J.R.
Just got in from desinging a pond kinda like you want for client in Macon, so just saw your post.
A few thoughts..The states fish are cheap price no doubt, but look at what you get. I have several clients buy the $30/acre rate and get the bluegill/redear from the state. Then they get more bluegill, fathead minoows, threadfin shad, grass carp and "our" bass from us.
The other thing as mentioned is timing. I have had several folks this winter call because they just finished pond and missed the states bluegill back in Jan.
What you get per acre is:
400 bluegill (less than 3 lbs/1,000)
100 redear sunfish
50 channel catfish
50 largemouth bass (less than 1 inch)
I think it is just $30.
I rec. for quality bass pond:
800 bluegill (5-10 lbs/1,000)
200 redear
1000 fathead minnows
50-75 F1 (or mix depending on goals) largmouth bass that are a true 2 inches
This would cost about $275-$300 so about 10 times as much as states fish. It is personal choice on goals. To me no brainer compared to cost of pond what I would do but to each his own. Many other things to stock depending on goals, like threadfin shad, crayfish, etc.
I hope this helps with some of your thoughts. The fact your here this early in the pond game is a HUGE advantage for you.
