Regarding the HSB and survivability/visibility:

We stocked 100 8-10"HSB in in our 11 acre pond back in early June '25. I did not see them again, feeding or otherwise, until late September and they were regulars through the fall until we stopped feeding. Their feeder activity ramped up as the bluegill and bass activity at the feeder slowed and was quick to start up again when we started feeding again in march. I would expect their feeding to slow as it gets warmer and they seek deeper, cooler water. We only observe them feeding at one of our three feeders. This feeder has the most direct access to the 1-2 acres of very deep (25-40ft), open water by the dam so I imagine they spend most of their time in that part of the pond.