Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding Feeding Location?

A question for the group: I have a half acre pond and feeding the fish by hand every night. Is it better to feed them in one spot or move around the pond?

I don't know which is better, but I move around and feed at different locations. I tried the central feeding plan, and there were always fish willing to feed there, but I feel I get the feed in front of more fish by distributing it at a few regular spots.

I also feel that traveling the perimeter keeps me informed as to the state of my ponds. If there's an issue, I can catch it right away, before it gets out of hand.

I am a firm advocate of hand feeding vs. mechanical feeders when the situation allows it. I realize there are scenarios where a mechanical feeder is the best, most logical choice. But a mechanical feeder doesn't know or care if it's been hot and dry, and the water level is down 4'. Or a front came through and put the fish in a non-eating funk. Or that they're spawning, and filling up on newly hatched fry and aren't as hungry as the day before.
I think feeding scenario's can change from day to day. I am fortunate in that I visit my ponds every night, and hand feeding allows me the flexibility to accomodate my fish's needs. If they don't want to eat, I don't feed as much that night.

For me, walking the bank and hand feeding at different locations works out great.

to train great the fish best to feed same time and same place. However yes the more coverage you can get the better so walk and feed if you can get them to feeding in several areas.

I think ideally it is both auto feeder and by hand. You can always walk the pond if given the time but feeder there every day even in the rain and when you have a date with wife.