I spent a couple of hours last week with Jeff Slipke of Southeastern Pond Management in Jackson, Tenn.

Among other things, we talked about the new craze among pond owners: Trophy crappie-fishing lakes.

Not too many years ago, stocking crappie into small fisheries was considered a terrible mistake because it’s so easy for them to become overpopulated.

But since so many people love to fish for crappie - and because they’re so good to eat - pond management companies like SEPM have been exploring ways to make it work.

When someone asks Southeastern Pond Management for help with a crappie lake, they recommend three things:

First, they recommend stocking thousands of threadfin shad to provide a big forage base.

Then, of course, they stock thousands of black crappie fingerlings.

For a final touch, they stock a healthy supply of hybrid striped bass.

The crappie feed heavily on the threadfin shad, and the hybrids feed heavily on the crappie, keeping the population in check.

Pond owners still have to do their part, harvesting lots of crappie throughout the year. But if they follow the plan, it is possible to manage a lake specifically for crappie without dire consequences.

For more information about crappie lakes or anything else pond-related, visit the Southeastern Pond Management web site.