Questions for the experts: These are apparently wild fish. Is there any chance that they will feed on pellets? My understanding is that redears are bottom oriented fish that may not take pellets,would it be worth trying sinking pellets? Is this pond likely to have enough forage for these fish to achieve a rapid growth rate and how do I evaluate the forage base?[/QB][/QUOTE]
Never ever claim to be an expert, but 250 redears for the time being in a .5 acre pond with no predators should be just fine. There should be lots of natural feed in there by now. And larger redears will eat fatheads. Redears from my experience are more carnivorous than bluegills, etc.
As far as feed training them or getting them to feed on pellets -- that is doubtful. Even the fish farmers can't seem to do it, so your chances are slim to none. You'd probably have to crowd them in a cage to even have a chance, but it's too late now.
Glad you found someone. Sounds like Aquatic Control in Seymour?
Aren't some fish farmers a real peach? I've actually be chewed out for asking about the availability of fish. Go figure. I deal with some on an annual basis and you really have to wonder how some of them stay in business. Had one supplier in Ohio tell me he had lots and lots of female adult perch for me -- no problem. Then when it got closer to pick up time he said, "Oh, we're short of adult perch this year but we MAY be able to find you some in three or four weeks. I didn't like the "MAY" part as I run a business and found a more dependable supplier. It turned out my new supplier was the supplier for the other guy in the past, and now by skipping the middle man the price has been cut in half.
