Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Creating the food chain Small LMB Gape and Proper forage size

I was reading a bit on the forum tonight (Trophy Bass Concepts - BC) and I'm curious about small LMB proper forage size. I've read and participated in a couple of discussions relating to the subject for larger LMB and supplemental forage but haven't seen anything (probably in the archives and missed it) about the youngsters on initial stocking. I think the general rule of thumb is the optimal forage size for LMB is typically 30-50% in length. Lower values for taller forage and higher for values for something more fusiform. Does this also apply to the 2-3" May/June stocking fish as well or is this something they "grow into"?

In the concepts link:

2. Do not buy those 5 month old bass that are 2”-3” long fingerlings when you want to grow the biggest bass possible for your water.. Don’t do it. IMO 2”to 4” fingerlings are only valuable as TROPHY stocker sizes used in July –early August. High quality fast growing fingerlings should be a full 3 inches long or bigger in August; smaller than that they were over crowded and sub-par trophy potential. Real high quality genetic bass fingerlings should be growing close to 2mm per day when raised the best ways. May 20 to Aug 10 = 80 days X 1.25mm growth per day = 100mm(3.9”), 120 days (May,Jun,Jul.Aug) X 1.25mm/day = 150mm = 5.9”. Fingerling bass of 2”-3” in October thru April are the slower growing bass with less than exceptional genetics of that year class of bass. October yearling LMB should be a minimum of 5.3” and the “Jumpers” could be or should be 7”-9” long. Remember we want to grow not just big bass but grow trophy class bass. Choose your stockers wisely. See next.

Fast growing best genetics bass at 5 months old (October) should be at least 5”-6” long and MUCH better if they are 7”-9” long IF they were ALWAYS well fed daily with plenty of forage. These bass are called “jumpers” aka "shooters". Some 6-12 month old “jumper bass can be 10” long. Those young bass with less size than those 5 month old 6”-8” lengths of bass, IMO when wanting trophy stockers are the “runts” and will never reach trophy status. They can be big bass but never achieve trophy status They had too little food, were too crowded, and will never become trophy bass. True trophy 10lb+ bass are unique aggressive eaters and fast growers and HAVE to be 9”-10” long at one year old.

How long do the LMB maintain 1.25-2mm per day growth rate? My gut says there's a slowing in the winter and again when they are able to spawn / sexually mature.