A Message to the Wise
When Buying Fish
We realize a smart consumer will shop around for the best buy. Here's some information most people are not aware of.
Average weights are important considerations when comparing the size/cost of fish. Often customers have difficulty visualizing the different size categories of fish when expressed in inches. For example, 2-3" verses 3-4" hybrid bluegill appears to be one inch, however, if you compare the size to what they weigh per 1,000 fish, you will see their weight more than doubles. The 2-3" hybrid bluegill weighs 10 lbs. per 1,000 fish (1lb. per 100) and the 3-4" weighs 28 lbs. per 1,000 fish (2.8 lbs. per 100).
It is very difficult to grade fish into one specific size, so fish are graded into size groupings (i.e. 4-6", 6-8" or 8-12"). If you buy a 6-8" fish, you should expect an average 7" fish with some 6" and 8" mixed in. Fish farmers know the average size of their fish by taking weight samples of a particular fish grouping and comparing it to weight tables like the one shown on the chart. Note: 1,000 7" CC (channel catfish) should weight 95.2 pounds.
One way fish farmers and distributors can sell you a cheaper fish is to reduce his cost by selling a smaller average sized fish. We at Country Fish Farm, LLC believe in giving you your money's worth. If we sell you a 6-8" fish, it will average 7" or more by weight. We strongly believe "Quality creates its own demand".
When comparing prices of fish, ask the fish farmer for a weight count and compare the weight to the chart to determine the average length of fish you are buying.
|
Pounds of 1,000 Fish In Relation To Length |
| Inches |
CC |
LB |
BG |
BC |
FM |
| 2 |
|
3.5 |
5 |
3.7 |
3.3 |
| 3 |
7.7 |
12.3 |
17.2 |
12.2 |
11 |
| 4 |
18.3 |
29.7 |
41.4 |
28.6 |
|
| 5 |
35.2 |
59 |
82.4 |
55.7 |
|
| 6 |
60.5 |
103 |
144 |
95.6 |
|
| 7 |
95.2 |
Extracted from 3rd Report to the Fish Farmers, published by US. Dept. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Wash. DC., 1984, pg. 168, table 13.4
|
| 8 |
141 |
| 9 |
199 |
| 10 |
272 |
| 11 |
376 |
| 12 |
501 |
| Note: Abbreviations - CC = channel catfish, LB = largemouth bass, BG = bluegill, BC = black crappie, FM = fathead minnows. |
|
Country Fish Farm, LLC has a package right for your pond or lake fish stocking needs and budget. For more information on our fish handling equipment, pond aerators, pond fountains or a free estimate on our pond and lake fish stocking call (573) 729-4383 or
E-Mail Us today!
Thank you for considering Country Fish Farm, LLC for your Missouri aquaculture and fish pond and lake stocking needs! |
