Fathead minnows (tuffies) are stocked at initial pond stocking. They are introduced at the same time as bluegill and redear sunfish for new pond constructions. They will populate the pond until bass are introduced. Bass are the first prey for juvenile largemouth bass, and will feed on them until they disappear from the pond. They are excellent food source for newly stocked juvenile bass, but offer very little nutritional value for mature bass in an established pond. It is for this reason that we recommend only stocking fathead minnows in new ponds before predator species are introduced.