Theo and ML :

How about twice as much? Comments on fall tilapia and LMB stocking up for winter are dead on. I think also (depending on exact timing of LMB spawn) the same would be the case for late spring RT forage which would be just right. At the first of the post spawn period ( here april-may) the LMB are under 3 conditions that I think make the timing perfect. First as the water temps. pick up so does LMB metabolism ( their biology requires more food). Second they are opportunity feeders and take the easy prey in the right size class first (efficient feeders). Third at post spawn they have used up most of their stored energy supplies and need to eat quick to survive to spawn again next year. All three are genetic/biologic driven factors with I think high priority. That is why I made my first post dated 9-15-05 complimenting ML. I have read articles out of south Calif. describing the feeding frenzy that occurs when the hatchery trucks back up and release 10in. RT into the water where the LMB are waiting just offshore. These hatchery raised young fish with no exposure to predators are like cold tilapia or hot RT , easy pickings for LMB. ewest