We've touched on this topic several times before. I like a diverse fishery, I bought Coppernose bgill, Catfish, Crappie, and HSB from the hatchery because I didn't have access to smaller fish for selective stocking. As for the Bgill & LMB, I was far more selective, I didn't want the generic 100 from the fish farm...I had access to what I believe was better fish, I don't believe the hatchery would have let me fish out and transport only the fish that met the upper limits of my requirements. I knew the originating waterhole well and only stocked superior fish. Only time will tell if it's worth the effort...so far, no complaints. Not to mention...it was a lot more fun catching and keeping the big fish, as compared to releasing fingerlings. I also established my forage base 1 year prior to stocking predators...patience
