If BG have lower chance of survival than Pumpkinseed or Yellow Perch I'd rather look into that. I'm not 100% sold on BG just see that as the typical prey in a LMB pond scenario. I remember catch both PS and YP in a farm pond I grew up on in Ga and loving it, and remembering them to be quite tasty too. If the LMB will use either of those species, or OSS, etc as a forage base and will thrive and reproduce in my pond I'd be interested in using that species instead.
Though on the Virginia Department and Game and Inland Fisheries stocking guide, PS and YP "...should not be stocked because they tend to become overpopulated and stunted." Although I'm pretty sure I don't have to get their
approval for a private pond (though not sure since the pond has multiple owners), otherwise there is a
form to fill out and submit for any fish to be stocked.
Virginia regulation (4VAC 15-320-60) requires authorization from the Department to stock any species of fish into inland waters of the state. This regulation, however, does not restrict stocking of native fish species into privately owned ponds. The purpose of this authorization requirement is to protect native populations of fish, to control spread of fish diseases, and to avoid establishment of exotic fish populations in streams where such species would be undesirable.
I do have to submit an
application to stock Grass Carp in the pond though if I desired.
So where would you guys suggest I go from here, do more catch research on the pond getting weights and fish numbers? Still try and catch white perch in it and see if they are in there? Would the bass be using them as forage? Research fish farms around here and see if I can get my hands on some PS, YP or OSS, or try out some BG?
