Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations What size LMB?

I stocked both 1-2" and 3-5" CNBG in November. Can I stock 1-2" LMB in June or will some of the CNBG be big enough to eat some of the LMB? The other option that I am considering is waiting until the fall and stocking 6-8" feed trained LMB. I have been feeding the CNBG(cut way back on the amount and switched to sinking feed when it turned cold) and plan to increase the amount and frequency in the spring. I do not know how big the CNBG will be in June.

I'd monitor water temp. Once temps get to the 60°F mark, cut back feeding to minimal amount during the warmest part of the day. I'd stay with floating food because you can still see them feeding and monitor them. Yes, cut way back and just feed what they can clean up in 15 minutes. That's why I suggested staying with the floating food - easy to monitor.

Yes, 1"-2" LMB will be preyed upon by those larger size CNBG.

What size LMB would be safe?

4 inches

Sorry 100 percent disagree with Dave and Scott, sorry fellas. We have stocked 2" bass in June for 15 years with well established CNBG in fact that is what we strive. Sure on occasion some eaten but we also recommend stocking FHM so the large bluegill have that as a food source. I prefer to both save money for clients but mainly grow the bass much faster myself than wait on a hatchery to have 6-8" come fall. If you do it right your 2" bass will be much bigger than hatchery fish by then. They are growign mass numbers you stock 50-100/acre depending on goals.

Also you cant buy the 4" bass until later so same concept. It is critical thou to get them 2". Every year a few clients get impatient and buy the bass off the Arkansas truck as it passes thru town in APril or May the bass are 1" at most and those probably are CNBG food. We wait until June and some years until late June if they had a late spawn to ensure a true 2" fingerling.

Well said Greg.

I am in Alabama also and had success doing it the way Greg says. I basically follow Gregs advice to the letter except for one little detail and that is more of a personel preference. I use Gambusia minnows instead of the FHM.

Greg:

I see your point and agree with what you posted.