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

When Bruce Condello first introduced me to the idea of supplemental feeding programs for fish I was not excited - it was a totally foreign concept to me and seemed, for lack of a better term, unnatural.

9 years later and opening a fish hatchery on my farm has taught me supplemental feeding allows me to push the boundaries and achieve results I could never otherwise allowing me more fish, 300% faster growth, and more robust spawns from my forage base. Today's feed is also designed to deliver critical amino acids and micro nutrients which can extend longevity over older feed formulations. Big difference in waiting 7 years to grow an 18" SMB only have it die in year 9 - imagine growing that fish to 18" in 3-4 years and having 4-5 years to catch it at that size.

I'm a big believer in supplemental feeding programs especially for absentee landowners like myself who like to push the boundaries of the established norm. Just some food for thought...pardon the pun!

Trying to source fish for next fall. Anyone familiar with this hatchery
http://www.zettsfishhatchery.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/CompleteCatalog.pdf
This one is in PA. There is another one with the same name in WV. Are they one in the same with 2 locations? I'm particularly interested in their Seminole Yellow Perch and SMB they say grow to 8 lbs.
Thanks!
Heppy

TJ, I just saw your post after I submitted my own. You are correct the idea of feeling "unnatural" concerning supplemental feeding. As I stated in my initial conversation with you, I will adhere to your advice I am new to this and you have many years of experience. Do you begin supplemental feeding with the initial stocking of forage fish in the spring? Do you or anyone have any thoughts concerning Zett's in my previous post?
Thanks!
Heppy

I have no experience with Zetts - IIRC pricing is pretty high. I would reach out to David Beasley of Solitude Lake Management in VA. He's a magazine contributor and personal friend, tell him what you want to do, he can help you get there and can likely source all your fish except the exotic minnow/shiner species. Tell him hello.

http://www.solitudelakemanagement.com/yo...s#david_beasley