If i were to stock a pond with FHM now when should I expect them to spawn, and when should I add more fish?
What species and size of fish do you currently have in your pond?
Stocking a pound of FHM into an existing predatory fish community, most notably LMB wouldn't lead to FHM spawning as they'd all be eaten within a day or two in all likelihood. If the bass are smaller, there is a good chance some may survive. FHM bought from hatcheries are typically adults and will begin spawning within a few days IME under proper seasonal conditions where water temps are correct.
Is there a prefered order of stocking. FHM, Bluegill, Bass or Crappie ect.
Again, this varies from region to region. However, FHM are typically the first species to be stocked regardless. In southern regions(such as yours), the bluegill are stocked next followed by the bass. Most wait 6 months to 1 year between the stocking of the BG and the bass. Crappies are not recommended for ponds due to serious management issues. However, if one was adding crappies, I'd wait a year or two after the bass were stocked to make sure the bass could heavily prey on any offspring produced by the bass.
I need help since I believe I may have messed up the first pond I stocked.
Share with us when, what size and how many of each species you stocked... Then we can evaluate what you may need to do.
