Rcn, sorry been out of town. I was the presenter at PB. I thought I was clear this is a stocking program for quality bass. I do feel strongly it works well. � acre not sure I would say go this route though. You are limited on total pounds of bass you can produce. If you are willing to only catch a few bass enjoy lots of bluegill fishing then stocking numbers are solid.
I differ on opinion on waiting for fall stocking of bass. With what you have I suggest total 1500 bg, 300 res, fhm are good, bag of golden shiner fry from Anderson. If this is done with a good 2� bluegill asap put your bass in as 2 inch fingerlings in June- about 35 of em. Up north this would not work, here especially as far south as you are it works great. The bluegill will grow like gang busters in a new pond and spawn in April. This will supply ample forage for the new little 2 inch bass. I the fall your bass will be much bigger than a hatchery bass grown in crowded conditions. Just this last year we did this same scenario the bass were over 11 inches in Nov.
The other reason not to wait is availability of all three subspecies at 6 inches is very limited and more costly. I do not know many hatcheries that can work with that small a quantity. I know we have a $100 minimum order. I will be in Greenville, FL in June with the fingerlings if interested. Sounds like your are willing to do it right. Let us know if we can be of assistance.
Side bar�I�m not sure of the genetic answer of the bass. I know we have used F1�s ( supposedly F1�s who really knows) and they have grown like crazy and extremely aggressive. Would Fx bass grown just as well or fla grown better or northern been more aggressive not sure?? BUT clients very pleased with the F1. We have attempted in last couple of years to mix bass subspecies as per Ewest description when possible but logistically nightmare with all the hatcheries involved.
