Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations managing for hawg bass

I agree with ewest. 300 3-8" BG are not enough to support the larger 25 LMB that you have stocked IF you intend for these stocked LMB to grow to meet your Priority #1 and #2. BG 3"-5" will average about one ounce each x 16 oz x 25 lbs = 400 BG; enough for one maybe two 13"-15" bass. I tell people that a typical 10"-14" bass will eat about 250 (2"-4") BG per yr. You have more forage fish to add if you expect normal growth of your stocked adult bass. Your forage base is too slim for adult bass in a new pond.

It would be beneficial for you to read "Raising Trophy Bass" available on this site. IMO for you to reach your goals you will need additional species of forage foods to successfully meet Priorities 1&2. First items that come to mind are golden shiners, redear sunfish, crayfish, bullfrogs, and possibly consider shad (gizzard or skipjack herring since you are in KY) and green sunfish or another sunfish. Threadfin shad could be an option and naturally occur in KY but would need to be periodically restocked when winter die offs occur.

Since it appears you and your allies are intense bass fishermen, it would be beneficial to use the search feature to read past topic posts here about creating hook smart (hook shy) bass and how to deal with them which is what I think will soon happen in your new pond when you try to manage primrily for those initial 40 stocked bass. Way back in the early 70's I was also gung-ho on doing your plan for my pond. Since then lots of fish raising and learning has occurred. Today I would not attempt your plan. There are better better ways to grow big bass or other predators.