I have an existing pond 2/3 of an acre about 5-8 ft deep. Stocked in 2004 with (80) 3" BG, 250 fatheads 1200 gambusia. I let all of these baitfish breed for one year. In late 2005, put in (30) 5" bass, (50) 3" BG and (50) med tilapia and 300 "sailfin - mollys" . Nothing put into tank since then. Caught a 20 inch, 4.5 lb LMB Saturday, I estimate to be 29 months old. I was considering of putting in 20-30 more tilapia and 50 more med BG. What does the forum think. I live near Pearsall, TX.

What kind of shape is your BG forage base in? If you have BG present in a variety of year classes, I can't see a pressing reason to add more BG.

Forgive this dumb Yankee's ignorance of Lone Star geography, but are you so far South in TX that Tilapia overwinter successfully?

Yes, it appears that i have a multi-aged class of BG. The Bass that I caught on Saturday was right in line with the relative weight charts. The tilapia have diminished somewhat as I don't see them as often or in as great a number as in the past at the feeder, but i do consistently see about 8-10. I have not replinished the tilipia since 2005. I have a pump next to the tank (pond for our northern friends)that keeps the level topped off and I think that it keeps the water alittle warmer as well.

That should set the situation up good for some Texas-based advice.

It all depends on your current situation as it relates to pond carrying capacity. Is your pond fertile (green water spring through fall) ? Do you feed pellets ? If you have maintained the same status (no fertilizer and no feeding or yes fert or feeding) for 2 years and don't harvest to many fish you are probably at capacity. If so then it is not simply a matter of adding fish but rather managing the population present.

South Texas had a warmer than average winter this year and many pond owners carried over tilapia. They shoud replenish themselves in a hurry. Topping off with well water may be the key to your tilapia survival. If you have a good forage base and water quality, I think you would be in pretty good shape. Are you keeping records of catches and observations? That will make a big difference.