Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose red ear sunfish

The key to redear growth and survival is structure in your pond. Habitat for snails- the more woody submerged structure the better. Certain vegetation is also vital- mats of primrose, alligatorweed, lemon bacopa, maidencane (all the stuff that typically takes over or makes bank angling tough, or is on most states' invasive list...) all provide substrate for their primary food sources. Submerged plants like milfoil, pondweeds, white water lilies are also great but usually tougher to manage. The marginal plants can be burned back annually to maximize edge for fishing and keep the 'food bed' going for the 'ears. This also helps with their survival when less than 10". In our area they usually come off the beds before the bluegill, right after the bass spawn so they're ripe for predation. Would be nice if they hit the feed but they are a fantastic fighter and worth the effort to manage for.