John Avery

Thanks for the responses everyone. I agree that the general consensus seems to be that its not worth it. The reason I didn't want to go in for a 'batch input/output' system is that I don't really get days/half days free, only an hour here and there (owing to the nature of my work). Originally I had grand visions of pulling a trout out, throwing a handful of feed in and walking away, knowing it was primed for the next taking. But given trout seem to need around 3 years in a 'natural setting' to get to eating size, I think I'd need around 400 fish to be on the safe side with regard to breeding. I don't think I could produce enough protein to feed that many fish.
Tom, I don't think aquaculture is the best use of land in the UK. I've been looking into it and I think the viability is largely dependent on the type of fish, usually tilapia. With the heat input you'd need I don't think its worth it.
Timothy, it was trying to find something to do with maggots that set me down this path, I don't think I could pallet them straight. I'm considering just feeding them back into my chickens. I'm just trying to make sure none of my 'byproducts' go to waste.
Thanks for the help chaps, I appreciate it.

Hey everyone,

I'm new here so if I break any conventions I'm not aware of please let me know and I'll sort it out.

I've just bought my first property and I'm looking to set it up to be as self sufficient as possible. I've got solar and and food forest started, but now I'm looking for an easy form of protein.

I've got a big space where I'd like to dig a pond and put some fish. What sort of set up would I need to be able to take a few fish a week by rod and line and have them breed enough to replace what I'm taking? I'm happy to put filters and aeration in as well as plants, but I don't want to do batch culls or restocking. I'm thinking if I put a grid in to separate an area where fry can go and be safe then breeding should work? Food wise- I'm raising chickens and I think it would be viable to put the carcasses in a bucket and let the maggots spawn and then throw them to the fish for a bit of protein. How big a pond would I need for this to be viable and what sort of fish would work? I live in the UK, so tilapia is off the cards for outdoor.

Thanks in advance.