I stocked my first 10 SMB last spring at about 5" long. I just caught one of these that was over 12" long and fat (I think under 14" anyway). There are lots of forage fish in the pond. Is this a good growth rate for SMB?

Do you have any pics so we can judge condition ?

I do not have any pics but I know a fat fish when I see one. The pond is packed with small fish. I am surprised it went for a lure.

SMB stocked at 5" in spring 2016 and 12 months later they are 12" is very good growth of 7" in one year for Indiana. This indicates they have lots of the right size of food. They should have spawned in early May. Groups of dark colored SMBfry could be visible in the shallows.

Thank you Bill. I have not seen fry, but have not spent a lot of time looking. I was amazed to catch such a big SMB so soon. Without the help of Pond boss, I would not have even known to try this pond with these species. I really hope you can visit some time!

Average size of wild fish (lots of variation) at the age you gave would be about 8 inches. Keep in mind all the problems that go with averages across highly varied populations of wild fish.

RAH,

I went back to check my records and I stocked 6 to 7 inch SMB late summer 2015. I just caught one that was 15+ inches. The one I caught was in poor condition that I attribute to an injury to its lower jaw (the lower "lip" was no longer connected to the middle muscle). I would guess the injury was maybe a month old. I hope that at least gives you a comparative frame of reference. IMO your SMB are doing great!

Thanks Bill. I do not plan to do anymore fishing in that pond as it has only 20 SMB now (unless there was a spawn). I will try to get my neighbor to try and target some of the YP since they seem like they are going gangbusters. Any recommendation on what sizes of YP to remove (slot limit?)?