I've had plenty of tanks in the past but the one I want to do now is with smallies and spoted bass.  Not a lot of them maybe 2 of each. But I'm having a problem finding a place to get them. I could pull some smallies out of a nearby pond but would rather not. Anyone know were I could order some the only places I found were for stocking purposes? Also anyone ever try this or have any other advice that would be helpful? Thanks

Be sure and check your state regs.....in KY it is illegal to possess an undersize bass for any purpose except those that are purchased to stock a pond.

getting a 1000+ gallon tank would be where I would start...

I will check my state regs I didn't even think about that. As for tank size I was thinking a 200 gallon tank. Which should be sufficient for the size they will eventually be.

2 of each  you probably need a 300+ gallon tank

I will check my state regs I didn't even think about that. As for tank size I was thinking a 200 gallon tank. Which should be sufficient for the size they will eventually be.

you can filet them when they get too large and then restock.

id grab an ultra-light rod and some panfish lures and catch my own at a nearby stream. the more work you put into catching a baby the more you will appreciate your fish.

I no longer have any fresh water tanks, I made the switch to saltwater about 25 years ago. I now play around with breeding clownfish and propagating soft corals.

I used to have a 110 in my living room with a smallie in it. I would stick with about 100 gallons per fish. Make sure you have an adequate source of unchlorinated water for top offs and water changes. I would also stay away from gravel/ sand bottoms and live plants. Keep a bare glass bottom where dirt & waste won't have any place to hide. Provide wood and rocks as needed for hiding places where they can feel secure. Make sure you have addequate support, with the tank, stand, water & internal decorations, you'll have close to a couple thousand lbs.

Get the largest filter you can hang on there and place a powerhead or two near the bottom of the tank to keep the solids and waste suspended so your filter can pick it up.

Heating is optional. Keep it out of the direct sunlight and keep some sort of a cover on it.

Done right, it will provide many hours of pleasure and and an insight to fish behavior.

Try Kurtz's fish farm in Elverson, Pa, they sell just about any type of game fish that swims. I'm not sure of their interstate transport laws, so please check. They are a company who sells fish for stocking, a fish farm would probably be your only source , other than live capture.

If you've had tanks in the past, you probably know most of this already.

good luck

you're gonna need a big *** tank, much more than 200 gallons. probably more like 400+.