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George and Bob sorting fingerlings in 1970.
Moore's Fish Farm was established in 1960 by George Moore and his brother Bob. The brothers felt the need to diversify their farming which included raising cattle and raising crops. Their fish crop in the early years consisted mainly of Channel Catfish, which are still available today. Bluegill and Largemouth Bass were added later when they decided that they would continue to fish farm. Bob eventually decided to quit fish farming and concentrate on his other livestock. George continued to fish farm until his death in 1997, when his daughter Dianna and his son-in-law DeWayne Mote took over. As of today, the second generation of fish farmers are offering Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Hybrid and Straight Bluegill, minnows, Tilapia, Grasscarp, and Koi fish. There is approximately eighty acres of water in fifty-four different ponds. We sell mainly to people who want to stock their farm ponds, but we also have contracts with different cities in the area, to stock their public ponds. During the years, there has been some public fishing allowed, but at this point in time we are strictly a commercial fish farm and do not allow public fishing. Moore's Fish farm hosts a Fish Fry open to the public once a month during the months of March thru October. We also offer private parties for groups over thirty people. Moore's Fish Farm raises a few cattle and offers Prairie and Bermuda hay during the hay season.
This shows the old fish house, the greenhouse, and the new fish house that is currently under construction.
Another picture of the old fish house.
The new fish house where one end serves as the tilapia room and the opposite end is still under construction and having tanks built.
A view of the Tilapia room that DeWayne and Brandon built, they use water hyacinths in the greenhouse to filter the water and then it re-circulates it back into these tanks. This keeps the tank water fresh.
Another view of the Tilapia room, where the fish stay in the wintertime due to their inability to tolerate weather below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is heated as it travels into the greenhouse, then it is filtered and circulates back.