I gather from another post that your pond is a new one. I think without LMbass, smallies will survive in your pond even in northern FL (see my upcoming article about temperature myths and SMB in the Mar-Apr 09 PBoss magazine). Your pond stocking will be a very good test subject. Start by using golden shiners & fatheads as forage fish. Some or a few redear sunfish (RES) might also be possible but over time you may have to occassionally help the SMB keep the RES under control. I suggest selectively thinning the RES of sizes from 3.5"-6", rather than the 1"-3".
My experience is, I doubt that YP will survive in your regional climate (too hot, too long), but you can try a YP stocking with the SMB, minnows, shiners. I would try to locate some YP from somewhere in the Carolinas or similar latitude or as far south as you can find them (FL panhandle then stock wild natives?). If from a hatchery, ask if they were raised at the hatchery or brought in from more northern location. That info will be helpful.
Bottom line the smallies will have a better chance surviving than the YP in your region. If you pellet train the SMB and YP you will get much better success (sizes). I like to hear about it when I am wrong; that way I learn. If you are successful, I may stop by for a visit when I am in FL. If the smallie stocking does not work then add the LMB, but keep the LMB out until they are not surviving or you want the smallie numbers to decrease; then add LMB. They will then take over.
PS - Keep us posted as to your pond progress.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/07/09 11:15 PM.
