This post is mainly for general information and review for those interested. IMO the key to producing large versions of larger predators is to have ample larger vulnerable prey items as that predator reaches the next size class, as was suggested by deadwood. Diverse prey items that have individuals in all size categories especially the largest sizes the bigger predators can eat, keeps these predators growing to end of life - a key item to growing larger predators ("Growing Trophy Bass" - by Lusk). Keep in mind that the largest predators usually have the fewest numbers when compared to all size classes of that species. For what appears to be your goals (larger bass 4 deadwood) something the size of red shiner is not what you should ultimately have but look for larger prey items that the larger bass would be eating such as fusiform species 8"-10" or maybe 12" long. Adult red shiners are optimum forage for LMB that are 10"-14" long. Having too many 10"-14" LMB is not all that beneficial. LMB larger than 14" are wasting too much energy eating red shiners to result in efficient weight gain. This is especially true as the LMB get 16"+. Diverse small forage is not all that beneficial for them to grow to large sizes. Diverse forage is good but ideally it should be comprised of species that include large food items for the largest predators.
I think your commentary is a well accepted truth, and the biggest problem in managing a pond or lake for trophy bass. In another thread, CSBJ2003 just posted a lengthy list of alternative small forage species that have the potential to become established in ponds with adequate habitat.
The list of forage fish that get big enough to grow a 6 pound bass to a 10 pound bass, or a 10 pound bass to a 15 pound bass, is a much shorter list. At least it is when you try to select for forage fish that don't rapidly become too large to be eaten and start to consume an unhealthy percentage of the potential sustainable biomass. Otherwise, noone would take the risk of stocking gizzard shad, or suffer the expense of annual trout or tilapia stockings.
BTW, it appears that lake chub suckers have come into and gone out of vogue on the forum, but by searching through the older topics on the forum, I did find one source that still seems to have them in stock.
http://www.aquaculturestore.com/fwverts.html
