Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Raising Forage and Bait stocking supplemental winter/summer forage fish

If you are trying to grow trophy bass then your supplimental stocking idea has a lot of merit. Smaller trout can be low cost per fish compared to other similar sized fish. They can have a very similar cost as the same sized catfish which are considered relatively cheap. Hauling costs can significantly increase the final cost. Consider doing your own fish hauling to save some some money depending on your schedule, your finances, and how badly you want larger bass. You do the homework.

IMO if you are interested in catching some of the trout, then buy two sizes, some for the bass and some for yourself. You should also get some advice from Lusk or a fish professional as to how many of the shad and trout to stock depending on the structure and size of your bass population. Strongly selectively thinning some bass so the predation pressure is not so great on the forage fish. This could help grow bigger bass for you with or without adding additional forage. Proper carrying capacity or standing crop is important for growing and producing a high quality fishery.