Any stocking advice would be appreciated.
Russell, if I had a brand spankin’ new 1 acre pond, my goal to raise “trophy” size CNBG and continuous annual 3 – 5 lb HSB fishing, this would be my initial plan.
100, 8’+ adult Hybrid Striped Bass @ ~ $3.50 ….~$350.00
(1000 1-2” HSB @ ~ $025 ….~$250.00 + shipping)
50, 6”+ male pure Florida CNBG (if available) @ ~$3.50+…. ~$175.00+
25, 4-6” RES broodstock @ ~ $2.50 ….. $62.50
(This initial cost is less than my annual feed bill)
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GC and tilapia as needed to control aquatic vegetation and FA.
NO structure in pond w/ good aeration system and 1 Texas Hunter feeder
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I would plan an annual “stocking ladder”.
All would be dependent upon maintaining “good” water quality.
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IF my goal is to have feed rained F1 LMB bass, and it would not be, I would introduce them the 2nd or 3rd year, and introduce a “few” BC to control the LMB spawn. I would go to great lengths to insure no spawning structure.
You mentioned that you plan for future pond expansion, and only then would I stock LMB and provide “adequate” structure.
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I am convinced the reason we were able to produce large numbers of 8 – 10”+ CNBG was because of LMB and CC predation, and leaning toward the “monster” CC as the major predator.
HSB mortality is more apparent due to non-reproductive species than with reproductive species. If it were my pond, which it isn’t, I would determine HSB annual stocking rate dependent upon planned harvest, with perhaps as much as WAG 20% mortality under the best of extreme Texas heat and drought conditions.
You will have some of the best sport fishing anyone could possibly imagine, catching numbers of 2-5lb HSB each trip to your pond, as long as you continue annual stocking.
IMO, a one-acre pond is a “fish kill” in waiting unless close attention is paid to water quality and biomass.
Good luck and thanks for sharing.
Post lots of pictures.
