I am new to the fish pond life. Have a 1/6 acre pond. I stocked it last fall with 25 LMB and 50 BG. All about 2-3". The pond already had crayfish, I've seen up to 15 of them with some as big as 5", also have spotted a footlong catfish.

I have started trying to feed the fish. I began at the beginning of April and I was consistent on time and place for about two weeks. The surface water temp was 55-60. They had absolutely no interest. I have recently restarted although more sporatically as I don't want to feed the algae. The fish now seem to be starting to take the pellets.

My question is how should I feed them? Should I get them started by tossing in a pellet at a time or should I toss by the handfull? When I toss one at a time I try to hit the area where they are and they seem to strike rather quick. They don't seem to go after the handfull. Should I do the pellet by pellet method until they get trained and then will I be able to switch to handfulls?

Thanks.

Also have a FA problem which I am attempting to control with barley straw.

1/6 acre pond in Dutchess County, NY