A Beginner’s Guide to Stocking Your Pond in Florida (Just in Time for Fish Day!)

Stocking your pond is one of the most important steps in creating a healthy, thriving fish population — but for many Florida pond owners, knowing what to buy, how many to stock, and when to do it can feel overwhelming.

With Fish Day happening this Tuesday (November 18) at Manning’s Feed & Seed – Milton, now is the perfect time to learn the basics so you can stock your pond with confidence.

Why Stocking Matters

A well-stocked pond supports:

    •    A balanced ecosystem

    •    Healthy, fast-growing fish

    •    Better fishing opportunities

    •    Long-term pond stability

Whether you’re starting a brand-new pond or refreshing an old one, understanding a few simple guidelines can make all the difference.

Best Fish for Florida Ponds

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular species available on Fish Day and what each one contributes to your pond:

Bluegill

    •    Essential for bass growth

    •    Provides abundant forage

    •    Great for family fishing

Shellcracker (Redear Sunfish)

    •    Helps control snails and parasites

    •    Pairs well with bluegill

    •    Adds species diversity

Largemouth Bass

    •    The main predator fish

    •    Keeps sunfish populations balanced

    •    Great sport fish for pond owners

Channel Catfish

    •    Hardy and fast-growing

    •    Great for ponds with heavy fishing pressure

    •    Accepts feed easily

Grass Carp (Florida permit required)

    •    Helps control aquatic vegetation

    •    Long-lived and efficient grazers

How Many Fish Should You Stock?

Every pond is different, but here are general recommendations per 1 acre of water:

    •    Bluegill: 1,000–1,500

    •    Shellcracker: 200–400

    •    Largemouth Bass: 50–100

    •    Channel Catfish: 50–100

    •    Grass Carp: 5–10 (with a state permit)

If you have a smaller pond, the ratio stays the same — just scaled down.

When to Stock Your Pond

In Florida, you can stock your pond almost year-round, but the best times are:

    •    Fall (cooler water, less stress for fish)

    •    Spring

Your timing this weekend is perfect — cooler fall temperatures make Fish Day ideal.

Prepare Your Pond Before Stocking

A few simple steps will help your fish thrive:

1. Check Water Quality

Healthy water should have:

    •    Good oxygen levels

    •    pH between 6.5 and 9

    •    Low ammonia

2. Control Weeds and Algae

Grass carp and proper management can help long term.

3. Remove Unwanted Predators

Mudfish, turtles, and overpopulated species can compete with or prey on fry.

4. Consider Aeration

Not required, but it significantly improves fish growth and reduces fish kills.

Feeding Your Fish for Better Growth

Supplemental feeding can increase fish growth rates by 50–100 percent.

Floating feed is typically the easiest for pond owners to monitor.

Manning’s Feed & Seed carries several fish feeds — perfect to grab during Fish Day.

Why Buy Your Fish at Fish Day?

    •    Healthy, quality-raised fish

    •    Easy pickup

    •    Expert recommendations onsite

    •    One stop to stock your entire pond

Whether you’re starting fresh or simply adding to your pond, Fish Day is the most convenient way to get everything you need.

Wrap-Up

Stocking a pond doesn’t have to be complicated — especially with a little guidance and access to quality fish.

Join us at Fish Day this Tuesday (November 18), at Manning’s Feed & Seed – Milton to get expert help, choose the right species for your pond, and stock with confidence.