Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose New 2 acre pond stocking plan

Ladder stocking HSB into existing LMB population. For the percent survival of HSB into LMB, all those interested we have to remember that if HSB are stocked one year later the LMB will only be 8"-12" long and they are still focused on eating minnows, 1.5"-2" BG. HSB as 4"-6 " stockers will IMO have higher survival rates. This assumes the stockers are healthy and properly handled. Historically I have had trouble getting good HSB survival of stockers due to HSB do not are not good at tolerating holding, hauling and transport. IMO I would buy a several extra to account for various causes of loss. You can always remove excess HSB when they get to 14"-16" as these are the best sizes for eating. Less red meat along the skin side of the fillet.

Feeding new BG-RES. Yes I would hand feed once or twice a day until you see them eating pellets. If they are small 2"-3" it will take several days to a week or more for them to find the feeding area. Fish that small tend to initially feed on invertebrates and large plankton. I think it is initially a good idea to use a long stick or pole to do a little water splashing in the area where you feed. If you have a dock then bang lightly on the dock. This alerts the fish as to activity and does a fair job of attracting them to the area. Minnows will show up first to the pellet feeding. They attract other fish. A good way to start feeding pellets is to get or make a feeding ring. A quick ring is a hula-hoop anchored with a cord tied to a brick and works to keep the feed from blowing to shore. Ring can be made from PVC pipe or black poly water line. For my feeding rings I install a wind baffle around the inside of the ring to keep more pellets inside the ring on windy days and fish splashing. .