I have several questions about my bass. First, pond is 1 surface acre with sloped sides dropping into a deep channel about 25 to 30 ft wide. 18' depth in deepest part of channel toward the dam. I am in Central Texas where we are warm most of the year.

I stocked 100 - 4" fingerling bass on January 31, 2002. At the time I also stocked bluegill that have reproduced nicely. At the end of March 2002 I added an additional 50 bass same size. Two weeks before the initial stocking I had five bass put in that were about 10 to 12" long. This year we have caught anywhere from 7" long to 16" long bass with the average being around 10". The fish are healthy and not overly fat but not skinny either.

First question, how mature do black bass have to be to spawn? Is it possible any spawned last year?

What can I expect for growth in the first year to fourteen months from 4" fingerling bass. I am trying to discern which fish may be which stocking or if they were spawned.

I appreciate your input.

Bill Morris

Bill