Jim - Remember that once you add BG and LMB you are stuck with them for the very long term. To my knowledge you cannot 'divorce' them from the pond unless you do a complete renovation. If the BG-LMB develop unwanted behavior, probably due to an unbalance or over reproduction,,, ask these experts if they will come and help you out with your pond fishery problem. IMO you will not need my help because all you have to do if unhappy is change course and then add those "unanimous, predictable" BG-LMB.
Before pulling the trigger, I suggest that you recontact each of those folks at Clemson and SC DNR as a re-evaluation and have them actually read my HSB suggestions for your pond stocking. Send them a link to this thread. Tell them I do not sell fish and I am an aquatic biologist (MS) by training with 3 graduate fishery science couses and 46 years of fishery management experience. My suggested use of HSB as the primary fish specie allows you, if unhappy to "shift gears" and do a later stocking of BG & LMB; whereas their suggested starting with a BG-LMB fishery means you are always stuck with BG and LMB regardless of how they perform in your pond. IMO no use paying the dumb tax when there is a good alternative plan that does allow, if desired, for an eventual BG-LMB fishery. No turning back with BG-LMB. Been there, experienced that. Life is all about choices and hopefully they are mostly wise choices.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 12/16/25 10:46 AM.
