Thanks George. I'll add something.
We have a pond designated to pure florida bass broodstock. We had the fish DNA tested this year...pure florida results. For a lot of large lakes in east Texas, pure florida bass are stocked every year to keep the gene pool fresh. I have had the chance to fish some of these lakes, and my opinion of florida lmb fishability goes right along with the others who have posted. In addition, I have done some fishing in our brood pond and rarely catch a florida bass with artificials. On the other hand, I can catch an F1 bass out here on the farm about every other cast.
Unless you are dead set on lmb in your pond, you should read what you can about stocking hsb on this forum. It is difficult to retract a stocking decision, so if anything....stock a few feedtrained f1 lmbs after hsbs have been established. 100 hsb per acre then 50 lmb per acre is sustainable. Maintain a feeding program with at least 40% protein fish food. You'll find that the overall hsb experience is more rewarding than the lmb experience.
