DavidBiss,

Let me start saying I am no expert.....barely a pond owner of a pond for 6 years.....

I have a 1-7/8 acre pond stocked with CNBG, NBG, RE, CC, RT in the winter months, LMB and HSB, aerated, feeding AQMax 400,500 & 600 feed mixed together.

I stocked 17 HSB 4 years ago and stocked 10 additional HSB earlier this year. We are harvesting the HSB averaging 4.5 lbs now. I believe this is from my first stocking. We have removed a total of 4 HSB over the 4 lb range and what a fight they give.

There is no doubt when the HSB come to feed and hit the feed appearing to be going wide open. With the feed aprox 15-20' out from the bank, they will splash water onto the bank from hitting and turning hard after eating the pellets. We have found out that having a 2-3" BG on a hook hanging under a stopper about 1' is a recipe for landing a HSB especially during feeding time. Let them run with the BG a few seconds, set the hook, watch pole bend, watch line drawn out.....sorry.....got carried away...haha...

I wished I would have added additional HSB the 2nd & 3rd year but did not realize until now how the step ranges would benefit the kids when they catch as well as the range of forage. So, starting this year, I will be adding Overton's HSB each year replacing what we harvest. Also something to remember, they will stress if you fight them awhile in this Louisiana heat and will not survive if released.

I agree with Zep, add in steps and have multiple sizes as the years advance from the beginning.

Coupe

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