Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose coppernose?

I was recently asked about coppernose vs plain bluegill by a guy that is about to stock. My observation has always been that there is no real advantage to CNBG. Has anyone had a different experience or know of any studies on this matter?

Well David I have a small pond about 1/5 of a acre and have natives and coppernose with catfish as well. I stocked the natives first out of a freinds pond using a minnow trap. Did about 50, also ordered some coppers to stock 50 as well. To help answer, just my opinion, There is no big differences at all. I stocked 2 years ago and both native and coppernose are about the same size. some of the coppernoses are maybe a 1/3 of an ounce bigger and thats not much. Average weight is 9-12 oz. I also have stocked some native out the same pond i got these at that were already 10 oz. They are over 1 pound 1 1/2 years later. I think it's all about controlling the population correctly for ANY type of species you deal with. Thats just my opinion though.

JAG is a quick learner. Managing your fish is all about population control. Either the predators have to do it or you have to do it, or help out, if the predators are not controlling the numbers properly. The real "trick" or knowledgable part is to know when and how many to remove or add. Keeping the correct numbers and right sizes of food items infront of all species of fish is key to getting them to grow rapidly.

Bill, the site makes it easier to learn. I know I have a good population control stratgey. I go bass fishing about once every 2 weeks and I use my trap to catch about 20 little bream out of the pond. So you look at 20 every 2 weeks, average that with the 50 cats, spawining and so on, there will always be enough pellet feed to go around. lol the same trap I used to stock the pond is the same I use to unstock it for bait