Davis Fish Farms was started in 1989 by Cherokee County resident Bill Davis. Today the growing company is headed by his sons Dain and Daniel. Initially, the farm began growing catfish fingerlings that were raised and sold to the food market. Today the company raises sport and recreation fishing species which are sold to a variety of markets. They also guide clients in the maintenance of healthy lake and pond environments. The Davis' draw on over 23-years of fish and pond management, ensuring the investment made by their customers is successful. Dain says, “The types of fish you choose and the ratio of species are critical factors in finding the perfect balance underneath the surface of the water. Certain fish such as Largemouth bass, thrive in small ponds or lakes. They reproduce easily and are excellent controlling the population of other species. Smaller species like the Bluegill and Redear serve as a food source for the Largemouth bass. They are easily maintained and help control nuisance species such as pond snails.” Species available to stock ponds and lakes include Largemouth Bass, Coppernose Bluegill, Redear, Channel Catfish, White Armur “Grass Carp,” Minnows, Threadfin Shad, Rainbow Trout, Tilapia, and Crappie. Current clients include private ponds like those found on farms and ranches. The ponds stocked range from 1-acre to 100-acres. Also, they service subdivisions, golf courses, RV parks and fishing clubs. The company also counts several Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops as clients, stocking their sizeable in-door water environments. The current hatchery location at 385 County Road 411 in Piedmont occupies 40 acres and has 21 ponds. Each is specialized to support different species in particular stages of growth. The ponds range from ¼-acre to 2 acres. The property is creek feed and is in a 500-acre watershed to support the water levels of the ponds. The fish are collected using reel seines that are sized to remove only the size needed for each custom order. They are then placed in sizing tanks where prepared for shipment. The fish are delivered in custom trucks that have a holding tank that is aerated with pure oxygen the support them on their journey. They are licensed to deliver throughout the southeast region. Looking to the future, Daniel says, “We would love to expand even more in the future possibly adding some ornamental species like Koi. Since we currently are not involved in the food market, we are researching tilapia which is raised in greenhouses. Most of all we look forward to bringing in the third generation of Davis’ to learn the business.” 26
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