TMD Apr. 29

What kind of fish can I stock my pond with?

The first thing you need to consider is the size of your pond.  Most ponds in our area are small in size and will be more suited toward catfish.  Especially those less than a surface acre.  Ponds larger than an acre can usually sustain more than one species of fish unless you want catfish only.  Most people will stock either channel or blue catfish but channel catfish tend to be more readily available.

Another thing to consider is pond clarity.  Waters that consistently stay muddy will be better suited toward catfish.  Bass tend to do better in clear water where organisms that bass eat can grow well.  Bass species that are popular in our area include Largemouth and striped bass.  Largemouth are probably the most popular game fish Texas.  Hybrid striped bass can be stocked in most ponds for sport fishing but they will not reproduce.

The Bluegill is another good sport fish and will also produce an abundance of food for bass.  Another bluegill species called Coppernose Bluegill will grow larger in ponds and allow for better fishing for kids.

The Redear Sunfish can be stocked along with bluegill as a bait fish for bass.  The Redear also will eat fish parasites in your pond, reducing the the chances other fish have in contracting them.

My quote of the week comes from James Baldwin.  It reads, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed that isn't faced."