Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose When to stock wipers (HSB links)

I have been reading alot on the boards and have been a Pond boss reader for 2 1/2 years now and have finally got around to stocking my pond. I have stocked a 1 1/4 acre pond with 10lbs of FHM on April 10. I followed them up with 600 CNB 4"-5" and 150 6"-8" CC on May 16th. I am wanting to stock wipers and plan on feeding and taking and then restocking when needed just to keep everything in balance. When would you guys suggest stocking wipers and where should I look for the best price on said fish for pickup or deliver in north central OK? I will be putting a feeder on the pond within the next few weeks.

skennedy, I was hoping some of the pros would jump in on this subject, but they are in their busiest season of the year, so I’ll share my experience with you.

There is a ton of information in the archives on “wipers” (I prefer the term Hybrid Stiped Bass):

http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=20&t=003579
HYBRID STRIPED BASS
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000199

HSB Pond
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000344

George's photos!
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000308

HSB study results
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000450

Winter feeding HSBTopic: Winter feeding HSB Topic: Winter feeding HSB
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=003602
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000180
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000180

HSB in Hot Summer Weather
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000341

HSB Lifespan
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000509;p=1

HSB Pond Record
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=003596

HSB/Striped Bass Analogy
http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=003651

My experience with HSB in a ”put and take fishery” has been very successful.
As you read, or have read in the archives, the problem with stocking them in an existing pond is predation from adult LMB.

With a new pond and your stocking plan, you do not have this problem.
This presents an excellent opportunity to avoid the predation issue, and acquire stocker HSB at economical prices when this years crop becomes available.

I am not familiar with suppliers in your area but I’m sure someone on the forum will advise you.

I would stock the smallest and least expensive HSB available, at the rate of 100/acre, and supplement each fall with numbers you intend to harvest.
In this way you create a yearly "ladder" for harvest and sport fishing.
There is no finer pond fish than HSB for sport and table fare.

A feeding program with high protein pellets is an optimum program.
A good aeration system is a plus for the goals you have outlined, but I have had success in a ¼ acre “grow-out pond” used for transferring HSB to our 2 acre pond, having survived two record breaking, low water drought ridden summers.

Good luck and keep us posted

In my book, George is a pro.

I'd read every word of the information above. Wipers are almost too much fun! You should really enjoy the experience. I think my favorite thing about wipers is that you can pick and choose which fish you harvest, and the remaining fish, with the best growth potential, can be left in the pond to grow to trophy size.

Good luck.

Guys I will be moving this thread to the Archives. Thanks George.