HSB as LMB population control? - 09/13/19 08:45 PM
My 0.4A pond is very slowly filling...or not filling due to drought.
Next spring, assuming we get sufficient rain in the fall/winter/early spring, I plan to stock 15lb of FHM in late March, then in late May stock 300 BG, 100 HBG, and 100 RES all @ 3-5" length. I figure more BG I stock, the more food I'll ultimately have available for predator fish from recruits and by putting the panfish in a pond full of FHM they'll get a good start.
I also plan to supplemental pellet feed with Optimal Bluegill for a year once the panfish are in the water to provide the best possible initial growth for all eventual fish.
In the fall, I am currently planning on stocking 20 LMB and 20 HSB @ 5-7" and probably 5 albino CC in spring 2021 since my kids want to catch catfish.
My hope is that by stocking 20 HSB, I can slow the typical overpopulation of LMB that often happens in a smaller BOW since 1. fewer LMB to recruit and 2. HSB will feed on LMB recruits in addition to BG.
Does that expectation jive with the reality of HSB and LMB sharing the same small pond?
Next spring, assuming we get sufficient rain in the fall/winter/early spring, I plan to stock 15lb of FHM in late March, then in late May stock 300 BG, 100 HBG, and 100 RES all @ 3-5" length. I figure more BG I stock, the more food I'll ultimately have available for predator fish from recruits and by putting the panfish in a pond full of FHM they'll get a good start.
I also plan to supplemental pellet feed with Optimal Bluegill for a year once the panfish are in the water to provide the best possible initial growth for all eventual fish.
In the fall, I am currently planning on stocking 20 LMB and 20 HSB @ 5-7" and probably 5 albino CC in spring 2021 since my kids want to catch catfish.
My hope is that by stocking 20 HSB, I can slow the typical overpopulation of LMB that often happens in a smaller BOW since 1. fewer LMB to recruit and 2. HSB will feed on LMB recruits in addition to BG.
Does that expectation jive with the reality of HSB and LMB sharing the same small pond?