Posted in thread below b/f reading this one. response below, followed by new comments.

"Keven, as I posted on March 23 under "Coppernose ok" thread, I mentioned the importance of stocking the intermediate size bluegill if you wanted to stock bass this year. Did the hatchery say they were going to be bigger than 1"? If so they are in the worng. If not I strongly suggest properly fertilzing the pond. Once the bluegill grow slightly, they will eat starter pellets in about a month. Fed this then switch to small pellet foating feed. ALso F1's are not avail until June. When first stocked they will not eat fish since they are only 2". BY July-August they will require fish. You may help yourself out by stocking some fathead minnows now 1-2K. THis will provide some forage for the new bass. Then by late August even the 1" bluegill (by following above) should be sexaully mature and start spawning. ALso backing off the number of bass is a good idea. Good luck! BTW I just stocked 8,000 intermedaite coppernose yesterday so 3 clients would not have the same problem."

I will say again that bass 2" EAT VERY FEW FISH. There main diet is large zooplankton and aquatic insects. Thus Keven as you now know fertilizing is a big key. ALso fatheads do not compete with bass for food and will only help matters. Also to answer about the fertilizer get a liquid 10-34-0 or if you can find it water soluble 12-52-4. ALso while there look for starter pellets these are much smaller than normal size and high protein. Its what I feed 1.5 to 2 inch bluegill. Again good luck and I think it will workout ok.

Greg Grimes
www.lakework.com