Hey guys,
I have been doing a lot of reading around the forums trying to gain some knowledge but its a pretty steep learning curve. Also my new property where this pond is, is in western Illinois and I'm not sure if all this info pertains to that climate.
The property I purchased has a 2.5 acre pond thats hidden down in the woods off of big crop fields. There is also a 3/4 acre pond. I would like to make the 2.5 acre pond a trophy bass pond. It has lots of good structure like standing dead trees throughout the pond. I would rather only catch a fish or two per weekend but it be a BIG one!
My plan after researching would be kill of the existing species of fish, Stock blue gill, and then after a certain amount of time stock the bass. I really don't feel like fighting an uphill battle with an unbalanced fishery.

My questions I guess are:
What is the timeline? In other words what time of year do i stock the blue gill? How long till I stock Largemouth.

Does anyone know how well a florida bass would do in west central illinois? Should I just stock F1 bass or should it be a mix one of these two + northerns?

What are your thoughts about using my 3/4 acre pond as a hatchery to feed the bass pond?

Thanks in advance

With right forage I think the big pond will be fine without feed. I would use the small pond for different types of fish. I would wait a full year between BG and LMB
I'm sure a more experienced person will take over.

Also try fathead minnows early as possible and let them spawn. Great food for young LMB.

Start your library. I'd at the very least buy "Raising Trophy Bass" http://www.pondboss.com/store.asp?p=2

What do you consider a "large" LMB?

Hey thanks for the replies! I will def get that book I've seen it here referenced a lot.
I would consider 8+ pounds big 10 would be incredible if I could do it!

What would the rates per acre be if I stocked the pond this fall with BG and Fat head minnows? Will the fatheads do good in illinois climate through winter?