HSB are almost always pellet trained. I've never heard of any HSB producer that did not use pellets to get HSB to fingerling stage. I've had some problems getting good survival of HSB stocked into cages at cooler temps of 50F-65F. If you get them at water temps less than 65F make sure you know the warranty of fish survival from the fish farm. Provide pellets as soon as the HSB are stocked to make sure they have access to food. I prefer to stock the larger sizes of 6"-8"+ that seem to be a little more hardy than 3"-5". If the stockers are being held in salt added water (common) then be sure to carefully temper the fish with pond water before dumping them into your pond.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 01/05/16 11:11 AM.
