We normally don't stock tilapia during the first year of a new bass pond, mainly for the reasons described above by ewest. As long as the bluegill/redear/fatheads are doing their thing, there shouldn't be a need for tilapia the first year.
HOWEVER, we have stocked 3" bass in tilapia production ponds on the farm and seen growth to over 1 lb in 6 months time, so I know that bass can and will gain benefit from small tilapia in their first year.
Keep in mind that tilapia spawn as early as April in this part of Texas, and we stock bass out as early as mid-May at a 2"-3" size, so the timing is good for new bass fingerlings to eat small tilapia.
