Need your input:
Background first:
I did my initial stocking last October on my 1 acre pond with 4# FH minnows, 4# Redear minnows, 250 2"-3" Blue Gill, and 50 6" fingerling channel cats.
I fed a 1# coffee can of floating/sinking fish food once a week through the winter months. Pond is in Parker County, Texas, so the winter was relatively "mild".
For the last 2-3 weeks, I've fed 2 times/week.
I've seen a tremendous amount of top-water activity all over the opnd from the BG-looks like they're ranging in size 3"-5", a few were larger.
Thought I saw some channel cat activity in the deeper end over a brush pile.
However, I haven't seen as much minnow activity, especially as they should be moving around the shallows.
There are several brush piles in various depths and locations--both "loose" and "compact" in density. Plus, there are several limestone rock shelfs/piles for other "hiding/ambush" spots.
First, what should be my feeding pattern? Am I feeding enough or too much and what food do you recommend?
Second, where are my minnows? I really expected to see thousands of little ones by now. Has something cleaned me out or have the BG been "feasting? on them?
Thanks.
gb
