Invasive vs Stocked?

[TheOutdoorsman]

in more than one lake survey the IFW stated stocking bass into waters...

Keep in mind that the information from most of those lake surveys is old.  Yes, I know that bass used to be stocked...it was a mistake that many mistakes made long ago.  But I don't know of any state stocking program currently in place involving bass.

[MGK]

Keep in mind that the information from most of those lake surveys is old.  Yes, I know that bass used to be stocked...it was a mistake that many mistakes made long ago.  But I don't know of any state stocking program currently in place involving bass.

I don't think their is one

[TheOutdoorsman]

I don't think their is one

I would be pretty shocked if there was! 

[woodchip]

The State has stocked Bass in many ponds. I know of one which makes no sense to me was Mile pond in Falmouth ,when they built interstate 95 they filled in part of this pond and put in Bass .It is a small pond only a mile in circumference Only had Pickerel, Hornpout , Redfins,  Eels. Now Bass and no access.

[Cool Blue]

Smallmouth and largemouth bass were introduced in the late 1800's in Forbes Pond by fishery scientists working for the state of Maine and unauthorized individuals and/or organizations.
Was also established in Great Pond and Messalonskee Lakes (both in the Belgrade Lakes region) by state employees and unauthorized individuals.
Over half of the population was introduced before 1954. I think back in the days state workers, so called scientist or biologist were not happy with the number of fish species in maine waters. They introduced more species than we think in hopes of making a fishery with a wide range of things to catch. They must of been bored back then

[TightLinesMaine]

The State has stocked Bass in many ponds. I know of one which makes no sense to me was Mile pond in Falmouth ,when they built interstate 95 they filled in part of this pond and put in Bass .It is a small pond only a mile in circumference Only had Pickerel, Hornpout , Redfins,  Eels. Now Bass and no access.

is that that small small pond right next to rt 26/100?

[woodchip]

No over on the interstate rte.295

[TightLinesMaine]

No over on the interstate rte.295

oh closer to the casco bay right?, thought that might be it because there is bass in there and its in falmouth..

guess falmouth has 2 small bass ponds ;o

[woodchip]

They are every where.  Wish that was true with Walleyes It would be nice if they were around they are good eating and they grow big. If you want them we have to travel .

[GasBlaster]

The State has stocked Bass in many ponds. I know of one which makes no sense to me was Mile pond in Falmouth ,when they built interstate 95 they filled in part of this pond and put in Bass .It is a small pond only a mile in circumference Only had Pickerel, Hornpout , Redfins,  Eels. Now Bass and no access.

.  Crappie are in there to . Watch out for a hobos.
 

[MGK]

They are every where.  Wish that was true with Walleyes It would be nice if they were around they are good eating and they grow big. If you want them we have to travel .

Yes, lets add another invasive species being moved around to the list.  I know their are very few around and lets keep it that way.

[NoMe]

Yes, lets add another invasive species being moved around to the list.  I know their are very few around and lets keep it that way.

Yea everyone's on this walleye trip lately, television, cabelas, etc. Walleye is today what big mouth bass was in the 80's, I'm assuming it is popular cause they are plentiful and fun/easy to catch. It has spines on its' dorsal fin though... in my book that qualifies it as a junk fish. Don't want to see them up here either... got our hands full with the muskie and little mouth bass.

[GasBlaster]

Yea everyone's on this walleye trip lately, television, cabelas, etc. Walleye is today what big mouth bass was in the 80's, I'm assuming it is popular cause they are plentiful and fun/easy to catch. It has spines on its' dorsal fin though... in my book that qualifies it as a junk fish. Don't want to see them up here either... got our hands full with the muskie and little mouth bass.

A musky has spines on its dorsal fin ?

[woodchip]

How long have Crappies been in Mile pond?  If you like to eat fish (brain food) They say Walleyes are better eating than Haddock. Cod, Pollack.

[TheOutdoorsman]

How long have Crappies been in Mile pond?  If you like to eat fish (brain food) They say Walleyes are better eating than Haddock. Cod, Pollack.

I've eaten quite a few walleye.  They are good, but they aren't a saltwater fish and therefore have a different flavor than the groundfish.  It's all a matter of personal preference.  They are not oily, and they are white-fleshed, mild, and flaky.  Pretty similar to yellow perch in terms of flavor.

[TheOutdoorsman]

I'll bet walleyes would be wormy from Maine waters, too.  Sort of life the yellow perch...wormy in Maine where they are considered "trash" and get thrown on the ice.  Highly sought after elsewhere, in places where they aren't wormy.  Therefore, if people decided they wanted walleyes and introduced them, I'll bet after a couple of decades, people would be throwing them on the ice and calling them trash due to the worms.

[MadSledder]

I know the state kills all walleye they catch each year in trapnets during walleye spawn in Belgrades.  I wish they wouldn't because most of the ones they catch are big 5-8 lbs, but can understand their reasoning.  They don't kill pike, but do kill walleye...... makes sense?

Too late to get rid of pike entirely- they have spread to far. The only thing that can be done is hope they dont get introduced to any new drainages. They will make their way all around the current drainages on their own, over time.

Right now, since walleye are only know to be in that one spot, without evidence that they are reproducing, They have a chance to kill em all before they become the next pike. One thing to note, is both species have very high reproductive rates, so once they start to reproduce and spread, its too late.

[NoMe]

A musky has spines on its dorsal fin ?

No. And good for you for asking, many forum members (including yourself) don't know much about the species and the only way for you guys to learn is to ask questions. Keep them coming and remember... there are no stupid questions.

[GasBlaster]

Some states realize how valuable a good bass fishery can be .  Can you imagine the type of bass fishing we could have if the state started a stocking program ?

 look at these numbers !!!
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/statewide_stocking/flmb.htm

[TheOutdoorsman]

I just threw up a little.

[rude the dude]

this is what I like to do with them bass. 

[Phoenix]

Might as well be a stocking program for bass, can only keep one during ice fishing season in most of the ponds I fish. They're too tasty to eat just one

[xphelanx]

is that that small small pond right next to rt 26/100?

@TightLines: I drove by a couple weeks ago when some kids were down there fishing it. I stopped while they were landing a good-sized bass, they said that's all that they've caught in there. Awful tempting seeing safe ice down there twice a day on my commute.

[TightLinesMaine]

@TightLines: I drove by a couple weeks ago when some kids were down there fishing it. I stopped while they were landing a good-sized bass, they said that's all that they've caught in there. Awful tempting seeing safe ice down there twice a day on my commute.

pmed you

[xphelanx]

pmed you

PMed you back

[BlackDogAlpha]

So, where are there still walleyes in Maine? I heard a rumor about Balch Pond but have yet to see one. Hard to catch, get to 9-10 pounds, and great to eat. I know there are some in the Merrimack and Vermont border. Any fish that can contribute to the almighty tourism dollar is ok by me. Also looking for bluegills.

[ptownrowdy]

Yes, lets add another invasive species being moved around to the list.  I know their are very few around and lets keep it that way.

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