My recreational hand feeding seems to produce different results from the norm. In the warmer months, a few of the GSF and trout come to the surface for Optimal BG. I've haven't identified any BG nor YP rising to the top. Perch that I've fileted after I've tossed pellets have full bellies of fish food. It's likely they are eating Optimal that has drifted down to them. I've yet to catch a BG with any pellets in its gut.
This is after 4 years of hand feeding. The first year I fed AM 600, the next two years Skretting, and this last season Optimal. The GSF didn't start on top until I was tossing Optimal. The trout never cared what was coming their way; they ate it all.
When patches of open water are available in winter, I'll throw out a small amount of Optimal. I don't see any rises; I'm hoping at least the perch are getting the sinkers.
What's with my BG not eating pellets!!!?
