My plan for supplemental HSB stocking is being changed by necessity.
I planned to stock 8-10 inchers last fall to avoid LMB predation but could not find a supplier. My original stocking of 4-5 inch fingerlings probably had less than 20% survival rate.
Another supplier had scheduled 8-10 or 10-12 inch HSB for early spring availability, but due to demand was unable to grow them out to this size.
I am reluctant to stock smaller fingerlings due to predation so am considering altering my �forage pond� to a �grow out� pond, which my supplier recommends.
The forage/grow-out pond is � acre, bowl shaped, 12 ft. deep, one year old and presently stocked a year ago with 100 red-ear sunfish, which I will transfer to main pond in early spring.
In reviewing previous posts by Bruce Condello and Bill Cody, temperature tolerance is stated to be an issue for larger fish.
I will be able to acquire 100, 4-6 or 6-8 inch stockers in a couple of weeks.
Water temperature is currently 50-55 degrees.
My supplier raises large numbers of fingerling HSB in his ponds and says there should be no problems if I transfer by mid summer.
At what water temperature should I transfer to the two acre pond, with an automatic feeder and bottom membrane diffuser aeration?
I will feed high protein Aquamax 500/600 with NO aeration in the small pond.
How much growth should be expected by the time of critical water temperature?
Your thoughts and recommendations will be appreciated.
George Glazener
N.E. Texas � � acre and 2 acre ponds.
