Whether you are managing your lake or pond strictly for sports fishing for Largemouth Bass, a combination of species or only for catfish to eat, it will be much more productive if fed regularly. If fed on a daily basis, fish will grow 4-10 times faster than if not fed, depending on the quality of feed they are fed. When fed regularly, fish are healthier and more vigorous in nature, which translates to more meat for the table as well as a harder and stronger “fighting” sport fish for the angler. Many times fish that are not fed regularly become poor, lethargic in nature and may ultimately become diseased and produce poor pond and angling results. In most cases, feeding means the difference between an average and excellent quality lake or pond. Fish such as Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass and Tilapia benefit directly from a feeding program. These species can be grown alone in fed lakes or ponds or in combination with other species.  Forage species such as Bluegill, Fathead Minnows, Golden Shiners, Threadfin Shad and Tilapia benefit directly and indirectly from feeding producing more forage for Largemouth Bass.  Feeding also boosts the productivity and enhances the overall health of a pond by making it more fertile and nutrient rich. This helps to grow microscopic plankton that is the food source for newly hatched fish of all types. Serious pond owners wish to see the investment in their pond and fish preserved. Feeding the fish on a regular basis is one of the best ways to insure this goal is achieved.

The best results can be obtained by feeding a very high quality floating fish food. For those customers who are very serious about the development of a quality fishery, AquaTerra Lake Management employs and only recommends  superior feeds. We use this feed exclusively when feeding our own fish. Most of our feeds are composed of over 20% fish meal and have protein level exceeding 40%. As a general rule, the higher quality feeds are offered in a variety of sizes. It is extremely important that the pond owner realizes that all sizes of fish in the pond need food and should make provisions for this need. Specific feed sizes are designed for specific size ranges of fish. In general, the smaller the fish, the smaller the pellet size, but the higher the protein requirement. (IE: 1-3” fish require 1/16” size or smaller and protein levels exceeding 40% for very fast growth, while most fish over 12” do fine on feed sizes of ¼” or larger and protein levels of 32%). The pond owner would be wise to consult with a fisheries expert, not a feed store salesman, to identify the fish types,  feed sizes and protein level requirements that are needed to maximize their fish growth and fish balance results in their ponds. In addition, the pond owner needs to know how to purchase and proportionately blend (blending is achieving the correct quantities of the right size and protein level in the final feed mix) their feed to maximize their feeding program results. As mentioned earlier, the “right” feeding program achieves phenomenal results. The higher quality feeds are scientifically designed to provide maximum growth, which far exceeds that of conventional fish feeds. As a general rule, the customer will pay more for this high quality feed, but it is a proven fact that when it comes to fish feed, “cheaper is not better”. The higher quality fish feeds produce faster gains and the fish require less food, and thus the per pound unit cost (feed cost to produce one pound of fish flesh) is actually lower with the higher quality feed. Please inquire about sizes, protein levels, availability and prices. In the event the customer elects to use a conventional feed, there are certain minimum requirements one should seek. The tag on the feed bag should list the composition and ingredients of the feed. Look for a feed that is composed of at least 32% protein. It is preferable to find or request a feed that contains a minimum of 10% fish meal.  This will insure that you are receiving a good quality conventional feed. We strongly advise against the use of sinking feeds or lower quality feeds as these have proven to be unprofitable .

Your goals for your fishery and intensity of management you employ will be the major determining factor for the amount of feed needed for your fishery program. The amount one should feed is determined by three factors: a.) The number of fish in your pond; b.) The number of pounds of fish in your pond; and c.) The annual rate of growth you expect from your fish population. Depending on the type and quality of feed being fed, fish will normally consume from 2%-5% of body weight per day during the normal growing season (March - November), and these rates are normally required for good consistent fish growth. We recommend that feed rates be periodically adjusted by hand feeding your fish over the duration of a 3-4 day period. Fish should be fed an amount they can aggressively eat and clean up within a 10 minute period. If the feed is all gone and it is obvious that the fish are still very actively seeking more feed after 7-10 minutes, then the feed amount needs to be slightly increased. Keep gradually increasing the feed level each day until you notice the activity slowing down somewhat after about 5-7 minutes, but the fish are able to clean up the feed within 10 minutes. Be sure that during the adjustment period windy conditions are not wasting your feed.

Feeding results are best when feeding frequency and times remain consistent. Once per week feedings are better than none, but daily is best. A good reliable automatic feeders can be used if hand feeding is not possible on a regular basis. Feeding the fish needs to occur at the same time each day. During hot summer months early morning feedings are best. This also helps prevent oxygen depletions that tend to happen in hot weather. Feeding should be discontinued in hot, cloudy, or still weather. During the cooler months fish should be fed late in the afternoon when the water has reached its maximum temperature and the fish are most active. In very cold, rainy and unfavorable weather feeding should be discontinued as the fish are unlikely to eat. During cold weather, usually during the months of November 15 – Mar 1, especially when water temperatures are below 50 degrees, fish should be fed periodically and during the warm afternoons. Do not feed if the fish are not actively feeding as this will waste feed and the wasted feed will contribute to poor water quality conditions and could cause eventual problems in the pond.

Feeding stations need to be positioned at a convenient location for the person feeding and in areas that you want the fish attracted to (piers, docks, bank, etc.). One feeding station is usually sufficient for each 1-3 acres, depending on the results desired by the pond owner. For larger impoundments at least one station for each five - ten acres is best. In intensive recreational fishing lakes and ponds, where feeding is directed toward the intensive or fast growth of forage species, feed stations should be located directly over or very near densely structured areas so as to maximize forage growth and production. We have additional information regarding this topic if desired.

Fish will be attracted to feeding stations making those areas likely places to fish, especially if combined with fish attracting structures. In windblown areas a feed rack or ring will prevent the floating feed from blowing on the bank and not eaten. Feeding your fish is a management tool that will yield great returns on your investment and help to insure the success of your quality fishery.

For more information, please contact Texas Lake Management at 830-626-6206.