I am considering using lmb feed for my new pond but have some questions first.
1. If there is also forage in the pond will the bass continue to eat the forage as well as the feed.
2. Will the bass still bite artifical lures as well as bass that aren't fed.
3. Can feed and forage be used together for optimum growth
4. Would lmb feed promote more growth than a vast amount of forage.
sorry for so many questions I'm just trying to decide the best way to grow some trophies, thanks.
1)Yes they will continue to eat their natural prey....they are programmed to do it.
2)Yes they will....maybe even more so.
3) Yes because not all feed trained LMB will remain feed trained...some just revert to natural prey only.
4) Growth rates will be faster with feeding but vast amounts of forage is always a good thing.
1. If there is also forage in the pond will the bass continue to eat the forage as well as the feed?
Yes - the forage will be the base of their diet (my WAG 90%+ forage - 10% feed)unless your pond is run like a hatchery/aquaculture operation.
2. Will the bass still bite artificial lures as well as bass that aren't fed?
Based on experience and reports from others pellet fed LMB still bite lures just like non-fed ones.
3. Can feed and forage be used together for optimum growth?
Yes and IMO that is the way to accomplish that goal. But natural forage is the key to the goal.
4. Would lmb feed promote more growth than a vast amount of forage?
IMO you have to have good forage for adequate growth over the long term unless you are running an aquaculture operation. Feeding pellets is the best way to get the extra nourishment to get them in top condition ( the last 10 %). Either by directly feeding the LMB or by feeding their forage so that it is more plentiful and in bigger better condition. It is easier for a LMB to keep in top condition by eating 2 medium sized BG than having to chase down 10 smaller BG - more energy in for the energy expended - aka optimum foraging theory.