Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose first trip to fish farm

going to a farm tomorrow in WI w my dad and uncle. Anything I should be looking for/asking? More going to learn, I am not purchasing and don' think my uncle is either

I'm always interested in whether or not a particular farm will allow me to pay extra to select the best fish out of any one year class. I personally think it's way better to pay an extra dime of two per fish to get the fastest most agressive fish. i.e. the four inch bluegill mixed in with all the two and three inchers. A lot of times the fish culturist is more than happy to comply for a few extra bucks.

1. It is always very good to know the replacememt policy of the hatchery for fish that die a short time after stocking, i.e. 1 to maybe 7 days.
2. It is always good to ask and know if the hatchery has any certification of disease free status of their fish. I think many hacheries will avoid showing a certificate (don't have one) or will avoid a direct answer to that question.
3. It is often good to know if the hatchery accepts orders in advance for fish or do they just want you to show up when they are selling fish.

Bill and Bruce are absolutely correct. This is a business transaction and should be treated as such. Lots of things that they don't want to guarantee and most are the things that they can't control. Things like your water conditions, knowledge of handling, etc. In Texas, most stocker fish come from Arkansas hatcheries. The guy you buy from, although reputable, can't really control diseases. However, the guys that I know won't buy from just any hatchery.

I love going to the fish farm and buying fish. I remember the first pond I stocked six years ago it seems like it was just yesterday. Making memories!