Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Natural Pond, thing of the past?

John,

I think you're right. It seems most folks feel that the smaller the fish stocked, the more likely they will revert to natural forage. Problem seems to come in where fingerlings are not a viable option, such as in an existing pond with predators, and larger stockers are required, or when a guy just wants to stock larger fish than fingerlings. Here is a recent thread discussing the subject.

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=35346&Number=462214#Post462214

Quote from Bob L in the Jan/Feb issue of PBM...

"..if you are adamant about doing things nature's way, then don't even think about using feed-trained fish in your stocking plan. They won't make the shift from feedlot to your underwater range."

He goes on to provide that if you stock feed trained fish anyway and don't feed them, then 60% will deteriorate or disappear. 20% will have flat performance and only 20% will thrive at some level.