If you saw Bg on nests / beds, then in a new pond you should have a BG hatch. Snorkeling you will very likely notr see the eggs they are really hard to see among the nest materials. If you pick up a stone from one of the nests and look closely you should see a few small light yellow eggs attached. Eggs will be slightly smaller than buckshot about the size of small bird shot. FHM will be hard to get now in late July August due to heat and difficulty of transporting.
It does not supprise me that using your stocking method that the BG are now just spawning. Transplanted BG often experience delayed spawning untill they recover from transplant shock and get adjusted to new pond conditions. Next year when they are more established you should see their nests in early June. Some of the youngest ones that you stocked (2") likely won't spawn until mid-summer next year. The larger LMB (7"-10") likely ate some of your 2"-3" stocker BG.
Since you initially added larger bass before forage was well established, those non-pellet eating bass are experiencing stunting. I would buy FHM as soon as you can get them in late Aug-Sept. The YOY BG, yet this year, will not provide much food for those 5"-10" LMB. Your initial LMB will be behind in growth for at least 2 or more yrs. 150 yearling bass need LOTS of food to grow properly; much more than your initial 2 gallons of FHM.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 07/27/11 06:52 PM.
