I know harvest and fertilization are the backbone, and way more important, and I intend to do those, but
If I have an old pond in NC, 1.6 acres, that is stereotypical in that it's mostly small bass, a couple of donkeys, and big bream, and I'm seriously considering f1's...
How many do I add? I know a ton of them will be eaten, but I want some to grow and pass on their genetics.
Before you add the F1's I would remove 50 to 60 pounds (not fish, I'm talking about pounds of fish) of bass from the pond. Of all sizes, but focus on the 14" and under size.
Yes - removing those old genetics, slow growing bass will help in the survival of the newly stocked bass. You should be thinking about how to enhance the food chain and forage fish production to feed those new bass. Significantly improve the habitat that always enhances the fishery. You should also be learning how many, what types and when to properly harvest bass once their offspring reaches 8"-12". Apparently you should learn more about bass harvest because this is why your current pond is bass crowded and LMB are not growing well.
Bill, you have been snippy every time I've posted something. I don't have 20h a week to devote to the pond, and I am attempting to address the food chain, habitat, etc. Chill out. I'm just trying to do it in a hurry, as I'm impatient, and this is fun to me.
Ewest, I'll look at that when I get home. Thank you!
Yes I know adding things out of sequence can be a big waste of $, but it entertains me, so I'm ok with it.
ewest, those first couple of links didn't work. Can you check them for me?