Illinois Longhorn,
Tilapia are a great pond fish. I'm not so sure about "Here in Illinois it would not be smart for us to add them to our ponds since we have such a limited season to keep them alive"
I'd like to maybe suggest some thoughts on the matter. When making a decision ask yourself...how much do I spend in time and money controlling FA each year? How much would it be worth to me to not use chemicals and still have an algae free pond? How much value would I place on a fish that can outproduce any other fish in terms of forage for predators in your pond(that's at optimum temps)? How much would it be worth to me to substantially increase my BG and/or other forage fish? How much value would you place on being able to have one of the absolutely healthest, best tasting fish fresh right from your pond?
Yes, the season is limited...more so for you than me, but if I was in your country, no question about it, I would stock them if even for only three months..but that's just me...and I believe Tilapia are the best pond management tool available to us today.
How long, during a typical year, are your water temps above 60 degrees?
p.s. let me add the above thoughts are the result of my experience and do not necessarily apply in general. Have to make that disclaimer or be jumped on.
