NEDOC, thank you for the thread. What a great read and sharing of so many experiences. I have 22 HSB in the pond from Nate Herman, 2 were 4-6" stocked in spring which are now in the 10" range then 20 stocked in late fall in the 10-12" range around 1 lb. Doing baby steps with HSB. I haven't seen any floaters from fall stocking and I haven't fished for them either. I am hoping for success but realize it could be failure. If so I shall try again. Planning on harvesting some next year for a few meals.