Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose First Stocking Question

In our new pond 1/3 to 1/2 acre we are going to stock BG and then LMB to control the population. My question is if I want to give the kids BG to fish this spring would it be a dumb idea to stock FHM, small BG, and some larger BG at the same time? I know the best way to stock a new pond is with forage fish then wait to stock other fish, but what are all the down sides to speeding up the process? I am ok if it means stocking more feeder fish or stocking more BG in the fall. I am also ok waiting to stock bass until later. Has anyone done this? If this will work how many do I stock? I was thinking of stocking 5 to 10 lbs of FHM and around 200 to 250 BG. Do I stock 10 to 20 percent larger BG? Thanks for the input!

IMO you are good to go to stock the big BG, little BG and FHM. They will spawn and build up the forage base for when you stock the LMB. If you are going to at least hand feed some pellets, I wouldn't be afraid of throwing some HBG in as well as they grow really fast, limited reproduction and are a blast to catch.

Thanks Bill! what about stock numbers and percent of size of each BG. Have not looked to much into HBG but if they do not cost much more I am all for it. I have read that they have a large percentage of males if you can get them to spawn. I plan on feeding and I think the kids 4 and 8 will love to feed them.

IIRC from another of your posts, you were talking to Rainman for stocking. He or one of the other pros can best advise you on stocking rates. I am not a pro and would not want to steer you wrong.

Ok Thanks Did talk to Rainman and may try to have him bring me fish on his way to see someone else. Trying to cut down on the delivery charge and not sure if I will get enough for the minimium order

I have no sound advice for you along that line. You are facing the same issue that many small pond owners face, including me. Understandable from the fish suppliers standpoint as small orders are not their bread and butter. Gas and time are not inexpensive. Even though I drive to pick up my fish, they still have minimum quantities they are willing to sell.

I may try and pick them up or try a different option. Thanks

It all comes down to stocking what you can afford at the time. If you go lite then give it more time before adding LMB. Add some larger BGs to speed up the process. You can add more BG as $ allows

dman....you don't need to worry about the minimum order listed on the price list I'd emailed you! Unfortunately, delivery was already at the minimum and only covers fixed costs...

You can add bigger "ready to catch fish", but those cost more than small ones and waiting a while. In all honesty, kids that young are probably not going to care about catching big or little fish, just as long as they can catch some!!

If budget concerns are tight, go small and invest a few bucks on trout hooks and smash the barbs so the kids can catch and release all they want!

Thanks Rainman I will try and get a list together and have you give me an idea on cost and when you think you would have them. I will send you a PM. Thanks, Daron