Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Raising Forage and Bait Unlimited supply of TFS! SMB/WE/HSB forage?

If your forage base is dense enough in the trophy SMB pond [minnow/shiner species plus YP plus TFS] then supplemental feeding of SMB is likely unnecessary. Some report their SMB turned off pellets once natural forage was available, while this has not been my experience, it still is important to consider - because it could be your experience, also. With that in mind, feeding SMB may not be necessary, however your forage species and YP will benefit from a feeding program, although feeding isn't mandatory by any means. Feeding does enable all fish to grow faster, enables more robust spawns from your forage, and helps push your fishery carrying capacity - just some things to consider.

In your second fishery with plans for WE, HSB, YP, SMB, and HBCP, I would recommend a feeding program. It will relieve pressure off your forage base and help everything grow faster and improve overall fish health. Bear in mind feeding programs can vary in intensity - some owners feed much more sparingly than others. I am in the light feeding program camp myself due to the makeup of my fishery - every scenario varies.