Smallmouth Bass

[CaranxIgnobilis]

Caught a little five inch smally on a barbless hook. I put him in a 55 gallon with sand, pebbles, and driftwood. I was wondering about what size should I consider moving him to my larger 125 gallon? I just put my oscar that was in the 55 into my koi pond. I had to fill that void, if you know what I mean. He's doing very well, cruising along and around the driftwood structure. I put a little crawfish I caught in my backyard stream in the tank, which was immediately inhaled. A bit surprising because I caught him about 20 hours ago. Oh, and this is my first post...aloha to you all MFK people out there!

 

[Lrry93]

Where did you catch a SM bass here? Ive been trying to get one but only catch Largemouth and Peacocks. Ill trade one of either for your smally????

 

[Derpeder]

I have a small mouth bass and he is awesome. You will love that fish. Mine is Very Active and can eat a TON.

I have mine in a 95 gallon tank. the Smallie will definately need a larger tank then 55. 125 would be the best for him out of your selection.

Good luck.... and welcome to MFK!!!

 

[CaranxIgnobilis]

Thanks for the advice, Derpeder. I'm in the process of reshuffling some fish around...so I'll definitely move him over to the 125. He will be the only one in it and im assuming I can keep him there for a while. But I will definitely be releasing him after I spoil him with crawfish, minnows, crickets, earthworms, and grasshoppers. You're right he does eat A LOT and barely a day after he was caught!

 

[CaranxIgnobilis]

Lrry93, try Manoa stream or Nu'uanu stream. Both produce, but please take care of them. My friends and I have been fishing there since we were 12, on a strictly catch and release basis. Use a big enough hook to prevent them from swallowing, and if you feel even more sporty try and smash down the barb with pliers. Just watch out when they jump!

 

[Lrry93]

I have heard of them being in both of those places but not in large numbers. I have never went hunting for them though. Last time I was in Manoa stream was when I helped take over 600lbs of plecos out of it last year. I am a catch and release guy as well but would like to see the population rise by a breeding program even though the state doesnt want them around anymore. I heard they want them culled. How big and how frequent do you catch them? Maybe we could make a trade and you show me some hot spots and Ill take you out on lake Wilson on my 16ft bass boat??

 

[Derpeder]

Thanks for the advice, Derpeder. I'm in the process of reshuffling some fish around...so I'll definitely move him over to the 125. He will be the only one in it and im assuming I can keep him there for a while. But I will definitely be releasing him after I spoil him with crawfish, minnows, crickets, earthworms, and grasshoppers. You're right he does eat A LOT and barely a day after he was caught!

Caran: Great Idea to move him into the buck25. You'll find around here that its not so hot to release them after being kept in captivity. #1. If you feed it say feeder fish or other tropical fish or even worms and what not the bass can catch an unfamiliar desease that you do not want spread into the main population, especially sense your trying to protect them. #2. Generally that action is illegal. I am not sure about Hawaii but I'm sure someone else can tell you. It is illegal here in Washington so....

The best is to raise that smallie in your tank and keep it in your tank. 125 gallon you could keep that fish in their for a good long while. More educated then I can tell you a better time frame. But when it outgrows the 125 either plan on building a pond, bigger tank, or dinner.

Hope that helps.

 

[CaranxIgnobilis]

I have heard of them being in both of those places but not in large numbers. I have never went hunting for them though. Last time I was in Manoa stream was when I helped take over 600lbs of plecos out of it last year. I am a catch and release guy as well but would like to see the population rise by a breeding program even though the state doesnt want them around anymore. I heard they want them culled. How big and how frequent do you catch them? Maybe we could make a trade and you show me some hot spots and Ill take you out on lake Wilson on my 16ft bass boat??

Lrry93, on a typical trip (one or two hours) you could reasonably expect to catch three to five fish each. The average size of them isn't that big...maybe half a pound to one pound. That isn't to say that we don't on occasion pull up a four or five pounder. When are you going to be in town next? I could just catch you one, or point you in the direction of a spot.

Caran: Great Idea to move him into the buck25. You'll find around here that its not so hot to release them after being kept in captivity. #1. If you feed it say feeder fish or other tropical fish or even worms and what not the bass can catch an unfamiliar desease that you do not want spread into the main population, especially sense your trying to protect them. #2. Generally that action is illegal. I am not sure about Hawaii but I'm sure someone else can tell you. It is illegal here in Washington so....

The best is to raise that smallie in your tank and keep it in your tank. 125 gallon you could keep that fish in their for a good long while. More educated then I can tell you a better time frame. But when it outgrows the 125 either plan on building a pond, bigger tank, or dinner.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the info, Derpeder. You're right, obviously I don't want to be a detriment to the wild population. I was never considering feeding him on store bought comets. I catch all my live foods down at the stream he comes from minnows, crawfish, and assorted bugs. Looks like I'll send him over to my 125 and use it as a grow out tank. I couldn't bring myself to eat him, I grow far too attached (anyways, never tried freshwater fish, only saltwater fish for me). That said, I'll drop him into our koi pond when he out grows his tank.

 

[Derpeder]

Caran: Do you collect salt water fish in Hawaii?

My family in law lives in hawaii and I've always thought it would be sweet to just collect salt water fish!!!!!!!!

Sweetness.

 

[CaranxIgnobilis]

Derpeder, not really. But I have set up quick saltwater tanks with my spare 10s and 30s, strictly to keep bait alive. I have always thought of raising up a small bluefin trevally, but I don't entirely know what I'm doing with saltwater.