I don't really know how many minnows you need number wise. When I stocked my 3/4 acre pond, I put in 3 pounds of fathead minnows. They were all very small, but how many make a pound is a mystery to me.
With just a slightly smaller pond then mine, I'd guess that you would want 300 to 400 to start.
It did take awhile for my fish to figure out the food. I had forgotten that they ignored it at first, but reading your post reminded me of seeing the same thing happen. I just kept at it and after awhile, they started eating it. By the beginning of Fall, I had some cats that were well over a pound.
Good luck,
Eddie
