I have a 3/4 acre pond that I want to use to raise forage for my 12 acre lmb pond. There are no known predator fish in the pond (oh well, possibly a few). If I fertilize it, can I raise a significant population of threadfin shad in it. What is needed for the shad to thrive? Pond is located in central Al, just south of B'ham.

bamaloon,

I noticed you didn't get any takes on your question, so in the interests of trying I'll take a shot at it.

I haven't tried threadfin shad in a pond that small. I have tried twice(with large expense), without success, to establish them in a 3.5 acre pond. Each time they were consumed by the bass before they could establish themselves.

From my experience, here is a couple of things I learned. First, if you try this, be sure to get the largest threadfins you possibly can. Do not waste your money on the two inch and below fish, they won't make it past the predators.

Second, I think you might want to rethink your plan. It will be very expensive and labor intensive to follow plan. Shad are very fragile, very difficult to handle.

My advise is to consider stocking Tilapia directly in your larger pond each spring season. You will have abundant forage, at a low cost, and with no labor invloved. You could also consider stocking gizzard shad, but only if you had a solid number of large predators...over 3 to 4 pounds...to consume the larger gizzards. Check out a great discussion on gizzard shad in a previous post between Bill Cody, the recognized expert on our forum and myself.

Read and consider and make an informed decision that best meets your needs. Good luck.