I just purchased a piece of property close to Columbus, Texas. It has a four acre pond on it, and judging from the 15 or so fish I caught yesterday, it's stocked with medium-sized LMB (10"-16"). The bass weren't super thin but they didn't look super well fed either. I didn't catch any large LMB.

Anyway, I didn't see any other spieces of fish in the pond, and the minnow population was not that high. I'd like to establish a fishing pond and build the forage base. Should I stock grown BG? If I stocked fingerlings, they be gone in a couple of weeks, right? The LMB population is quite large from what I can tell. Also, I'd like to stock some type of minnow. Any suggestions, and what type of cover is necessary for minnow growth? The pond is quite clear and has weed growth at the bottom. Is that enough? Thanks for the advice. I'm new to pond management. My ultimate goal is to increase the size of the LMB and to have a healthy foodchain.

Trevor, there has been a good bit of recent discussion on trying to find out what is in an existing body of water as far as the fish.

If yesterday was the first real day of fishing, it might be a good idea to fish it hard several more times to see what all you have in there. Keep notes on sizes and weights if you can, and fish a few different ways. Live bait may catch you the most for this exercise. Fish on the bottom also.

You can also set out a few minnow traps. There are all kinds of various fish traps you can buy or build.

Once you have a real good idea of what is already in the pond, the next steps (tempered with your goals) can be discussed on the forum.

Also, if you don't know how to very accurately identify different species, you can take pictures and post them, and people will identify them. Close-up photos showing the whole fish from the side, and against a white backdrop are best, I think.

Congrats on the water!

Oh and welcome.

You should have three or four months to go until the end of the Spring stocking season down in TX. Our Texas experts will have excellent knowledge of how long. Or see Bob Lusk's article on when to do what for your pond based on water temps here .

Use the first part of that time to find out more about what fish you've got to start with as Sunil suggests by observing, trapping, and/or fishing. Yes, we're telling you you have to fish in your pond - pretty hard duty, I know.

Thanks for the advice. I'll get a better idea of what's there. Maybe live bait will stir up some larger fish. TR

Do some fishing specifically for catfish; it will be good to know if they are present.

TrevorR nice to have someone around my parts. I came into the same situation several years ago. I suggest you fish, fish, and fish. Keep detailed logs on what you catch. That will give you a real good idea on what you need to do.

When it come time to stock forage I would go with the larger sizes since, like you mentioned, they will be quick snacks. You are located close to a hatchery that has treated me really fair with good information.

Hi Texas715. It's nice country. Is there a fishery near the Columbus area? Thanks.

TrevorR, here's one more suggestion as to fishing your new water.

If you catch some smaller fish like a smaller bluegill or a smaller LMB, you can rig up a bigger hook and use them as bait. Rig a separate rod with a good bobber, throw it out there and see if Bubba comes along.

You might catch some snapping turtles this way also.

TrevorR, there is one in Halletsville. Kenneth Henneke, he advertises in the Pond Boss Mag.

http://www.kennethhenneke.com/

If you can pick up the fish you will save yourself a lot of $$. I told him what I had going on with my pond and he made some really good suggestions.

Thanks for the recommendations. Much appreciated. I'll be busy fishing in the next couple of days, trying to figure out the fish populations.

Looks like we may be headed to the columbus area in the near future. If you'd like, we can survey the pond and give you a full management report.

Most likely you should remove male bass, possibly add florida genetics, and add variety to the food chain with minnows, tilapia, shad.

See our website for more info and how to contact us. www.overtonfisheries.com

If it were me, the first thing I'd do if I wanted to find out what's in my new body of water would be to have a professional come do an electrofishing survey. The benefits cannot be overstated, and you'll be able to get a grasp on your situation (and thus come up with a solid plan) much more quickly and accurately.