Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Couple of "dumb" questions about HSB

I've heard so much talk about successful P&T HSB fisheries here that I'm curious about a few things. I don't have a pond big enough to do it yet, but just in case one day...

Do most of you that have HSB eat them? I've never had one (I don't eat much fish anyway), but I've heard a lot of folks say that it's tough to clean them (and SB, WB, YB) so that they're fit to eat. I'd just hate to have a fish that would be wasted, as I know that C&R is probably not a good idea with these fish due to high C&R mortality rates.

Also, how difficult is it to grow them out to a decent (fun to catch) size given the constraints of a small population, P&T practices, and heavy fishing. Would it be wisest to stock adult fish after the forage base is established (seems like that would get expensive over the long term)?

Thanks!

Brandon,
Hybrid Striped Bass has been discussed endless in previous posts – check the archives and you’ll find answers to many of your questions:

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000199;p=

Yes, stocking any adult fish is expensive, but not as expensive as stocking “expensive fish food” if you have other predators in your pond. Some of us are using small ponds as “grow out” ponds, and some fish farms are recognizing a market for larger stockers that hopefully will be at competitive costs.

Yes, HSB are a good fish to eat – check your supermarket seafood section – the "striped bass” labeled are actually farm raised HSB.

George Glazener