Originally Posted by 45ACP
Thank yall for the replies.

esshup, to clarify on the "perch", yes I meant Copper Nose Bluegill just based off what I've read on here. Is that the strain I'd want? Or is there a bigger/better strain? I told the contractor that I want a shelf on each end for BG spawning. We're doing a 3:1 slope on most of the pond but I want 2 areas to have a shelf maybe 5:1 about 8' out and maybe 10' wide then continue to the bottom at 3:1. Then I can put gravel on the shelf part to serve as a spawning area and also create a ridge to the bottom. Is that a good idea?

Also my barn is close by and I can come off the sub panel for power. Are you suggesting I run 220 rather than 110? Yes the fountain will have lights.

I'm being realistic with my expectations on fish quality. I realize I'm not going to have a trophy bass fishery with 1/2 acre pond. I'd just like some kids to be able to go catch some decent fish. If I could have some decent bass and BIG Bluegill that would be cool. I'd like to learn more on what it takes to grow big bluegill.

You are correct. CNBG (Coppernose Bluegull) are what you want. The shelf idea is a great idea, cover it with 6"-8" pea gravel for spawning beds.

Correct 220v is less expensive to run rate wise, and most fountains that are 1 - 2+ hp run on 220v.

Feeding the fish a good quality fish food will grow the fish big and quicker than not feeding them. We are in Northern Indiana, but we ship fountains, aeration systems, feeders and all other pond products all over the country.

While this is a Hybrid Bluegill from a customers pond, he has Northern Strain Bluegill in there that are just as big.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

12.5", 2.15#

For the kids, I'd recommend stocking a few hundred Hybrid Bluegills in addition to the CNBG. Feed the fish and the grandkids will be catching 6"-7" HBG next year at this time. That's stocking fingerlings. If you were to stock 4" CNBG/HBG, then they'd be catching then that big in early summer next year. I'd recommend stocking 10# FHM, 100-200 RES, 500 CNBG and 50-60 LMB along with a few hundred HBG. Make sure the LMB are 1/2 the size of the BG/HBG/RES when the LMB are stocked. You don't want the LMB eating the panfish right away.

www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).