Big Flathead being released

[Jeremy]

this has become a purely speculative discussion of questionable value.

Guys, keep in mind that flathead do not have 'babies', the females release eggs which are fertilised by males in close proximity. I can also assure you that the number of these eggs is in the thousands, not 10 or 20!

I do know know of the specific research, but the general consensus for many years has been that larger female flathead produce many more eggs than the smaller females, hence their value to the future flathead stocks.

Also keep in mind that large female flathead are not the only predators which eat smaller flathead. They start out as fertilised eggs, then larvae, then fingerlings, then small flathead, and are probably eaten by many different fish at different stages of their growth. Taking the large flathead out is only one small factor in their survival.

Jeremy

[Jeremy87]

Of course there isn't any evidence it's a hypothesis that no one has questioned yet and it might not even need questioning. I even said in my first post that he might just be fishing in a location with lots of big lizards so the lack of small fish is merely a coincidence. I never said it was correct I'm just putting forward a point that may explain the guides observations. Everyone knows that without big breeding girls the fishery will go into decline. I'm just questioning wether or not too many big girls could have a detrimental effect. There isn't a no I'm wrong or yes I'm right answer out there at the moment.

[Matthias]

THERE IS NOT TOO MANY BREEDING FEMALES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go back 100 years and there were more big flathead and sure as hell more small flathead. No probs then right?

OMG jeremy I know flathead don't have babies and I know they don't come in 10 and 20. I used this as an example to say that more breeders=more small fish. It doensn't matter what preys on the flathead whether it be themselves or other fish....more breeders make more babies and more chance of survival to adulthood. So BLOODY simple. This is NOT speculative.

Ok so the most probable thing that could make the number of small fish decline but the big fish numbers rise would be if the breeders were having unsuccessful seasons. This could be from a number of things and I suggested that there may be an imbalance in the male/female ratio. This IS speculative.

Please stop making me repeat myself.

Pete.

[Jeremy87]

Deep breath mate you don't want to blow an o ring. They're only flathead.

[Pistol_P]

Ok what about toadies.......Can someone please find something that eats them...
They seem to be everywhere and the population is out of control....

[Squiggle]

I do know know of the specific research, but the general consensus for many years has been that larger female flathead produce many more eggs than the smaller females, hence their value to the future flathead stocks.

This is still only half the story...as I said How old or big are this girl when their eggs start to become not viable anymore?
Remember fertility doesn't last forever, the eggs may still be produced but not fertile.

[dogsbody]

This could be due to seasonal variations in the Noosa, maybe there was some events that happened a couple of years ago that has had an effect on the population of smaller Flathead to this date. Numbers will always vary due to climate factors. This is just another piece to the puzzle as there is no real way to tell what the reasons are. Gets you thinking though.

Dave.

[gregdeeth]

there could be so many factors which could influence this change and many solid arguments.
but what it comes down to is this is how the big females have lived long before we came along and pillaged them with our nets, baits and lures. it's a natural process. havent we learnt yet to stop inteferring with nature and only take what WE need!

[Pistol_P]

havent we learnt yet to stop inteferring with nature and only take what WE need!

.....
Unfortunately NOT!.........