Published: March 26, 2008 05:44 pm         

Soil Conservation District Fish Day set for April 1

Cumberland County has an abundance of farm ponds, which are ideal for producing bass, bream and catfish. Family members can experience many hours of enjoyment catching the fish, plus having a delightful meal of fresh fish. With this in mind, the Cumberland County Soil Conservation District (SCD) has scheduled a fishpond stock sale for Tuesday, April 1, with Tommy’s Fish Truck from Romance, AR.

The species of fish available include channel catfish (4-6 inches, $35; 6-8 inches, $55; or 8-11 inches, $89 per 100), black crappie (1-3 inches, $69 per 100), largemouth bass (2-3 inches, $79 per 100), hybrid bluegill (1-3 inches, $39; or 3-5 inches, $65 per 100), straight bluegill (1-3 inches, $39 per 100), red ear bream (1-3 inches, $49 per 100), fathead minnows ($9 per pound), and grass carp (8-11 inches, $10 each).

Crappie are not recommended to be stocked in ponds less than 20-30 acres due to their high rate of spawning resulting in overpopulation of the smaller farm ponds. Grass carp are highly recommended as an effective biological agent in controlling aquatic plants. Stocking and management information on farm ponds is available through the district. Prices for the fingerlings are competitive and transport containers for fish purchased will be provided at no cost except for the channel catfish 8-11 inches. Information for containers and water for the larger catfish can be obtained from the district office.

The scheduled fish truck delivery location for April 1 is in the Cumberland County Community Complex (fairgrounds) parking lot from 8-9 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the pick up location will be inside the fairgrounds at the livestock pavilion.

For additional information on sizes, pricing and stocking rates please contact the SCD Office at 484-5442, Ext. 3 or stop by the USDA Service Center beside the Crossville post office. Pre-ordering is recommended but not required. Orders can be placed at the SCD office or fingerlings can be purchased directly from Tommy’s Fish Truck during the above delivery date.

All programs and services of the Cumberland County SCD are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap.