Greg,

I'm not so sure that we disagree on this as much as you think. We agree on the "15" minute rule, we agree that higher protein probably would make up for some reduction in feeding, and we agree that feeding is not cheap, but isn't bankruptcy either compared to the cost of other pond related things, e.g. construction.

We differ perhaps on the question of feeding and catchability of fish....and yes I don't have 50 ponds, but know when a fish is full it isn't as likely to eat my flies as when it is hungry. I believe the trick is finding the right balance between growth and catchability.

Also, it is likely that I have different objectives than most of your clients. I am striving for a pond eco system that needs no chemicals whatsoever.

I consider algae feed. Yes, algae is feed for LMB and HSB. Crazy? I don't think so.

Tilapia eat copious amounts of algae and produce prolific numbers of offspring which are consumed by the LMB and HSB. I am in effect feeding the LMB algae. As a rancher I really raise grass, not cows. I like to apply that same common sense to Ponds.

I like that system far better than adding fertilizer, then using herbicides to kill the algae and weeds that result from the fertilization and then having huge muck build up problems and DO problems. (and as an aside, artificial feeding adds significantly to that muck also)

I just happen to believe there is a better way. I feed the Tilapia algae, they feed my HSB and LMB. I catch the LMB and HSB. I like that system. It works for me. Maybe it won't work for others....

Jighead, I hope I didn't get too far off topic and that this helps you with your own decisions on managing your pond.