TJ, I love talking ponds, so I'd be glad if my experiences could be beneficial to someone else--especially those considering HBG. I'm no expert; and, frankly, I owe whatever success I've had to the wisdom of those on this forum.
Prior to building my pond in 2012, I only knew ponds overloaded w/stunted BG or LMB, and I desperately wanted to avoid that. However, I also wanted a very diverse fishery with the species I like to pursue even tho' they're not common here. However, growing big HBG became the main goal. The first thing was to build a huge forage base of FHM, so I staked 15 pallets around the pond. They cooperated in a big way. I began feeding by hand twice a day w/Aqumax 500 and was amazed at the hybrids' growth. The first year tho', much to my chagrin, they were far more interested in nesting than they were w/feeding. Last summer, I didn't see any nests other than the RES. During these two years, I limited my fishing only to get samples and take measurements. They all progressed at the same rate. There were few variances among all I caught. The first ones measured 6.5 inches all w/good girth. The next measured 8", and this spring most were pushing 9.5 to 10".
My pond is an acre, 14 ft deep, w/trees on the north side. I stocked 300 RES at the same time as my HGB. The pallets I put out for FHM were covered w/tiny black snails. They disappeared very quickly, and the RES I saw at feeding time were much bigger at first than the HGB. They have spawned consistently in the same spot. However, their stints the first year were much briefer than the HBG.
The second year, I noticed some slight recruitment, so I added WE and SMB as predators. The plan was to add HSB this winter, but I sourced some YP and golden shiners from Rainman and put the HSB on hold. We'll see how harvest goes this summer, and I still may add them this winter once I get the biomass down. I ordered 25 6" WE and 25 4-5" SMB, but my fish supplier was generous and gave me 38 WE and 40 2-3" SMB. This spring, the WE are a healthy 13-14", and I caught my first smallie yesterday. He was a fat little guy at 10", so I'm pleased at the predators' growth.
I added bottom structure and have placed pallets, 2 cedar trees in deeper water, and a few trees around the edges. I just added the trees to encourage the YP to spawn. I have yet to catch a YP but saved 3 healthy ones from my overflow, which has had the screen repaired and a second one added to the back of the overflow. I staked the trees and can remove them easily at any time. I know I'm adding cover for the YOY and may regret this.
Starting last year, I started feeding only once a day--a larger amount--and feel this is adequate. I mix Aquamax 500 and 600. I believe the SMB are feeding some.
I hope this helps.
