeding route and have one stock pond and buy C2 fish and let them grow on for a year before transferring them into your fishery ponds. C2 fish will be cheaper than fishery ready C3+ fish, will be ready for transfer in one year, yet will not have the capital costs of requiring multiple breeding and stock ponds.

Cheers,
Stu

17th February 2007, 07:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
Stu Registered Club Member Trusted Angler Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Alvechurch, Worcs - Midlands Posts: 64	Simon, As for growth rates this will largely depend on water quality and temperature (optimum is 20 to 30c), stocking density and food quality. However as a rule of thumb normal growth rates are C1 fish (one summer of growth) up to 1/2oz, C2 fish (2 summers) 1/2lb to 3/4lb and C3 fish 2lb to 5lb. Faster growth rates are achievable with perfect/artificial conditions but these are the norm. There will obviously be casualties on the way especially with the fingerlings in year 1. After that 10 to 20% loss is around the norm. Given that you will need multiple pools for growing on the different year classes and a stack of time, unless you simply allow nature to take its course with mature fish, you may want to seriously think whether the cost of breeding and growing on is worthwhile. I would suggest your best option is to avoid the breeeding route and have one stock pond and buy C2 fish and let them grow on for a year before transferring them into your fishery ponds. C2 fish will be cheaper than fishery ready C3+ fish, will be ready for transfer in one year, yet will not have the capital costs of requiring multiple breeding and stock ponds. Cheers, Stu __________________ A Southerner, lost in the Midlands.