Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Golden Shiners

I am looking to diversify my forage base in my 2 acre pond. I have looked into Tilapia as a forage diversifier but I recently found out that it is illegal to stock them in IL water private and public. My other option is Golden Shiners. they seem to be the only other option at fish farms with in 70 miles of my pond.

Question: What are the pro's and cons of Golden Shiners?

Pros: Good forage for LMB. A 4 oz GSH is not uncommon and makes a much better meal for a bass than a small minnow. They eat fish feed readily, which helps bulk them up.

Cons: Bait thiefs who can be infuriating if you are BG fishing. They will also strike small lures; I have pulled a dozen out of the pond in 10 minutes on small in-line spinners. They do not spawn prolifically enough to maintain their presence in an LMB pond forever. An initial stocking will probably last a few years before the Shiners are wiped out, so periodic restocking would be needed (not a major complaint wrt Tilapia which need restocked every year, and Anderson's quarter-million GSH fry packages likely make restocking easier than ever.)