This guide is designed to help you manage your fish population. If, after using the guide you still have questions, please contact your county agent. Please review the size class definitions outlined on this page to aid in your balance interpretation. To learn more about the species mentioned on this page visit our Fishes of Mississippi page.

Size Class Definitions

Based on size, bluegills can are categorized into three groups for measurement of balance:

1. recently hatched - less than 1 inch
2. intermediate - 3 to 5 inches
3. large - greater than 5 inches

The classification of largemouth bass used in this key is as follows:

1. Young largemouth bass are fingerling (1 - 3 inch) bass

These size classifications will aid you in interpreting the balance of your pond.