Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose A note to anyone stocking RES....

It's taken me a year to figure it out, but I'd say at least 50% (more likely 75%) of the "Shellcracker" I bought last year were actually Pumpkinseed. Do yourself a favor and know the difference.

Wow, that's crazy. I wonder if the hatchery knows that. You got any pics?

There is a huge difference in their effect on a pond. RES are not known to stunt whereas PS stunt quite often.

I don't have any pictures right now but I will take some.

I got curious after reading so many posts on here about how RES kinda disappear in the pond and aren't seen much. What I thought were RES would absolutely attack baits in the water. After actually catching a couple actual RES that were twice the size and rare to catch I got to looking at pictures and reality hit home.

I'm not too worried about it. Just aggravated I didn't get what I paid for. If the PS never get really big they'll stay good forage for the bass. My BG have come back strong this year after last years major bass cull. With the TP I added this year hopefully that will make up for the GSers that are no longer with us. The LMB seem to have successfully sent the GSers into extinction in my pond this past year.

At least you're staying positive about it. When life gives you lemons...

While PS don't get as big as RES, I think in the worst case scenario (stunting), you're probably right. They will stay in range of great LMB forage, and if your GS are gone, your PS might disappear quickly too.

Here's some pictures. Bear in mind the RES is from the end of last years growing season. The one I'm calling a PS is from today after being in over a year. None of the ones that look like that are any larger than this one but the vast majority of them have red on their ears. Not sure why this one didn't.

Yes sir, you definitely know your fish. The colors on the PS are beautiful though, and its actually not a bad size.

I would not worry much at your location and with LMB and BG or PS or BGXPS stunting. Should be enough predation to keep then in check.