I will continue to search and read here at PB for ladder stocking HBS, but wanted to get my particular pond environment explained and ask how to go about the process of keeping a HSB population with as little loss as possible.

My pond is 1/4 acre and was stocked last year with 40 HSB, 90 RES, and 500 HBG. The bass were about 12-13" long and weighed well over a pound as of late last fall. The HBG were around 1/4 pound and the RES are yet to be seen. The HSB are to help with the HBG populations and will be harvested as necessary for table fare.

I know I can easily get 4-6" HSB for ladder stocking, but unsure of anything larger available. From what I have read...ladder stocking about 5 to 10 a year seems appropriate, but how many to take out is an unknown at this point. Does the 5 to 10 a year seem correct given that 4-6" stockers could be eaten by the other HSB.?

I like the idea of cage raising until they grow out, but life is too busy this year to succeed with that.

Any thoughts and recommendations welcome,

Fish on!,
Noel