So the last year has been busy for me. I was having troubles getting bluegill going strong enough for a forage base before i stock bass. 8 acre pond in SE Illinois, average depth is 4-5 and 10 around the levee. I added 6 bottom diffusers, over 50 bluegill beds. 30% of the shoreline is now in cover, maybe 5-8% in open water. Well... my numbers have blown up and now I'm wanting to start feeding soon. As seen in the picture, the pond is surrounded by trees. My thoughts, if anyone has experience in this department. I plan to drive treated 4x4s in open water, put a cross arm at the top and throw up a few texas hunter hanging feeders. Are they decent quality or should I just buy 1 bank feeder? Also, I can't afford to feed these fish at will. I know something is better than nothing but at what point are you feeding them for growth and not recreation? My plan was 2 feeders, 200lb "total" of optimal per month during peak growing times, 100 lb early and late season, and shut it off in the winter. Thoughts?
