I don't know of anyone doing much besides FHM in this area, other than the BG for the bass.
I think the kids would have fun keeping any of the larger bass, so I would rather have them reproducing, letting the smaller bass keeping the HBG under control.
To keep the FHM reproducing, what type of cover do I need to add to the pond?
How many and HBG would be a reasonable number to start the stocking with? Couple hundred?
I'm pretty new to all this stuff also... But from what I've read here, a pond of your description can support about fifty pounds of fish total. More ( perhaps many more) if you supplement feed, aerate, fertilize if needed, etc, etc. In other words, the healthier your pond is, the more fish it is capable of supporting. Over stocking sets the stage for a big die off. A hundred half pound fish and you're at fifty pounds. If you add a couple hundred, then add your bass to that... How many total pounds will that be in three or four years? A lot of factors to consider. Lots of info on FHM spawning here, many guys stick cedar shingles in shallow water for them to spawn under. I built some of these... But it's too early for me to report how effective they are.
