As I`m sitting with a blank sheet of paper wondering how to build/dig/aerate/fish/plants/etc..etc.. Had a friend bring up a interesting question. As I live near Memphis TN most year it`s humid and more humid. temps range from 97 average to 34 with a few days of 20`s. What helps keep the fish happy and alive year around? depth? Building multiple ponds 2 acres - .20 acres.

Coppernose Bullgill
Florida Bass/F1
Hybrid Striped Bass
Blue Cat
Channel cat
Blue/Channel Hybrid
Flathead Catfish
Flathead Minnow
Golden Shiners
Threadfin Shad
Gizzard Shad
Tilapia

Thanks Much Torey

Your water temps will be okay for all species listed, although you might want to rethink the F1 bass, flathead and blue cats. Over time 8-10 years about all you could have in the larger pond is blues and flatheads. Big flatheads can eat the 16"-19" LMB and your largest BG.

thanks for the input Bill, plan on having a blue/flathead pond by itself with Gizzard Shad, Shiners, a few bluegills a week and feed. What`s wrong with the F1 bass? Will depth play any role on keeping temps up all year long?

Nothing wrong with F1 bass if not flatheads are in the pond.

What helps keep the fish happy and alive year around? depth?

Water quality/aeration is much more important than depth....

Dammit, I was gonna answer sex, drugs and Rock & Roll.

Haha. Right on Jeff. Any helpful advice on keeping water temp up in colder months?