Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is by far the most popular sport fish in the nation. With the ability to grow to large size and propensity for putting up a great fight, it is easily the most popular choice of top predator for pond owners. Largemouth reproduce abundantly in ponds and lakes and need a solid and diverse forage base to thrive. 

Pond owners today have a choice of three distinct strains of largemouth to stock. The "Florida" strain has the growth potential to exceed 20 lbs., but is known to become difficult to catch with time and growth. The "Northern" or "native" strain is found naturally everywhere north of Florida. They are aggressive and prove relatively easy to catch when compared to the Florida strain. Maximum growth, however, rarely exceeds 10 lbs. The " F1" strain which is sometimes referred to as the tiger bass is simply a cross between the Florida and the Northern. The F1 displays both high high growth potential and aggressiveness which has led to it becoming the #1 choice for pond owners today. Stocking rates for largemouth vary depending on your goals and the management techniques you intend to employ. Contact us to determine what will work best for your lake.

Coppernose Bluegill

Bluegill provide the backbone of the forage base for bass and other predators in ponds. This is due mainly to their high reproductive rate and hardiness. Bluegill will spawn several times per year in southern climates and will use a wide range of habitat in a pond as spawning sites. Mature bluegill create excellent angling opportunities as well as forage for other fish.

The most commonly distributed is the "Northern" bluegill and is found throughout North America. The "Coppernose" bluegill has a similar range to the Florida bass and is identified by a copper band across the head and distinct vertical bars on the side of the fish. The coppernose are preferred in small impoundments due to a faster growth rate and larger size. They exhibit an aggressive feeding behavior and accept a pelleted feed very well. With a regular feeding program, growth beyond 1 lbs. is normal and beyond 2 lbs. possible for individuals. Bluegill should be established in new ponds before bass are stocked to provide the proper forage base. Fingerlings of 1-2" are available for new ponds and intermediate sizes (3-6") are available to boost the forage supply in existing ponds. Stocking rates vary with management techniques employed. Contact us to get your lake's food chain up and growing.

Redear Sunfish

Redear sunfish, commonly known as shellcracker, are often stocked in conjunction with bluegill to ad variety to the angling and diversity to the forage base of a pond. They are easily identified by a red or orange margin around the ear flap. Redear coexist well with bluegill in a pond and feed primarily on snails and other mollusks when available. They do not accept a pelleted feed very well and do not reproduce as well as bluegill. For these reasons they are only stocked at 15% of the rate of bluegill.

Fathead Minnows

Fathead minnows are commonly found in bait shops and are often used as a great starter forage for new lakes, much as starter fertilizer is used for new lawns. They should be stocked at the same time bluegill are stocked at rates of 1000-2000 per acre. Fatheads spawn early in the spring and are a preferred food source for young bass. They provide a great boost for young bass and mature bluegill in new ponds. They also take the pressure off the initial spawn of first year bluegill to ensure your pond has a solid forage base to grow upon. They are usually wiped out in a few years and are not a good choice if you have an existing bass population. Contact us for a jump start on your pond's production potential!

Threadfin Shad

Threadfin shad are a schooling, open-water, filter-feeding species that make an excellent addition to southern waters if a regular fertilization program is maintained. They add diversity to the forage base and coexist well with bluegill. Threadfin feed on plankton and spawn several times from spring till fall. Threadfin do not survive well below water temperatures of 42 degrees F and therefore are not good choices in northern latitudes.

A minimum of 3 acres of water with some deep areas is necessary for threadfin survival. Maintaining a regular fertilization program is also a must for maintaining a threadfin population in your lake. Threadfin are stocked by the load, which is 7,000-10,000 fish depending on size. One load will stock 10 acres in a new pond. More may be necessary if a bass population exists. Contact us if you would like to diversify your pond's portfolio.

Grass Carp

One of the most frustrating problems a pond owner can have is the emergence of nuisance aquatic weeds in the spring and summer. Aquatic weeds can be treated with herbicides, but this is both time consuming and expensive. The most common, economical, and long-term control is through the stocking of grass carp. Grass carp are an herbivorous fish originating in Asia that have been used for decades to control most of the aquatic weed specie that can wreck your pond. Research has shown that 10-15 grass carp per acre will control mild infestations, with heavy infestations requiring 20-30 per acre. To prevent predation, fish should be at least 8" when stocked. Although grass carp will not spawn in a pond, some states require the use of sterile grass carp. Know your state's regulations before stocking. Weeds holding back your lake's potential? Give us a call. We can help.

Golden Shiner

Golden shiners are popular bait fish for bass anglers across the U.S. They also make an excellent choice as a supplemental forage for pond owners with trophy bass production on the agenda. They exhibit high reproductive rates, ideal body shape, and maximum growth length small enough to be eaten by most bass. They are also known for reducing "bass crowding" which reduces the average size of bass in a lake.