Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Stocking Existing Pond

While there are categories that deal specifically with stocking fish, I can't imagine that anyone will object to you asking it right here. As you become acquainted with the forum, you will probably notice that some threads meander around like a old creek. Eventually that water finds it's way to the river, but it may take a round-about way to get there.

IMO, stocking at a reduced rate while maintaining the prescribed ratio is not a bad thing in itself. I think the downside involves the size of your BOW. Fish intended for forage need to be accessible to the predators they are intended to feed. If there are too few forage fish, then the predator species, even if their numbers are proportionate to the forage, may have a hard time locating them.

Also, what size are most of the GSF? They may do a number on the FHM that you want to feed your LMB. Of course, this becomes a non-issue if you kill off the pond and start over first.

My personal observations here lead me to believe that a pond that produces big Bass, and quantities of big Bluegill, is the Holy Grail of many budding pondmeisters. It is do-able, but it's not easy. As a BG enthusiast, I live in fear of, and temper most of my replies in regards too, the dreaded "S" word. Stunting. As in many, many small BG.

I was always taught to stock your BG first, let them become established, then introduce LMB into the mix. My time spent here has introduced me to several people vastly more knowledgeable than myself, and one idea that I've seen put forth several times involves stocking LMB before BG, to make sure the Bass are ready to hammer the BG right from their introduction. I know your geographic location plays a part in this, but I'm not sure how far North you have to be before it comes into play. Hopefully, someone who knows will speak up. The forum has been very quiet the last couple of days.

I hope someone's looking over my shoulder, in case I steer someone in the wrong direction... It's one thing to take the controls while the pilot goes to the bathroom, but you hope he comes back before it's time to land the plane.....