I am interested in introducing some hybrids into my 10 acre pond in central nc. Not a bunch - just want to experiment a bit to diversify the fishery and keep the crappie in check. Currently have largemouth and bluegill / shell crackers as well. 2 questions: 1). Any thoughts on a minimal amount of fish for an initial stocking to see how they do? 2). Does anybody know of a hatchery where I can find them in my general area? I did a little Google work and couldn’t find them.

Thanks!

- Cullen

Cullen,

Your selections look pretty limited. Further, the NC state link to commercial suppliers is broken.

I did find this supplier that does have HSB.

Carolina Fish Hatchery

As regards the minimal stocking:

IMO, even a few HSB in the INITIAL stocking of a pond would probably make some difference.

However, you are stocking them into a large pond that almost surely contains some sizeable LMB. There is a chance that you would mostly be providing a tasty snack to your LMB.

Do you have a small grow-out pond you could use to raise your HSB for a while? If so, then I think putting large HSB in your 10-acre pond might have some benefit.


*** I do NOT have HSB in any of my ponds. Hopefully some of the actual HSB experts will wander into your thread.


Further, if you need to control stunted crappie, then there may be more effective methods. I know there are several good threads on that topic if you search the archives.

When I first put HSB in my 4.5 acre pond, I was not really that excited about it. My fish guy kept touting them and convinced me. I was more along the lines of only having 'naturally existing/occuring' fish in my pond. So, I started low with only (5) HSB. I didn't see them for a year. When I did finally see them, it was because an area of water about 15' square was just boiling with bait fish. When we went up to the area in a boat, these 5 HSB were corralling and eating golden shiners.

I've been sold on HSB ever since.

For a 10 acre pond, I'd go with 10-20 if you just want to try them a bit. At certain times of the year, you can buy 9"+ HSB thus reducing the chance of predation by LMB or other predator fish.

They hit feed aggressively, and that's a good way to be able to see/locate them in your large pond.

As far as controlling crappie numbers, I really don't know how effective HSB are at that, and defer to others experience.

It's surprising how small their mouth gapes are even when they get over 5lbs.

Stock a few big HSB rather than many smaller ones. With an existing LMB population, this will give you a much better idea of knowing how many you will actually end up with.

Thanks for the great feedback - I appreciate it!

Still left with the question of where to get them?

Did the guys in my link go out of business? (Their website does appear to be a little dated.)

I somehow scrolled right past your reply without seeing the link! I will give them a call next week

I checked out their google reviews - less then glowing... I will try to reach out to them - but if anybody else knows of a source in my area I would sure appreciate it!