Originally posted by Big Don:
i stocked 200 6" hsb, 100 lbs cc, about 15-20 adult lmb, 1000 small coppernose and lots of fatheads and shiners. WOW. Now i do know better than this. I know all about building the food chain, but i just knew that between the old pond and all of the new forage, it would be fine. I did not count on one thing. HSB ARE NOT FROM THIS PLANET!
They ate everything in sight. In about 3 months i could no longer see any forage around the edges. They were also feeding strong twice daily at the feeder. We have had a strong drought for 2 years with water below 5 ft. All during this time i have added huge ammounts of large shiners and cut off there dry feed. The water level is now up to normal, and the feeder is back on. There weight is now between 3-4 pounds, and they are a blast to catch. Adding 50 lbs shiners again this weekend. We will see how far that i can push this thing until something gives. Thanks everyone for a great site. Bob, i will see you in Arlington in march.
Big Don, welcome to the PB forum - dificult to believe that you could lurk this long with so great a story to tell.
I made the same mistake that you made by stocking 10 adult LMB after stocking recommended numbers of forage fish, some five yeas ago.
I soon realized my mistake and consulted with Bob Lusk about solving my problem. He told me to stock 7 adult CNBG for each adult LMB.
It worked, and now have a fantastic populaton of large and healthy CNBG.
By the way, Todd Overton currently is growing out CNBG to adult size - you might want to check with him.
Todd also saved my HSB program from LMB predation by growing out adult size HSB, which are doing quite well.
HSB are fantastic sport fish aren't they?
Good luck and thanks for your story.
George Glazener
