Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Questions about stocking now in Texas

My new pond was built last July (one acre). I notice the feed store in Sherman has fish coming Jan. 31. Should I put some minnows in now? Would there be anything for them to eat? Can they be fed? As you can see, I know squat about any of this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks to all who respond.

Panhandle,

You're far enough south that I would think it would be fine to stock fatheads and bream at the end of January. Hopefully pros can give some guidance concerning water temps and stocking. Lots of TX folks on this forum so I'm sure they will respond with more information. Fish truck back home really pushes hybrid bluegill, you probably want to stay away from them and stick with bluegill. Lots of discussion on this board concerning hybrid bluegill.

Not sure what your objectives are for pond, but that will determine your stocking decisions after you've established your forage base.

thre's plenty for them to eat. Stock fathead minows at rate of 3-5 lbs for you one acre pond if you goal is bluegill/redear and bass go ahead and establish forage for bass by stockng fatheads and bluegill/redear now or anytime this spring. Stock laremounth bass fingerlings in June.

Thanks, Greg. I will take your advice and stock up Monday. I really appreciate your reply.

I`f I was starting a new pond for LMB, I believe I would with patience start with just fatheads. And wait, until they spawn in mass numbers, maybe place some pvc pipe cut down the middle to help them lay eggs or what ever they do? I have read on this site , that they like stuff like that to spawn in, placed inside the bank. Once they establish then stock with BG/redear. And with patience once they get going stock bass.----I`m no expert but this is what a friend of mine did over 20 years ago and any angler can walk the banks and still see hundreds of minnows all around the banks. I believe the minnows are the key to raising large sunfish and further more larger bass. It is very difficult to establish a fathead population once bass are introduced or even larger sunfish , it will just result in a expensive little snack!