Stocking Small Fish in a Pond Using Weight-Based Counting
Whether for recreational fishing, conservation, or aquaculture fish stocking has been a process refined over many years. When dealing with very small fish, such as fingerlings or fry, it’s impractical to count each fish individually. Instead, fisheries professionals use a method that involves weighing the fish along with water in a bucket, then subtracting the water weight to determine the fish’s total mass. From there, they can estimate the number of fish being stocked. This approach is efficient, accurate, and minimizes stress on the fish.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how fish stocking is performed using this weight-based counting method:
- Efficiency – Weighing fish is much faster than counting them one by one.
- Accuracy – Using average weights ensures a reliable estimate of fish numbers.
- Fish Health – Minimizing handling reduces stress and potential injuries.
Using this method requires a high-quality waterproof scale with a hook, bucket of known weight 3 to 5 gallon.
Temperature and pH levels are monitored, for acclimation of the fish to their new environment. However, sometimes, expediting fish into the pond is less stressful than a long tedious acclimation process.
Dynamite Comes in Small Packages
When viewing small fingerlings for stocking, it is sometimes difficult to believe that there are that many fish in a small space. Forage species are sometimes ¾ inch. While there may be some fish that don’t survive travel and stocking, the object of a stocking is to stock a population that will survive and reproduce in a short period of time. Bluegill typically spawn at three inches and spawn throughout the late spring and summer.
Estimating the Number of Fish
Since it’s unrealistic to count every small fish by hand, the estimated number is determined based on their average weight. Fisheries often conduct sample weighings beforehand to establish the average weight per fish.at the hatchery to depend on for efficiency at stocking locations
Using this method, fisheries can quickly and accurately determine stocking numbers without handling each fish individually, reducing stress and improving survival rates.
Fish hatcheries and Louisiana Pond Management always add a few extra (lagniappe) to value and to achieve results.
Taring the Bucket with Water
Since small fish are stocked with water to keep them healthy during transport, it’s essential to account for the weight of the water separately from the fish. The process begins with:
- Filling the bucket with a measured amount of water (without fish).
- Weighing the bucket with just the water on the scale.
- Recording this “tare weight” (weight of the bucket and water alone).
This step ensures that the final weight calculation only includes the fish.
Adding the Fish and Determining Their Weight
Once the tare weight is recorded:
- Small fish are gently added to the bucket of water. Generally a count of 100 to 200 fish.
- The full bucket (water + fish) is placed back on the scale.
- The total weight is recorded.
To determine the weight of the fish alone, subtract the tare weight (bucket + water) from the total weight (bucket + water + fish).
Example Calculation
- Tare weight (bucket + water) = 10 lbs
- Total weight (bucket + water + fish) = 12 lbs
- Fish weight = 13.5 lbs – 10 lbs = 2 lbs
- Fingerlings that are 250/lb would take 500 to fill a quart jar!
Contact Louisiana Pond Management today for scheduling stocking in your pond or lake. 225 308 4145
