Keep in mind that stocking rates are not designed just for first year growth but for longer term results. In most newly stocked southern ponds stocked at 1/10 (LMB/BG plus FHM) first year growth is very good as competition is limited. It is second- and third-year results in the offspring that begin the issues. The variable for over or under stocking at an acceptable ratio is the time to reach carrying capacity. I have seen 1/10 stocking ratios used from 1 LMB and 10 BG per acre up to 200 to 2000. The best results for LMB/BG for the first 5 years, I have seen, used less than 1/10 ratio and used 1/20 LMB/BG plus FHM and feeding. But all ponds and results are dependent on multiple factors. Actual results vary greatly and often differ substantially from predicted statistical models.