April 18 webinar on basics for stocking ponds

Choosing fish species, strains and hybrids based on fishery goals

The basics of fish genetics and species available to meet pond owners’ fisheries expectations and goals will be the topic of a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service webinar from 6-7:30 p.m. April 18.

Registration is $35 at https://tx.ag/StockingPonds. Pay with credit card to receive immediate instructions regarding access to the webinar. Webinar instructions will not be emailed until payment is received.

Upon completion of registration and payment, attendees will receive an email from agriliferegister@tamu.edu that will include a receipt, registration confirmation and instructions for accessing the webinar. 

About the webinar

The program will cover fish genetics that can influence fish output and proper stocking strategies for ponds of different sizes, said Todd Sink, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist and director of the AgriLife Extension Aquatic Diagnostics Lab, Bryan-College Station.

Sink will also cover four stocking strategies as well as two variations of these strategies for ponds less than 1 acre. Two stocking strategies with several variations will be discussed for ponds larger than 1 acre as well, along with management strategies for trophy catfish.

Stocking fish timing will also be covered as stocking at the correct time in the correct order is critical to establishing a well-balanced pond that will provide decades of good fishing, he said. 

This program is very popular with new landowners who are looking to stock new ponds or renovate existing ponds, Sink said.

This webinar will cover which largemouth bass genetics are right for the individual pond owner’s specific fishing goals, as well as the differences in catfish species available for stocking and the benefits of each species. Hybrids, including those of striped bass, sunfish and catfish, will also be discussed.

Another topic will be how and when to use each hybrid and what each hybrid type means for the pond’s fish population. Sink will also discuss crappie species, strains and hybrids, as well as different strains of bluegill, and fish species that should not be stocked in ponds because they can be harmful to the fishery.

“These are important considerations for pond owners who have expectations for the fish, whether it is numbers or trophy fish,” Sink said. “We want people to avoid stocking decisions that may actually be counter to what their goals are for the pond.”

Save time, money by stocking the right fish

Sink will be joined by Brittany Chesser, AgriLife Extension aquatic vegetation program specialist, Bryan-College Station. Chesser will take questions in an accompanying chat forum. There will be a 30-minute question-and-answer period following the presentation to address specific scenarios for attendees.

“Right now is a good time for pond owners to be planning, whether they are looking to add fish to an existing pond or stock a new pond,” Sink said. “Understanding your options according to your goals can save a lot of time and money when it comes to stocking fish.”

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