Hey ML,
I do not know of any customers who have tried the exact experiment that Ken did, but we have had a lot who grew the hybrids 8� plus in the first year in combination ponds (BG, LMB �). These customers ALWAYS stocked with minnows in the beginning (some added more later), and most used the Bug Light we sell to supplement feeding. In fact, we are currently working on a way for the bug light to trigger a quick feed burst from a bank feeder to fool the crappie into hitting pellet feed.
Ken�s experimental pond was drained after the one year period, and the fish were sold (fat little buggers they were).
Our hybrid crappie is not the hybrid black that others advertise. This fish is actually very attractive (and highly aggressive). A mature adult displays the white belly, graying center with some stripes, and a prominent black �skunk stripe� down its back. We are only 5 years into dealing with this fish, but customer response has all been positive. Unfortunately most of our customers do not do the heavy documentation and record keeping that is displayed by the pros here. The largest we have grown out was just less than 5 lbs in a three year period (again with a heavy minnow supply and low to no other predators).
Depending on what results you are looking for in a pond, stocking ratios should be relevant to your cause. In a standard stock I generally do not suggest over 60 specks to the acre (in a pond over 2 acres). BUT if large crappies are your goal then you can raise these numbers accordingly as long as you raise your forage base.
Did I answer what you needed?
Deb
