It was interesting to me to discover the highest number of posts under “Stocking a new pond, Types of fish to choose” - the all time winner is:

(1) 62 posts - “Hi diversity vs. low diversity only ponds” Feb. 17. 2004

(2) 48 posts – “Hybrid Striped Bass” – Aug. 20, 2004

(3) 47 posts – “Hybrid Striped Bass” – Oct. 15, 2004

Appears to be a shift, or at least an acceptance of other species, from majority Largemouth Bass and Bluegill stocking?

HSB are the BOMB!!!! man....we need MORE discussions on these...real good scientific studies like LMB..

George, I think you are right. The basic grouping was LMB, bluegill and channel catfish. The first addition to this grouping was redear sunfish. They are now commonly accepted and we now have a higher diversity lake. Hybrid striped bass (HSB) will probably be the next addition. HSB very clearly open up a whole new phase of lake management. That is the widespread acceptance of the idea of using non-reproducing fish. With the acceptance of this idea, SMB, spotted bass, walleye, sauger, saugeye, freshwater drum and many other species now become possibilities. For forage species, talapia, threadfin shad and gizzard shad have gained acceptance. Pond Boss is introducing us to the use of yellow perch, pumpkinseeds, rock bass and different trout species. Look at the diversity we are talking about now. Pond Boss deserves a great deal of credit for exposing us to all of these possibilities.