How to Raise Fish in a Pond for a Profit

A stocked pond in a fishing area could be a good business opportunity.

Stocking your pond with fish can be an excellent investment. Stocked ponds can be fished and the catch can be sold to people wanting fresh fish in your area. Also, you can charge fishermen to fish in your pond. The price per fish that you pay to stock the pond is pennies on the dollar compared to the money that can be profited over a few years' time. You can start stocking your pond with bass and catfish.

Things You'll Need

• Larger predator fish species
• Smaller prey fish species

Instructions

1. Catch or buy one species of small prey fish to start. Add the smaller prey fish in the fall to let them become accustomed to the pond as their habitat before adding the bigger fish that will feed on them.

2. Add the larger predator fish into the pond during the following spring. These larger fish feed on the smaller fish over time and grow larger accordingly. The larger the fish in the pond, the more you can charge for fishing.

3. Wait six months to a year for the fish to flourish and produce offspring in the pond. After the smaller and larger fish have produced offspring, advertise on your property or in your area for fishermen to come fish on your property. Make sure to include what kind of fish are in the pond when you create the advertisement. This could be a homemade sign posted on your property.

4. Charge the fishermen fees for fishing in your pond. Communicate with the fishermen to find out the quality of fishing and if they are catching too many or too little fish. Raise or lower your fishing fee accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Many kinds of fish can be stocked. Choose fish that are attractive targets for fishermen.

• Clean your pond as much as possible. Make sure your pond water and banks are clean. The fish and the fishermen appreciate it.

• Make your fish comfortable in their pond. You want to keep your fish producing offspring for your pond to be successful.

• You can get younger stock fish for cheaper prices, but stocking with more mature fish expedites the profit that you seek.

References

• Pond King: Stocking New Ponds

Resources

• Ohio State University: Fish Species Selection for Pond Stocking