Are Bare Hybrid Bass Right For Your Pond?

Hybrid striped bass is a cross between white bass and striped bass. This is a fast growing, tough fighting fish that can make a nice addition to your pond. Hybrid liners are suitable for ponds because they are more resistant to extreme temperatures and low dissolved oxygen. They can be distinguished from a striped bass by noticing the broken lines, rather than solid ones, that run down the side of the body. These bass have an aggressive appetite and will hit top water lures as well as jigs, spinners, and soft plastics, offering anglers a variety of lure options. They are fun to catch and beneficial for your pond.

THE BIOLOGY OF THE STRIPER

Known for their fighting ability, these fast growers have the ability to reach 12 inches in the first year of life, can easily reach weights of up to 6 pounds in three years, and will live 5-7 years. Stripers are considered a smaller predator than largemouth bass due to their smaller mouth size, so don’t believe the myth that they will eat all the other fish in your pond.

WHY STRIPERS ARE GREAT FOR SMALL PONDS

Stripers are ideal for ponds less than 1 acre because they do not need a food chain like largemouth bass. They can thrive on granulated fish feed, however to grow quickly they must be fed 45 percent or more protein. They are also an excellent species for fly fishermen looking for a challenging fish in a small pond.

WHY STRIPERS ARE GREAT FOR LAKES

Adding stingrays to a lake is a great way to add additional sport fish without disrupting the food chain. Additionally, hybrid liners are known to feed on crappie, which can make them an excellent tool for keeping populations in balance without the need to constantly harvest your fish. Stripers are an open water predator and they feed on juvenile crappies as they move into open water shortly after spawning. They can be stocked at a rate of 200 per acre and are an excellent addition to a variety of game fish to your pond. Hybrid liners will not reproduce properly so it is important to restock them as they are harvested.

Thinking of restocking or restocking your pond? Consider including some hybrid liners. You will not have to worry about overcrowding and you will have a fish that will quickly grow to a catchable size.

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