If in large grow outs, no sorting is done. The states theory is natural course of action to get the best growth from the best fish.
The first 48 hr of hatch last year was stocked in a 7ac pond at 14,350 per acre (about 100,000 fry) we collected 62,000 and still had fish left. We were able to pull a late seine and collected another 13,000 from that pond, so 75,000 with no sorting isn't bad.. in fact it's probably really good, all things considered but we also stocked at a much lower rate than was recommended because I wasn't sure we could keep up with fertilizer program.
Personally, I think it best if those slower than average growers disappear.. I've tried to separate fish of other species this way and it always ends up that you have a small number of fish that are less than stelar performers and wasted space trying to save them, but I'm mostly a one man, sometimes 2 man operation trying to do 3 men's jobs.
Honestly, I think SMB are harder to manage than WAE..wicked little monsters.
Last edited by Snipe; 03/11/23 12:19 PM.
