JWM, I have been in this tilapia stocking game as long or longer than anyone on this forum � since the departure of ML�.that is �
As you know Boatcycle in Henderson began all this tilapia business 10 or 12+ years ago in Texas and it has caught on like wildfire since.
This may be long winded so bear with me.
I am a �relative numbers� guy instead of �absolute� numbers � I am leery of
numbers of tilapia per acre - instead I like to look at it from a standpoint of what I need based on problems and opportunity.
When I have a minor FA problem I have stocked as low as 5-10 lbs and it worked well under normal conditions, but with drought stricken ponds my acreage numbers change,
Last year my 2-acre pond was recovering from drought-shrunken pond to about an acre with bad FA problem, so I stocked 10-15 lbs and it controlled FA quite well.
This year my 2 acre pond in N.E. Texas is ~3ft low and ~1.5 acres. With emphases on Florida LMB and introduction of Camelot Bell brood stock �WE� upped the numbers to 30lbs total � I gave you bad dope earlier with 30 lbs/acre.
Forum advice requires caution � when I speak of �WE� upped the numbers; I don�t rely on forum advice but seek the advice of professional fisheries biologist/consultant.
I am fortunate in having one of the best � he takes a look at our pond and makes the call, whether to up the numbers or adjust, depending upon FA problem and forage plans.
Aeration is important but you guys with lakes rather than ponds have mother natures best wind aeration ever � we have recently installed surface aeration in addition to bottom diffuser system to handle frequent Texas drought conditions
Good luck on your program,
George
