I am still a newbie at this but, from what I have observed so far, IMHO its all about healthy fish to start with and minimized stress during handling/transport for a successful stocking. In my case, it is less than two hours from the time I pick up my fish at the hatchery until they are swimming in their new home. I transport them in O2 filled bags packed in large coolers to maintain temp. I know not everybody has the luxury of a hatchery that close but everybody can do their best once they take possession of their fish to minimize the stress and to carefully acclimate them prior to the actual release of the fish to the pond.

Just my newbie 2 cents

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