They are your "jump start" for a new pond. They are slow swimming, small, hardy, prolific fish that inhabit shallow water. Stock them with your initial BG forage stocking. Within the first year they should disappear and the BG take over as the primary groceries for your predators. That is OK. They will have served their purpose.
"Just Fine" might be a little mild. I believe "don't start without them".
They help with the kick off of all of the fish. I've seen 8 to 10 inch catfish chasing schools of FHM across a pond. And, the baby BG eat them.
I would wait a year before stocking the LMB. Make sure you have a solid forage base. Everything is dependent on a good source of renewable protein and proper water quality.
Sounds good. I'm sure the hatchery we're going through will likely suggest this as well if this is common practice.
Do I still stock 400-500 BG if I'm also stocking FHM and how much FHM do I stock?
