Mesh "Cages" Protect Catfish From Predators

Mesh "Cages" Protect Catfish From Predators MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 29-3-20 J.B. Esker of Teutopolis, Ill., says river otters got away with some $2,000 worth of his pond-raised catfish before he even knew it was happening. To prevent future losses, he moved the fish into a pair of plastic mesh cages that are suspended in water. Esker's one-acre pond is located near the Little Wabash river. He heard about studies at Purdue University, which showed that round cages work better than square ones. Each cage is 4 ft. deep and wide and accommodates up to 200 catfish, from fingerlings up to 2 lbs. in size. Each cage is suspended from a square float that he made out of 4-in. dia. pvc pipe. The cages themselves are made of 1/2-in. mesh plastic which allows pond water to flow freely through the cages. Esker added a 1/4-in. mesh screen collar around the top of each cage to keep any floating feed from drifting away. Esker owns a local concrete business and likes to put on several fish fries each year for his employees. He is not a commercial producer of fish. Aeration is also important in the Esker operation. In a small building nearby, he has an air compressor which provides the pressure for making aeration work all year long. He says aeration will assure a spot of open water, even in the coldest weather. Any fish remaining after the season is over are turned free into the entire pond. He has a few grass carp in the pond to keep it free of unwanted vegetation and to clean up any leftover water lilies. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, J.B. Esker, 17142 E. 1550 Ave., Teutopolis, Ill. 62467 (ph 217 857-6313).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.