Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Stocking an existing tank

I have access to multiple tanks that range from half an acre to about five acers. They have a pretty good population of bass that are easy to catch(at least 20 fish an hour), but I am not sure what else. I have the opportunity to stock these tanks with basically any type of fish I want and any size of fish I want to. Can any one recomend the type of fish and sizes of fish I should put into these ponds. I am in west Texas.

Also are these tanks worth my time. The fish will not cost me anything, but I can not drain them.

criggins,

Are you unhappy with catching 20 LMB per hour? That's a pretty good catch rate, in my book, but perhaps you want more? Perhaps you want larger fish? What are your objectives for the ponds/tanks?

Knowing your objectives will help us offer some suggestions to achieve them. Thanks.

I would like to be able to catch larger fish. Also some tanks the catch rate is very small.

I don't want to sound negative, but having access, and having the right to adjust fish populations, are two different things. I'm assuming you have the permission to stock fish

With the info provided, it would make sense to stock or transfer adult Bluegill, with a LMB catch rate that high, the bass are probably feeding on younger bass...that too is speculative.

I really think you need to dig deeper into each pond, the dynamics could be quite different for each. Start with a RW chart to see how fat they are...and try a sample survey with a seine or minnow trap for the forage fish.

One last thought, It's usually pretty hard to establish a forage base when the predator population needs to be culled.