Thanks for all the quick responses so if I read you all correctly...
There will be predators eating the forage (and their eggs?) so fast that forage species may not have time to grow or reproduce before they are eaten (in the pond that contains predators).
That's why you grow them separate, plus the process itself is rewarding.
I will be seeking the wisdom of George and Highflyer and post plans/results in future.
BMRENN. I have extensive experience with a small � acre pond that I would categorize more as a general-purpose pond than a Forage Pond.
We dug our �forage pond� in 2004 to produce maximum forage for growing out Hybrid Striped Bass. At that time there were no producers of sub-adult HSB in our area and fingerlings were just expensive fish food for predators in our main 2-acre pond.
Our HSB �grow-out� plan was so successful that Overton Fisheries picked up on the idea, and 8-12 inch HSB are now available and much less labor intensive..
Since then the pond has been used as our favorite fishing hole, producing many near trophy size HSB and CNBG � without ANY aeration and mostly hand feeding..
I would describe a Forage Pond as a narrow rectangular pond about 5 feet deep, capable of high forage production and ease of frequent seining forage.
I have recently had the privilege of observing HighFlyer and FireIsHot �Forage/Grow-out� ponds that are producing excellent results.
They are more up-to-date on managing these type ponds and will contribute their knowledge and experience � right guys?
Good luck with your program,
George Glazener
