Okay - pellet feeding is not necessary for growing the SBS and HSB. Without pellets they might not grow as fast, however the fish should be healthy and provide some good angling fun. Both you and us will learn more about this fish combination if you periodically return here and give us some fishery updates.
I reverse estimated the possible carrying capacity of this fish combo of SBS/HSB. The main variable to this is how much fertility will be in your pond's natural production.
Without pellet feeding, I think your stocking numbers are good and appropriate for a NO PELLET for 1/4 ac pond of natural sustaining foods. I calculated what the SBS-HSB estimated carrying capacity will be when the fish have been in the pond after 6-8years. We have to keep in mind that there should not be a lot of reproduction recruitment for these two species. SBS recruitment minimal and HSB none, thus if the HSB eat most of the offspring from the SBS,,, fish growth as carrying capacity will be mostly from the initial stocker fishes.
I estimate the SBS without pellets could be 9" long and each should 0.62lb X 50 SBS for total SBS weight of 31lbs X 4 for = 124lbs/ac. of panfish
Then with 12 HSB if they grow to 14" long will weigh 1.4 lb each for 16.9 lbs of predator X 4 = 67.6 lbs HSB predator/ac.
TOTAL fish pounds per ac = close to 192/b per ac. that to me seems a very reasonable fish poundage for a natural carrying capacity for growing fish. As the pond ages past the 6-8yrs with some stocked fish attrition there might be some growth available for the existing stocked SBS/HSB.
I see this as a very good fishery experiment for all of us as a learning experience. Please keep us advised as to how this fish combination progresses.
