TEXAS715,
I agree with you generally about stocking larger forage fish to avoid predation, except when it comes to Tilapia. I don't have any specific data, but just by close observation, Tilapia seem to have a high survival rate on initial stockings. A 4 inch or even 3 inch Tilapia will begin spawning immediately, if conditions are right. Two 4 inch Tilapia will produce more offspring than one 8 inch Tilapia, assuming the 4 inchers survive.
I could be totally wrong on this, but it doesn't bother me to get the small Tilapia. It may be that they are so prolific, it doesn't matter anyway. One thing, an 8 inch Tilapia should be one heck of a fish by fall. I had a few of those also this spring in my stocking and am looking forward to catching one in another month or so. I'm expecting 3 pounds out of them.
LakeL,
Personally, I would wait another growing season on the gizzards. You need larger predators to keep them in check. If you are stocking Tilapia, along with a BG and threadfin base, you should be fine for another season, IMHO.
