I pretty much segregate and sort all fish I stock with the pond owners. The reasons are numerous, just not unwanted diseases. I usually have some type of aerated tank. A tempering tank filled with pond water where they are going. When I bring the fish I mix half pond water and half the water they are in to temper them and also help prevent ionic shock. It's best to have three or four people. Small dips nets or baitfish nets are almost required. Nice chairs don't hurt, and a thermometer. Thentime to count while taking them out of the mixed water and placing them in the stock tank. The count lets you verify what you are getting, cull out any duds and check for unwanted species and also try to avoid unwanted plants. I have been over 500 short on a FHM before. Not good. Also got 50% gambusia mixed in with FHM. Again, not exactly what I paid for or was told what I was getting. Take out fungus fish if any, cripples, morts. If you want you can recount again after they come out of the tank and into the pond. Using this method I insure pretty much what I put in the pond, and when planting several thousand fish I usually have less than 1% floaters. It is one of the most important times of stocking a pond, if not the most importasnt. I always take the time to at least attempt to do it right. You can count by 10's and put maybe 100 into a 5 gal bucket before they go into a pond or tank. Seek help.
