We doubt that you will ever regret stocking and raising those smallies to be the great fish they are known as. They can be a really great fish in a warm water pond when provided the right forage species and good management.
They are fun. Had a day like that last year too. They were hitting anything that went near them. I am not sure I lost any that day. Maybe they’re getting too fast for me. They are in another aggressive state. Seeing big swirls and splashes all around the pond edge. Last year I was catching a lot of golden shiners, this year not so many. I used to think I’d never run out of FHM too. Now they are completely gone. Went for a quick swim today after more mowing. Lots of small HBG attacking me. I’m thinking the SMB are working them over too.
9 yr old pond, 1 ac, 15' deep. RES, YP, GS, FHM (no longer), HBG (going away), SMB, and HSB (only one seen in 5 yrs) Restocked HSB (2020) Have seen one of these. I think that's about all I should put in my little pond. Otter attack in 2023
