I'm currently in the process of getting quotes for a 1/2-3/4 acre pond. The apex predators for the pond will be Blue Catfish (BC) and Hybrid Striped Bass (HSB). I have a million ideas for forage, but I thought I'd get some opinions from you guys.
-Will TFS work in such a small pond? They are definitely a favorite food of both the BC and the HSB.
-Do I NEED BG? Since I'm not adding LMB, I wasn't sure if BG would be necessary, as they aren't typically on the top of the list for BC/HSB forage.
-How will Golden Shiners (GS) work? I've heard they are great for HSB but I've also heard that Catfish are too slow to catch them.
-How would Black Crappie (BCP) work? I know they aren't recommended for small ponds because they can stunt and overpopulate, but I figured if that happened, a pond full of bite-size BCP would make the BC fat and happy.
Any ideas/opinions on a BC/HSB pond would be greatly appreciated
This is a very interesting combination of predators Steve. I add some thoughts.
For both predators, I think it is a good strategy to manage around a range of standing weights with harvest. So maybe something like 60 lbs/Ac for the BC and 120 lbs/Ac for the HSB (as max weights). Consider a ladder stocking method that allow you to grow fish to a desired harvest length that keeps them under the maximum standing weight you have set. Both species will eat formulated feed and so this could supplement forage shortfall.
With regard to the blues, fish will be a primary source of food in the winter and less important in the summer when alternatives may be in good supply. Things that will be prime forage for them in summer will be local unionid mussels that are adapted to still water environments and crayfish. But in winter they are relatively active and consume a higher proportion of fish than in the summer. The growth of BC from fall to spring can be impressive largely in response to eating a good diet of weakened, dying, or dead fish.
I think TFS are a great idea for your combination, perhaps ideal, particularly if they thrive and winter survival can be depended on. If you can count on winter kill, and they are legal in your state, TP might also be a really good forage for your planned BOW. I don't see anything wrong with GS, but probably the TFS are a better choice if they meet the other conditions.
