Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Coppernose vs. Hybrid Bluegill

I am planning on stocking my pond in early March and have heard a lot of bad things about HBG (too big, low reproduction, etc..). The fish farm also has coppernose bluegill. They claim they reproduce rapidly which would be good to kick up my forage base initailly.Can anyone tell me the benifits and or limitations of these fish . I live in Boerne, TX (South Central Texas).

Red,

Not sure anyone is complaining about bluegill being to large. Hybrid bluegill will give you limited reproduction, hence limited forage base if you plan on stocking bass, your limited reproduction could consist of green sunfish, not good.

Coppernose will be your best bet, especially since you are down south. Use the search function on the top of the page, insert "coppernose". Search both in "Types of fish to choose" and "Questions and Observations". Should keep you busy for some time.

Have fun.

Coppernose bluegill reproduce prolifically, probably four to five times yearly in Boerne, Texas. They grow large, up to one and a half pounds. If you intend to stock bass, coppernose are much better fish, as bass eat other fish to make their livings.
By the way, great story on growing giant bluegills, coming up in the March/April issue of Pond Boss. If you aren't a subscriber, now's the time.