What is structure? Is it important? Do I have to buy the expensive stuff advertised online? These questions and more are quite common here at Henneke Fish Hatchery. The short answer is yes, structure is beneficial to your pond system…but it doesn’t have to break the bank. “Structure” is a term used to… Continue Reading
The Ins-and-Outs of Shocking Surveys
In some cases, ponds and lakes need a little extra care and attention before bringing home a forage fish package and eventually the sport fish of your dreams. This can involve an array of different management practices, such as water testing, vegetation control, lime or alum treatments, and today’s feature: electroshocking surveys! … Continue Reading
Harvesting 101
A key factor in ensuring your pond or lake continues to produce good quality fish is a consistent harvesting routine, a concept that is not usually common knowledge. Many people associate fish size with age; hence the “throw the small ones back so they can grow bigger” mentality. However, this is not the case! Fish… Continue Reading
Importance of Forage Fish in Ponds
So, you have a pond and a dream of reeling in an awesome trophy bass…now what? A lot goes into the creation of that pretty 10-pounder, believe it or not. Food quality and availability almost single-handedly dominates the outcome of the sport fish in a recreational pond, and it all starts with a select few… Continue Reading
Smallmouth vs. Largemouth Bass: What’s the Difference?
Smallmouth and largemouth bass appear remarkably similar. They’re the same shape and have similar colors. They also show up in similar environments. And yet, these two fish are considered separate species. That’s because despite their similarities, they feature some distinct differences. Read on to learn more: Largemouth bass are larger True to their name, largemouth… Continue Reading
The Most Common Types of Minnows
A small fish typically used as bait, minnows can be a wonderful addition to your pond. They have a high tolerance to virtually any kind of water quality, which is why they’re commonly found in streams, rivers, and lakes. However, there is more than just one type of minnows. There are several that can be… Continue Reading
Interesting Facts About Bluegill Sunfish
For many youngsters, the first fish they catch ends up being a Bluegill sunfish. These fish bite year round, are ubiquitous, and help kids get “hooked” on the sport of fishing. An Overview of Bluegill Sunfish As a freshwater fish, Bluegill sunfish are quite common all over North America in ponds, rivers and more. Measuring… Continue Reading
Why You Should Consider Minnows for Your Pond
Trivia time: what was the name of the charter boat that did a fictional “three-hour tour” that ended up getting shipwrecked and leading to comedy gold in the form of the 1960s TV comedy, Gilligan’s Island? If you guessed the “SS Minnow,” you’re right! For many people, that TV show was the first time they… Continue Reading
What is Electrofishing?
There are many different techniques that are used for the purpose of studying fish. One of these techniques is called electrofishing. As you might guess by looking at its name, electrofishing involves using electricity in order to catch fish so that they can be studied by biologists and those who work in fisheries across the… Continue Reading
What is Fish Stocking?
If the average person heard the term “fish stocking” they might wonder if it had to do with Christmas (hanging a stocking by the fireplace) or fashion (fishnets anyone?)… but for those who like fishing and/or have ever been to a hatchery, like Kenneth Henneke Fish Hatchery in Hallettsville, Texas, they’re familiar with the term… Continue Reading